Career questions tagged therapy
How do I know if I should pursue my MSW?
How do I know if I should pursue my MSW? I’m early in my career and work in marketing, and I dislike the corporate 9-5 culture. I want to find more meaningful work that suits my soft skills better. Mental health has always been of importance to me and I want to be more people-centered, and honestly I would enjoy the prospect of working remotely or having my control over my schedule as well. I’m trying to find something I will enjoy long-term. For more context, I had also considered ESL teaching (i didnt enjoy lesson planning or public speaking) and also copywriting (i didnt want to turn a hobby into an occupation) so I kept going back to this. My own therapist even told me to look into social work as an option, and I’ve been doing some research ever since. She knows I worry about being stuck in something once I choose to pursue it. I was initially confident about this decision to go back to school and I have the support to do so, but after some recent conversations, I fear burn-out and having a stressful/large caseload once I’m in it. I would love any insight into this, what should go into my decision making, what to be aware of, etc. Thank you! (Edit: I already have my Bachelors. This would be a career change. And when I say pursuing my MSW I specifically mean going the clinical route and receiving my LCSW.)
How do I best prepare myself to practice psychotherapy in a specialized field?
I want to practice psychotherapy, but specifically for children. What field of psychology would this fall under? What do I need to study? Is it possible to specialize? I am a college freshman.
How many years would it take to become a licensed therapist and then eventually own a buissness that is a therapy office?
I would like to own a buissness where I am the boss, and I have employees who are all therapists. I do not know how many more years that would add with college.
When I am in the process of getting my bachelors degree in counseling/psychology how can I gain work experience in my chosen field?
I am a second semester freshman working on my bachelors in counseling/psychology, my plan is to get my therapists license and open my own therapy ranch and recovery center. However, I would like to start gaining some work experience in the field and I have no idea where to start.
What are good psychology courses to take? Is it worth it to go to an Ivy League school for psychology?
Should I do AP Psychology outside of my school? What clubs or programs could I join in either New York City or Pittsfield?
How to help those that don' t realize they're the problem?
How do you approach patients who are in therapy but appear to be the problem in most circumstnces they open up to you about? How do you admit this to them and assist them in actually understanding it? I've heard things about therapists who encourage their patients and motivate them to stand firm in themselves when to the rest of the world they are the issue.
What can I do during my undergraduate experience to prepare myself to apply to graduate school for music therapy?
What can I do during my undergraduate experience to prepare myself to apply to graduate school for music therapy? I am currently majoring in music & psychology at The College of New Jersey. I will be graduating with my B.A. in the Spring of 2027. I want to know what I can do now to prepare myself to apply to graduate school. This includes volunteerism, joining organizations, internships/research opportunities, etc.. I do not know where to start since I am not getting an undergraduate degree in music therapy specifically.
How can I prepare my career to stay secure and adaptable as AI continues to change the job market?
I’m in my mid-30s, currently working in music education and creative projects, but I’m considering shifting into a more stable, in-demand field like therapy, psychology, or speech-language pathology. I want to make sure whatever career path I invest in won’t be easily automated by AI. What skills, industries, or strategies should I focus on now to stay employable and relevant long-term?
What are some good passion project ideas that combine my interests: coding, chess, dance, and volunteering with neurodiverse communities? Passion project based only activities in high school?
Hi! I’m a high school student looking to start a passion project that aligns with my interests in coding (html, css, js, AI/ML) i wanted to take major as Com sci, chess, dance, and volunteering with neurodiverse kids in NGO. I want to make a meaningful impact and ideally build something that helps others or showcases creativity. I’d love suggestions on projects that combine any of these areas, especially those I could grow over time or possibly turn into a passion project. Thank you!
Psychologists and those alike, have any of you not felt as compassionate towards people as you feel other workers in your field are or have you ever felt before like your job might not be for you because of your social interests? How are things working out now?
