“I was right” but it doesn’t feel that good

Recently my 21 year old niece texted me “aunt jen, write this down because you won’t hear it from me often but i admit when i’m wrong: you were right 🤦🏻‍♀️”

This was about her choice to entered social work and the field of mental health, which I strongly recommended that she think about it more. Not discouraging her but rather slowing down, really figuring out what she wanted from this career. She went on to explain the mental exhaustion was just too much and she is not enjoying her life. She had not started her Master’s degree yet and found her self at this crossroad for about a year. I understand. I also hate that she had to go through all that she has been through the last year figuring out but she now knows what’s not for her.

So, why? Why are you (wanting to) be a therapist? What makes you want to be a therapist? Many times people get into this career looking for answers for their own internal healing. If that’s the case, you may end up hurting client’s more than helping them. Maybe not. Clients teach us a lot about ourselves but we have to be willing and open to growing and changing. But you also will likely burn out quickly. Poor boundaries will also contribute to this, actually this may be the number one predictor but don’t quote me on that. There is research on burnout! And many many seasoned therapists saying ‘do this and do not do this’.

I’ve had many many conversations with clinical students and new therapists about these topics and my response is often the same. It’s doesn’t change significantly from time to time. Remember WHY you got started with this in the first place. At some point in your life, you thought hey I want to be a therapist…and that was it. You did it. You enrolled, you took/are taking classes. You are already out here on the water with those of us that have been for here awhile. We’re here to hold your hand, give you a boost, keep you from falling overboard but you gotta do the work too. Know yourself. Take care of yourself.

Keep an eye out for my eguide booklet thing- I don’t know what to call it. Coming out soon!