Since becoming a social worker, I’ve noticed it’s actually harder for me to have “normal” conversations, especially with my loved ones when they need support.
I overthink everything I say, worried about saying the wrong thing or slipping into therapist mode and trying to fix or analyze instead of just being present. A lot of the time I end up freezing and saying almost nothing at all.
For example, I recently started a serious relationship, and my partner was really emotional today due to stress from work and family. I genuinely felt like nothing I said helped, and afterward I was overthinking it and feeling almost embarrassed… like I do this for work, but I can’t do the same for people in my personal life?
Would be grateful to hear some advice on how to separate social worker brain from just being myself in conversations and showing up the best I can for my loved ones.