I want to be a clinical psychologist in the future but there is a problem. I am an introvert and also have low altruism/compassion towards other people. Is there a way to work on this part of myself or can you still be a psychologists who gives out therapy without caring much for others (at least emotionally)?
Continuous overthinking and frustration about everything ?
I’m an international student in the U.S., and I’ve never lived far from my family before. I just completed my first semester, and for the past four months, it feels like all I’ve been doing is surviving. I cry a lot, and I’ve been experiencing a strange kind of FOMO — like I’m missing out while my friends back home are enjoying their lives. I don’t have any friends here, and with so many other stressors, I’m finding it really hard to live happily. All I want is to be happy with my choices, to do something meaningful with my life, complete my major, and build a career here — because coming abroad has always been my dream. But now that I’m here, I find myself caught between moments of enjoyment and moments of deep sadness or frustration. I can’t seem to control my thoughts. I keep overthinking everything — that I won’t be able to finish my degree, that I won’t be able to build a career, and that I’ll end up being a financial burden on my family. I feel emotionally exhausted. It’s like everyone I trusted has let me down, and I’m left completely alone. I recently went through a breakup, and he was the only person who gave me some comfort. Now that he’s gone, I feel like I’m stuck in an endless spiral of thoughts — thinking and thinking with no way out. At the same time, I’m extremely anxious about choosing the right major. I keep wondering if I’ll ever fit in here, or if I’m just missing out on my college life while my friends back home are moving forward and figuring everything out. I feel stuck — like I’m falling behind, while everyone else has direction. This strange sadness isn’t something new. It’s been with me for years. But now, I truly want to change. I don’t want to be the person who’s always sad or gloomy about everything. I want to learn how to find joy, even in stressful situations. But right now, I cry over every little inconvenience, and I get frustrated very easily when things don’t go my way. I feel like I should be able to handle things more calmly and peacefully. I often feel like I’m a burden — emotionally and financially — on my family. And I genuinely don’t know what to do or what not to do. I’m in desperate need of clear, detailed guidance — not just general advice, but real direction that can help me figure things out and bring me to a better place mentally, emotionally, and academically. I also compare myself and my situation to others — and I do it in such intense and detailed ways that it becomes paralyzing. My mind keeps telling me, “If things had been different, you’d be happier,” even though I know that even if things were different, I’d probably still find something else to compare. It’s exhausting. I seek emotional validation from others and struggle to do things on my own. I want so badly to be emotionally independent. But in my last relationship, I became so dependent — and I still replay memories of the good times. He was so sweet to me, and then suddenly it was all gone. I keep questioning myself — where are all the promises he made? Why am I the one who has to suffer? The saddest part is, I’ve always had trouble trusting people. Even in the beginning of that relationship, I was cautious. But with time, I trusted him more than I trusted myself. He made many promises, and I made it clear to him not to promise things unless he truly meant them. He insisted that he did. And eventually, I believed he wasn’t like everyone else. But now he’s gone. He’s moved on — and worse, he’s already in a new relationship. The way he told me about his new girlfriend made me feel sick. It was like he had become a completely different person. I genuinely believed our connection was deep and real — the first true one I’d ever experienced. I thought no one could replace it. I thought we would be happy together. Now I feel like everyone I’ve ever truly valued has left or hurt me. And I start to wonder — am I the problem? Am I doing something wrong? I just want to have one true, lasting connection. But every time I think I’ve found it, it disappears. People tell me I’m just overwhelmed, and that’s why I feel this way. But why is it that others seem to cope and move on, while I’m stuck in this storm of emotions? I hear people say “It was just a breakup,” or “It was just a friendship,” but to me, it was more than that. I feel so deeply alone. Every time I find something meaningful, it slips through my fingers. I’m trying to see a therapist through university services, but they’re overwhelmed with students, and I barely get to meet with her. It’s hard to build a meaningful connection, and I don’t feel like I’m making any progress. Every time I try to move forward, I feel like I just sink deeper. I’ve always dreamed of having a really good friend group — people who support each other and do sweet little things together. But I’ve never had that. And now, I sometimes look at others and think, Wow, look at how beautiful their friendship is, how they do things together. And I’m just here — alone. I really don’t want to keep thinking about the past, or about the future, or about other people — whether I have friends, or a boyfriend, or anything. I just want to focus on improving myself. I say that I don’t want anything to do with others, that I want to be strong and independent — but at the same time, I keep feeling like I’m missing out. I’m missing out on everything — on relationships, friendships, experiences, memories. It’s like I’m constantly being left behind. That feeling haunts me all the time.
