Just completed my continuing education (CE) for my California Marriage and Family Therapist license (LMFT). To renew my license this time around, among the courses I took, I chose the following three timely and emotionally charged ones: Older Adults and Mental Health, School Refusal, and Chronic Illness in Children.
Yes, I’m firmly in the Sandwich Generation, parenting a sensitive adolescent while caring for aging parents. Here I am in the middle, somehow balancing it all even though I have bipolar disorder. I can hardly believe that I’m stable all things considered.
For those wondering, I do not see clients. Graduated with a Masters in Psychology in 1990. Licensed since 1992. Haven’t actively practiced since I was 30. But in recent years I’ve activated my long-time inactive license by taking the continuing education coursework, for I identify as a healer, as a therapist, even if I no longer make a living doing so.
I use my knowledge and skills elsewhere, like here, and in parenting my son (which I do imperfectly), caring for my parents (also trial and error) and loving my husband.
Just Finished My CE's!
About the Author: Kitt O'Malley
Bipolar Writer & Mental Health Advocate
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Awesome, congrats on your hard work!
Thank you!
Those three courses you named are so fitting for you to take, and I look forward to reading about your experiences with them. I know you’ve been fatigued from juggling so many challenging things, yet you’re dealing with these tasks and issues head-on – it’s an enormous accomplishment. I hope this weekend you can get some rest and recharge. Based on those stunning Instagram photos of your hike at Dana’s Point Highlands, I think you’re on your way to energy restoration! XOXO
Yep. Matthew and Nick went on a mountain bike ride today, but I stayed behind and did paperwork. I thought it best that they get some guy time. I’d hope to ride with Matthew during this upcoming week. Good that he got back on his bike. It’s been awhile.
It’s a thought. I have not been working as a nurse, but that doesn’t mean I have no interest anymore. Good for you Kitt!
Great and congratulations!
You are just amazing Kitt. Do you enjoy the continuing education?
Yes. I’ll be summarizing some of what I learned in future posts.
I look forward to reading it
wow Kitt! well done on all that you have achieved, and not only academically, but with love and kindness and attention to those that are close to you and couldn’t do without you! How brilliant to have studied so much with bipolar! You deserve a medal or 6. x x
Thank you! Having a mental illness need not completely hold one back. Of course, studying is something I do well. Always been a good student.
That’s great, Kitt! Good you keep it up. Never know when you will use these skills. I trained to teach autistic children and then married a guy, himself now a therapist, who has Asperger’s. Strange how life goes. Good luck with all you are doing! And congratulations!
As if there is a plan. I now find that my past pursuits now make sense.
Kitt, yes, as if there is a plan… My husband feels a failure for ditching his first challenge, living and studying in the Middle East. Even then he was trying to do Social Work, bring understanding between cultures. I keep telling him he learned to cross cultures there so it was a crucial experience, which now makes him a great therapist for the poorest of the poor, for the downtrodden in society.
Exactly. Our past experiences provide us with insight, compassion and life skills.
Great job, Kitt. I’m impressed. I’m glad you see this blog as a way of using your skills. I have no doubt you’re being of service.
Thank you, Bradley!
Congratulations Kitt! Sounds like you are putting your knowledge and skills to great use.
That I am. Thanks!
Good for you, Kitt! I keep my RN license active too, even though I’m no longer working and have little or no chance of going back to nursing. It’s good to stay on top of those skills and knowledge. Keep up the good work, and I will too. 🙂
Without doubt. The skills and knowledge are applicable in our daily lives, as you well know.
Congrats!
Thanks!
How inspiring you are Kitt! <3
Diana xo
Thank you so much!