Ever feel like you're alone in all of this? Like you just don't know where to go and what to do and things have gotten so much harder since the pandemic started? And, maybe, just maybe, you're around people all the time (like a full day's worth of work in therapy) but still realize that you go hours or even days without having a REAL conversation? If so, you're not wrong. You're not weird. It's not just you. I've been there; it's so hard. So today, in the spirit of openness (and vulnerability), I'm inviting you to join me and us over at IAST. Join here Ok, so, as you may know, I'm a HUGE introvert so I never considered what it would feel like being a therapist with people all day. I never once thought about how my life post-graduation would look and how I might struggle from loneliness although I was WITH people all day. But, man oh man, did it happen - and it hit me hard. I went from being around my peers and having deep conversations in the GA room to talking to clients about how best to wash their bodies so they don't offend others and where the local food stamp office was, as well as who worked there and what they needed to say. This "being with people" all day long was not life-giving or me and even made me feel even more isolated. Fast forward several years -- I went into private practice full time. Finally I had it. I had an office that was just mine, working with higher functioning people in "real therapy." (I know, I know). But - the kicker? I was STILL LONELY. Now that I was in private practice, I didn't even have co-workers to roll my eyes at in the middle of staffings or even the "we're all in this together" feeling that I imagine inmates on the same cell block get. I'll admit, I felt sorry for myself for a bit, but then I quickly realized that nothing was going to change unless I made different strides in my life. The thing though - I live in a fairly small town and just didn't know a lot of other therapists in private practice who I could visit with on the regular. So - I went online. And I found my people. To this day, some of those friendships borne out of mutual isolation and identity as a therapist, are the most influential on my career and life in general. And this was even before I met many of them in person! Why I'm telling you this? Because maybe you feel it too. The itch to be around people like you - to have those real conversations that often only happen with others who speak the same therapy-language - who can use the shorthand of "They have a high ACE score" or "Her mother's Axis II but she was the identified patient." If you found yourself nodding or smiling with that "Oh I'm not the only one" or get that tingling in your stomach that lets you know "No, it's not you," then keep reading. I've got you boo. This month is Membership March for the International Association of Sandtray Therapy (IAST) .
IAST is the world's only credentialing body for sandtray therapists everywhere. Not only does IAST credential sandtray therapists, it also acts as a community for sandtray therapists to belong and nerd out with fellow sandtray geeks. We're doing lots of giveaways, announcements, and huge welcomes to all of our new members. Of course, you can join IAST anytime but we dedicate March to rising awareness of IAST and to welcoming as many therapists into the world of sandtray and to a like-minded, positive community where YOU can meet your future besties! Join now Want to know what you else you get with being a member of IAST? Keep reading - I cover it all:) | 