How to become a better test taker when going from an undergrad program right into a doctorate program?
What helps one person succeed may not be the best way for you to succeed so its important to find your own ways. #Spring25
What are some things you wish you knew or would have done in graduate school?
What are some things you wish you knew or would have done when in graduate school (specifically mental health counseling degrees)? I am about to enter a graduate program for mental health counseling and I am stressed about everything that is to come (financial aid, loan repayment, managing time between school or personal life, etc). I eventually want to become an animal-assisted therapist focusing on work with veterans. Any recommendations or tips would be helpful! #Spring25
I am planning on majoring in psychology. Can anyone help me with future jobs that do not involve a doctorate but also make good money?
I am planning on majoring in psychology. Can anyone help me with future jobs that do not involve a doctorate but also make good money?
What was the hardest part about getting into grad school for counseling? Did you have to have the best grades?
I'm about to graduate high school and I'm majoring in psychology next year with plans of getting my masters in counseling.
What was your school journey like to become an Art Therapist?
I am a college freshman at a community college, I know it's awhile down the road before I decide what school I will transfer to but I'm curious. What was your major / minor in for your bachelors degree and what school did you attend for your master's degree? #Spring25
How often does a clinical psychologist do psychotherapy compared to assessements of mental health disorders? Does it depend on the job? #Spring25
I am an incoming freshman to James Madison University and would like to know early on what to expect after graduate school. Any help is appreciated!
How do I know what job is exactly for me? With psychology, can it be a good idea to start my own business? Additionally, how do I know how much schooling I have to go through or which degrees I need to get?
Personally, I am a high school senior with psychology as my decided major. I have already taken many psychology classes and am very interested in the subject, I am just not sure what exactly I want to do career wise. I am also leaning against getting a PHD.
I am some one perusing an education in exercise science and plan to do further schooling and become a physical therapist. Are there any known PT facilities that offer good internships for the summer? Additionally, I am currently getting my personal training certification and was wondering if there are any tips for doing personal training along with managing time with school? #Spring25
I live in Nashville TN and went to Hume-Fogg high school. I played softball at Cumberland University for 3 semesters and am now transferring to UTC as a second semester sophomore. Ive been to Elite Physiotherapy and Results Physiotherapy for injuries in the past.
What kind of questions are on the LPC (to become a licensed therapist) and how can I better prepare myself as a current college student for this exam?
I am about to start my bachelors in the Fall. I understand that I have a long way to go before needing to take the exam, but I want to get a better understanding and work on preparing myself over the years. Being a therapist is all I have ever wanted.
What should I do if I go to school for the career I want, pay money, and pursue a career in Occupational Therapy only to find out I cannot handle it mentally and emotionally??
What should I do if I go to school for the career I want, pay money, and pursue a career in Occupational Therapy only to find out I cannot handle it mentally and emotionally?
When wanting to be an MFT (marriage and family therapist), what classes can you take in high school?
As someone who is always having people come to me for help, I found it to be a good job for me. I and to hopefully get a good start I am hoping to pursue a career in Marriage and Family Therapy and hoping to know some classes I can take to prepare. Any basic classes will help.
How can I best network for my future career in college?
I understand communication is vital and key to creating opportunities. So what are the best ways I can network myself in college to develop connections that can set me up for my future career?
As a marriage and family therapist, does it take a lot of mental stability? Also, how much are you home?
As someone who is ver courious and is doing a project for my sophomore year, I feel like this would be very helpful.