Bill must weigh the costs and benefits of different career paths, both within the field of therapy and outside of it. As he has no dependants, going back to school might be one option. Or, he might wish to enter private practice. Working at a lower level and hoping to move up a career ladder at a new facility, is still a possible option, despite Bill's former reservations. The therapist must try to interpret if Bill's initial despair about finding similar work was due to a hidden dislike of the job, or fear of seeking out a new career.

For example, a Stage I dialogue might go as follows:

Bill: I feel so old. I'm a failure, washed up.

Therapist: When didn't you feel too old to be a therapist?

Bill: I guess when I was just starting out.

Therapist: What has changed since then?

Bill: I don't know. This...
[ View Full Essay]