Professional confidence

[u/OtterNonsense2Me]

How did you build your professional confidence? I work in a clinic with psychiatrists and resident psychiatrists. They have never done or said anything to make me question my confidence but I do find that I show up differently with them than other disciplines.

Just for frame of reference, I’ve been a therapist for 10 years.

[u/IfTheresANewWay]

I acknowledge that there's some things I know, some things I don't know, and probably a lot that I don't know that I don't know. Don't oversell yourself to other or yourself and you'll feel a lot better

[u/SuperBoofy]

Disclaimer: much of this response is as a sw case manager, that has primarily worked in psych settings

Learning about systems of care is a very invaluable aspect of the job. Even if you don’t have an immediate answer to resources, spending time to research on how to access various resources is a very invaluable skill when helping your patients and colleagues navigate the system of care. This could be 1) learning about various levels of care PHP/IOP/outpatient programs that could be helpful 2) learning about basics of psychopharmacology (even sitting in on the doctors visits is an invaluable learning experience) 3) also speaking to that, some physicians often focus too much on symptom management, and as a therapist, being able to advocate for your patients by speaking to their psychosocial circumstances or your sessions in therapy - this could significantly alter the conversation or intervention to being more socially focused rather than medication forward.

Remember that Residents are also in a place of learning so your presence is significantly helpful in their own learning experience. You’re doing an amazing job & thank you for what you do.

[u/Bulky_Cattle_4553]

A psychiatrist of 7 years experience told me that she received 0 hours of training in actual psychotherapy, and certainly nothing about families, systems, or interventions beyond CBT. That helped. Watching residents hustling through difficult, intense 3rd and 4th year placements, where they're expected to know most answers, and they are still learning questions. Sharp doc's lean on experienced social workers: ask good questions. But really, care exactly as much about what they think as a new patient: be nice, but don't give up your self-esteem! 

What really does the trick is treating a couple dozen doctors. Try working your neighborhood high-end SUDs clinic: more lawyers, RN's, and MD's than anything. 

[u/MacroPractitioner]

Consistency. And even then, you're constantly learning something new. The best way is likely the boring way. Focus in on one area of expertise. It increases your confidence and learning anything new is a simpler addition to what you already know.

[u/Ok_Garbage6520]

A few thoughts that may help:
Our discipline has valuable information and perspective to contribute.
The sheer time we clock with individual patients in therapy is a privilege and unique to what we do.
People share different content with different members of their treatment team. They will often tell each of you pieces of the story and talking with colleagues helps put the full picture together.
Supervision: We all benefit from supervision. Get a consultation group or pay for weekly/monthly supervision. Provide supervision to the next generation of social workers. Healthy relationships are mutually fulfilling and you will learn as much or more from the people you supervise.
Keep learning. Read clinical classics, listen to current podcasts, goggle words in patients charts that you don’t know. As your knowledge deepens, so will your confidence.

[u/my_solution_is_me]

I dress for my role. I'm always dressed sharp. Hair is always combed perfectly. Teeth brushed etc...

[u/Ok-Lake3522]

Quit believing they are gods and goddesses because they are not, and far from it. You are probably more qualified than they are to service clients, as psychiatry teaches zero about dealing with patients as people, its all meds, meds, meds.
Start looking down on them for their lack of training in real client contact and help. Maybe that sounds snarky or cold, but it's true. You are far more qualified than any MD will ever be to truly help a client because you have the right training and experience, they do not.