3 answers
Violet
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
4
Questions
Asked
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What is it like being a therapist?
I don't really know what I wan't to do but a therapist doesn't sound unappealing to me so I thought I'd ask.
#psychology #therapists
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3 answers
Julia Langer
Psychologist
3
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Julia’s Answer
Hi Violet,
I've been working as a therapist for quite a few years now. Here are some things I like about my job: I find it rewarding to try to help people with their mental health needs, I like working with people, it keeps me on my toes and challenged, I can use creativity and critical thinking, I can work as a part of a team, there are never-ending opportunities for growth and improving my skills. There are also more difficult aspects of the job at times which include that it can be stressful or overwhelming especially when the demand for care outpaces the available resources, it can also be emotionally taxing especially when you have several intense sessions in a row, if you are more introverted you may find the amount of time interacting with people directly to be difficult, and when I've worked in outpatient therapy I've sometimes wished for more variety in my day. I think it really comes down to what you are looking for in a career. If you are drawn to helping people and enjoy helping people work on issues or process their thoughts and feelings, you may want to start to look into it as an option. There are also many different types of jobs where you can practice as a therapist so there's lots of variety out there.
Julia
I've been working as a therapist for quite a few years now. Here are some things I like about my job: I find it rewarding to try to help people with their mental health needs, I like working with people, it keeps me on my toes and challenged, I can use creativity and critical thinking, I can work as a part of a team, there are never-ending opportunities for growth and improving my skills. There are also more difficult aspects of the job at times which include that it can be stressful or overwhelming especially when the demand for care outpaces the available resources, it can also be emotionally taxing especially when you have several intense sessions in a row, if you are more introverted you may find the amount of time interacting with people directly to be difficult, and when I've worked in outpatient therapy I've sometimes wished for more variety in my day. I think it really comes down to what you are looking for in a career. If you are drawn to helping people and enjoy helping people work on issues or process their thoughts and feelings, you may want to start to look into it as an option. There are also many different types of jobs where you can practice as a therapist so there's lots of variety out there.
Julia
Julia, thank you!
Violet
Priya Mathew
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, Art Student
172
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Priya’s Answer
Hi Violet,
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, who graduated with my Bachelor degree in Psychology and my Master degree in Counseling. There are many majors you can choose from to be on the route toward being a therapist! There are also many graduate programs that can get you to the same, or similar, result. I am currently working on the 3000 hours needed after graduating toward my full license. This can be different depending on what license you are seeking, and can be difficult! That being said, I do love being a therapist. It is a difficult job, full of being there with others through their intense pain, but also celebrating with them through their milestones and victories! The job of being a therapist requires you to really be honest with yourself as much as possible and to do intense emotional work to watch someone build and blossom as healthy a life as they can. Be cautioned though, you may not always get the compensation or respect you may be expecting/needing when working in mental health, at least initially! It is a job that requires flexibility =). I hope this helps! I believe someone asked a similar question on this site so perhaps search through for additional answers there if you see it =)!
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, who graduated with my Bachelor degree in Psychology and my Master degree in Counseling. There are many majors you can choose from to be on the route toward being a therapist! There are also many graduate programs that can get you to the same, or similar, result. I am currently working on the 3000 hours needed after graduating toward my full license. This can be different depending on what license you are seeking, and can be difficult! That being said, I do love being a therapist. It is a difficult job, full of being there with others through their intense pain, but also celebrating with them through their milestones and victories! The job of being a therapist requires you to really be honest with yourself as much as possible and to do intense emotional work to watch someone build and blossom as healthy a life as they can. Be cautioned though, you may not always get the compensation or respect you may be expecting/needing when working in mental health, at least initially! It is a job that requires flexibility =). I hope this helps! I believe someone asked a similar question on this site so perhaps search through for additional answers there if you see it =)!
Annette Rothman
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
1
Answer
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Annette’s Answer
Hi Violet
I am an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse who sees children and adolescents. Although most of my job is medication management, I do psychotherapy with each client and find it rewarding mostly. If you are interested in therapy alone there are many routes for education- LPC, LCSW, MFT, psychologist. The first 3 are usually master's degrees and psychologist is doctoral degree. This might be worthwhile to investigate.
Best
Annette
I am an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse who sees children and adolescents. Although most of my job is medication management, I do psychotherapy with each client and find it rewarding mostly. If you are interested in therapy alone there are many routes for education- LPC, LCSW, MFT, psychologist. The first 3 are usually master's degrees and psychologist is doctoral degree. This might be worthwhile to investigate.
Best
Annette