Kristy Cloetingh Introduction

Kristy Cloetingh Introduction

by Kristy Cloetingh -
Number of replies: 4

My name is Kristy Cloetingh and I use she/her pronouns. I'm a career changer; before deciding to pursue my masters in social work, I worked in New York City as an actor for seven years. Consequently, I also spent many years working as a bartender throughout Manhattan's restaurant and hospitality industry. 

I'll be attending the GSSWSR as a full-time student with a clinical concentration. When not at school or doing school work, I'll be tending to my plants at my apartment in South Philadelphia and trying to convince myself to not get a dog! 

Once I graduate, I intend to work in the field of behavioral and mental health as a therapist. I'm specifically interested in adolescent and young adult trauma, but of course I am open to any and all changes as my world-view and view of social work shifts and changes throughout my course of study.

In reply to Kristy Cloetingh

Re: Kristy Cloetingh Introduction

by Candice Powers -
Hi Kristy,
Nice to meet you. I'm curious of the parallels between acting and social work. How would you say they're similar and what made you want to change careers?
In reply to Candice Powers

Re: Kristy Cloetingh Introduction

by Kristy Cloetingh -
Hi Candice,
I feel that to be an actor, you need to have certain empathic qualities, not to mention a real interest in humanity and the deeper self. I think in that way, a lot of actors already begin to delve into the type of thinking that a clinical social worker might delve into. As for why I switched, I decided that acting was a choice that I made at a young age but I couldn't see myself doing it long-term anymore. It's a difficult grind with very little reward and I didn't feel fulfilled. I wanted to pursue something that mattered to me, and I was already foraying into the field of mental health advocacy. Through some research, I though that social would work be a nice fit!
In reply to Kristy Cloetingh

Re: Kristy Cloetingh Introduction

by MC Mazzocchi -
Hi, Kristy! Are there any therapeutic modalities you have heard of you find particularly useful or want to learn more about in trauma-informed work?
In reply to Kristy Cloetingh

Re: Kristy Cloetingh Introduction

by Matthew Mundy -
Hi Kristy,

It's nice to meet you. I am also a career changer too!! I used to bartend too! I think it's great that you want to work with adolescents and young adults dealing with trauma. Looking forward to meeting you!