If You’ve Ever Considered Being a Therapist—Read This
Have you ever thought to yourself, “Maybe I should become a therapist?” Maybe it was after a friend said, “You give the best advice!” or because you’ve always been the one people naturally turn to when life feels heavy. If that thought has crossed your mind, let’s talk about it—because becoming a therapist isn’t just a job, it’s a calling
And spoiler alert: it’s also one of the most rewarding (and challenging) journeys you can take.
I remember when I first considered becoming a therapist. I was a student at UC Berkeley taking my first Psych 101 class, trying to make sense of who I was and how I could help people. And then I learned about how psychologists literally speak with people all day - and get PAID to do it. It sounded like a dream job to me!
Once I was in grad school, I got to experience therapy as a client for the first time. Adam left a profound impact on my life and helped me navigate the trials and tribulations of grad school AND a breakup from a 7 year relationship. I couldn’t have made it through that challenging season without him.
Why People Feel Drawn to Therapy Work
Here’s the thing: you don’t wake up one day randomly deciding to sit with people and their deepest pain. Most of us feel called to this work because of:
Our own lived experiences: Maybe you’ve walked through trauma, loss, or grief and know what it’s like to feel alone.
A desire to help others heal: You’ve seen firsthand how powerful a safe, supportive space can be, and you want to offer that to others.
A knack for listening: People say, “You just get it.” You’re able to hold space without judgment, and that’s not something everyone can do.
Curiosity about the human mind and emotions: You love asking “Why?”—why we think, feel, and behave the way we do.
But here’s what no one tells you: becoming a good therapist means you should also do your own work to heal, too.
What Being a Therapist Actually Looks Like
Movies make therapy look like comfy couches and scribbled notes while someone vents. In reality? It’s messy, humbling, heart-opening work. You’ll sit with people’s most painful stories, witness breakthroughs, and sometimes feel totally inadequate because healing isn’t linear. And yet, it’s beautiful—because you get to walk alongside people as they reclaim their lives.
Here are some truths about being a therapist no one talks about:
You can’t “fix” anyone. Healing happens when clients are ready to do the work—your role is to guide, support, and hold space, not rescue.
Therapy doesn’t mean you have it all together. In fact, the best therapists I know are the ones who’ve embraced their imperfections. You’re not “above” your clients—you’re human, too.
You’ll feel the weight of it. It’s impossible not to carry some stories home in your heart. That’s why self-care and boundaries aren’t optional; they’re mandatory.
It’s a lifelong learning process. No one masters therapy because every person, session, and moment is different. You’ll learn more about humanity—and yourself—than you ever thought possible.
The Most Rewarding Part of Therapy Work
Despite its challenges, being a therapist is a privilege. You get to witness courage in its rawest form. You see people take steps toward loving themselves, rebuilding relationships, and breaking generations of painful patterns. I often tell people, “Therapists can gain just as much from therapy as our clients do. As they are learning from us, we are learning from them.”
And here’s the best part: You don’t have to be perfect, know everything, or have all the answers. What makes you a good therapist isn’t a flawless life—it’s your capacity to hold space with compassion, to listen deeply, and to believe in someone’s ability to heal.
If You’re Thinking About It, Here’s My Advice
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a therapist, I encourage you to:
Explore therapy for yourself. Sit on the other side of the couch. Experience what it feels like to be held, seen, and supported.
Talk to therapists you admire. Ask them what they love about the work, what’s hard, and what they wish they’d known before starting.
Be curious about your why. Why do you feel drawn to this path? What’s your vision for how you want to help people?
Know that there’s no “perfect” therapist. If you have a heart for others and a willingness to grow, that’s enough. Lots of the things people worry will be hardest about being a therapist are the skills you learn early on in your training.
So, friend, if you’ve ever considered being a therapist, maybe it’s time to explore it further. Maybe the world needs the way you listen, the way you care, and the way you show up. The journey won’t always be easy, but I can promise you this—it will be worth it.
Have you ever wondered about being a therapist? I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment or send me a message—I’m cheering you on, always.