u/Practical-Prior-9912

I'm in solo PP and there have been a few challenging cases and bureaucracy things lately. I spent a lot of time, money and tears qualifying as a therapist but I can't stop dreaming about just stopping and changing field. It feels like so much respon for little profit at the end. I can get into tunnel vision but had anyone else packed it in? Any regrets?

Those of you who work in private pay, do you keep your sessions focused on the stated therapeutic aims of the client when beginning, or more flexibility? If there is no limit to number of sessions other than the clients ability to pay, would you track a clients process/content even if it's totally unrelated to what they said they wanted to work on or gently steer them back.

I'm very person centred and relational and this can lead me to feel my work is unstructured. I get insecure about what I am offering but I can also at other times feel the real value of such a permissive, space to be deeply heard. I have many long term clients but I am feeling inadequate at the moment in terms of documentation, treatment plans etc. Then I try to remind myself of what I have seen with clients in terms of changes they experience as a result of therapy.

OK I'm approaching 50 and I've always loved singing along with the radio but never actually sang or been in a choir etc. I'm very self conscious but pushing myself to do new things.

I've found a teacher and started. I think I'm mezzo range. What I'm learning is that although I love music and singalong with a lot of choruses I don't know many songs well. Lots of verses I'm lost in. Would you recommend any songs that are not too challenging to start.

Any other tips for me as a complete newbie? I'm not actually sure what my aim is just to sing more for fun. No idea how. Maybe online or in pub singsongs or in a choir

My parents never ring me. They are delighted then when I ring them and might say something like we didn't hear from you for a few days. I might say they could have rung me but they always say something like we don't like to disturb you or you could be busy. Ive told them if it's a bad time ill miss the call and return it. We have had this same conversation umpteen times and it never changes.

Similarly with seeing them. I always have to suggest it and plan it. There could be back handed comments then like the chicken here is always bad but they refuse to suggest or offer any opinion until the plan is happening. It's anyways whatever suits you.

They both realistically have chronic self esteem issues which they never addressed and know elderly and anxious but I feel like I'm carrying all the work of this. I constantly think they're disappointed with me and they are not able for any kind of emotional conversation. I am an only child. I also think it a weird way they want to be disappointed. They like complaining but I'm not sure what that gives them. I wouldn't put up with this from anyone else. I feel like I'm a hostage to it and it really impacts how I feel when I'm with them.

Can people recommend what they use for keeping notes? Ideally something that will make it easy. Maybe checkboxes to include frequently used stuff. Safe and confidential. Without AI integration.

I'm in Europe so no insurance or billing etc.

I'm looking for a gym membership and considering NRG. Just wondering what people's experiences have been. What about the parking, any problems getting a space. I'll be mainly using machines and free weights. The pool, sauna is a nice bonus.

Edited to ask if people can share what they pay. I sent an email but they asked me to come in.

So life was hectic for a while with retraining as a therapist plus working in my old career. With that plus being childless by choice in comparison to my childhood friends who mostly have small children. I've become isolated. I'm late 40s in full time pp. I have some friends but we are not super close. It's all one to one friendships rather than groups. We meet up every couple of months for a meal, exercise etc.

Looking back a lot of friendships were about drama or trading life updates but I've no drama or things to report and I feel a bit dull sometimes. I'm very happy in my relationship and we do a lot together but I notice I feel lonely. I also get some social needs met through my clients but that's obviously boundaries, structured etc though I don't always have huge bandwidth after the working week either. If I wasn't in this work I'd consider bumble bff but I'm worried about that as you must use an identifying photo. Looking to see if people can relate or how they might have approached it?

As regards hobbies I go to the gym, walk, read, cook but it can be solitary. I tried going a few bookclubs but didn't enjoy it. I'm not so fit for hyrox etc.

I'm having a hard time finding an spf that won't irritate, pill and works with my serums / skincare. I've posted previously for suggestions however now I'm considering trying a mist maybe larocheposay. Are these considered safe in terms of protection? I live in Ireland where uv is moderate. I work indoors but walk 1.5 hours a day.

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Thanks

I have sensitive, redness prone skin.

Currently trying to find an spf that suits.

I've tried....

LRP Anthelios Oil Control- this was the worst. Ridiculous pilling just seemed to sit on my skin working into little greasy balls

Eucerin Sun Hydro Protect Ultra Light Fluid - this was ok a bit too light without moisturiser underneath

Lrp Hydrating Cream spf - this is my fave so far with a moisturiser replacement feel but a bit greasy

Bioderma photoderm cream - this is quite good depending how it's applied or what's underneath can dry with a white cast or feel a bit greasy not sure what the best routine with it is

My everyday moisturisers I like are LRP toleriane fluid or dermallegro fluid or avene tolerance control cream.

Any suggestions for me pretty please?

I have a main paye job. I also have a small sole trader service business. I'm going to a conference in England for that it's just 1 day but with flights I have to go for 2. Just wondering are all my meals, airport travel etc a business expense?

I have a bookkeeper who does my form 11 but I can't just ask him all these questions without booking a consultation.

Would appreciate advice

I have straight, thick hair mid back length. It takes ages to blow dry and it's also damaging my hair. I'm in perimenopause so it's getting dry. Any recommendations for a quick blast dryer that won't cause too much damage. It takes too long to air dry and I usually wash it at night every 5 days or so.

Am recently after discovering the Merlin app. Where the best place close to the city to get less common birds? It's such a great app. I'm learning a lot!