You know how parents take pictures of their kids on the first day of school?
Well my wife likes to do this to me on my ‘first day’ of new positions like internship and post-doc. The first day of private practice is no exception. However, this time when I protested, she snapped all of those lovely moments, too. That’s how my first day of private practice started!
Day 1: Monday, July 11 – Clinton Crossing
Mondays and Fridays I will be at Elmwood Pediatric Group in Clinton Crossing, Building A, Suite 105.
My first day at Elmwood Pediatrics office went really well. I felt incredibly supported and welcomed by the providers, technicians, and staff at the 919 Westfall location. There may have been some happy squealing by certain providers when they saw me arrive. I really appreciate being able to stay connected with medical providers as part of my psychology practice and value being able to collaborate with them to help patients.
I saw three patients on my first day at Elmwood Pediatrics, and I was honored to meet each of them and their families. It also meant a great deal to hear from these families that I came recommended by my colleagues at Kirch Developmental Services Center. My first day consisted of intake appointments to learn about presenting concerns and select an appropriate “first step” that fits with what families are looking for and need right now.
Day 2: Tuesday, July 12 – East Avenue Towers
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays I will be at the Psychology Office in East Avenue Towers. The entrance is around the back of the building, Suite 108.
My first day at East Avenue was a smooth one filled with four intake appointments. It was really nice to work closely with my psychology colleagues in this private practice setting and to dialogue more directly with the administrative team who schedules my patients.
I am amazed by the strength and love caregivers clearly show for their children when meeting with me for the first time. I think it takes a lot to seek out help, especially when we think about time and effort involved with committing to therapy. I realized today, too, that I am well positioned as part of my training with Tristram Smith, PhD and Laura Silverman, PhD to provide behavioral, evidenced-based supports for caregivers whose children present with developmental differences and behavior concerns.
Day 3, 4, & 5: We will see!
I am really looking forward to finishing out my first week. Today and Thursday I will be at East Avenue and Friday I rejoin my friends at Elmwood Pediatrics. I am excited to have two offices and two sets of professional colleagues to work with everyday. Wish me luck for the rest of the week to be as awesome as the beginning was!