6 skills NEW THERAPISTS must develop to BE EFFECTIVE

The 6 most important lessons you must learn to become a good therapist.

Timestamps:
0:47 - Get direct feedback
2:44 - Take on a case that scares you
4:52 - Own your ignorance
8:48 - You are not a savior
11:10 - Know your blind spots
13:54 - Start practicing good boundaries
17:02 - Get comfortable being uncomfortable challenge
18:17 - Comment of the week

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THE PSYCH SHOW! Creating mental health videos that educate, entertain, and empower! Produced, written, and edited by clinical psychologist Ali Mattu, Ph.D. All videos are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute clinical advice.

If you or someone you know needs help immediately, you should take one of the following actions:
- go to your nearest hospital emergency room

[leahjacobs]

Thank you again for such a wonderful video!! This was extremely helpful and I feel much more clarity! I especially loved the piece about owning your ignorance! That is really all we can do as starters :) Also, I appreciate how quickly you put together such a high quality, content-packed video. Your support and guidance is very much appreciated!

[reemrm]

Just got my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and the goal is to become a clinical psychologist. This type of content is really helpful and takes the edge off. The more I do the less qualified I feel to practice in this field. You mentioning the imposter syndrome was a light-bulb moment for me. Thank you.

[JordanKennedy-mxwt]

im 17 and want to be a therapist. so i listen to your videos. you are so helpful. i take notes :)

[drali]

0:47 - Get direct feedback
2:44 - Take on a case that scares you
4:52 - Own your ignorance
8:48 - You are not a savior
11:10 - Know your blind spots
13:54 - Start practicing good boundaries
17:02 - Get comfortable being uncomfortable challenge
18:17 - Comment of the week

[kanshaism]

This is a great video. As a baby therapist, I learned from you that I can be honest and not need to pretend "good" therapist" by discovering what is my blind spot, really helpful.

[butterflybri]

I started my internship last week and my very first client was suicidal 😳 my heart was pounding out of my chest. Once I snapped out of it I found the suicide assessment form and assessed them then i stepped out to call my supervisor (which I should’ve did first but it felt weird to just leave after them telling me that) I freaked out on the inside but it really did help me doing something that scared me. I’m still working with the client now and it’s gotten better.

[xzonia]

The first time I ever saw a therapist, I went in with this hope of being fixed. What Is Wrong With Me??? I was a bit disappointed to hear that person tell me I'm pretty normal and there's nothing wrong with me (mentally). I did eventually find out I had a physical issue that contributed to making me feel off mentally (my body was busy slowly killing my thyroid off at that time, but I didn't know it yet).

I'm grateful the therapist I saw didn't have a savior complex and didn't waste their time and mine searching for a solution that didn't exist. Once I got my thyroid meds sorted, I was fine again (that took several years, but that's another story).

Great advice, Ali! I hope all would-be therapists take to heart that they're not meant to be saviors. They should give care to the best of their ability, and refer the patient to a more appropriate doctor if necessary, or just tell the patient there's nothing wrong with them psychologically if that's the case. This is something patients really need to understand too, though. You can't "fix" people, and patients shouldn't expect you to do this. <3

[NenaLavonne]

Such a great channel. I love the “you are not a savior” segment. Fantastic insight and beautiful delivery. Sincere gratitude! ♥️

[Lioner]

Thank you so much for this video! I started my practicum for my masters in clinical mental health counseling and am suffering severe imposter syndrome. I am so excited to work with my clients yet so scared of letting them down, so your segment in “owning your own ignorance” helped me a lot. Much appreciated!

[PhantomDharma]

Thank you so much! I'm at the end of a Masters in clinical social work, and today I saw my first patient right after I saw this video. This helped me calm down before my appointment!

[NateCrownwell]

I'm not a therapist but I still watched your videos because I can still apply these lessons in regular life

[christiannashay]

I am a LPC and I really wish I came across your channel while I was working in my practicum. Everything you have said is so valuable and needed for me this present day. Especially boundaries! You are soooo down to earth and a breath of fresh air even on this video recording! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experiences!

[whimsical]

Just discovered you, Dr Ali! Thank you for what you are doing. I am soaking up your content and intend to use it to better support my colleagues at work. I am always on the hunt to improve my skills and your channel is quite revolutionary in its uniqueness and practicality.

[johnrembisz]

I’m still in my first year of grad school and it’s a big career change for me. your videos give me great reassurance that my anxiety of becoming a therapist is normal and that I can view these problems in positive developmental way. Thank you for this videos and all your other videos!

[butterflymagicwithhottea]

I just found your channel and am definitely subscribing. For my grad school, there is just one last course to finish before beginning practicum. Professionally, I am changing employment from non-profit counselling to privately supervised work in psychometry and psychotherapy. This period of transition feels wobbly and the uncertainty can be daunting. So happy to see your content. Thank you.

[demelza]

Kindness, wisdom, mindfulness, deep listener, understanding, and compassion.

[DrAdnan]

This is great advice for any healthcare professional!

[miaashly]

Thank you for this vid. I am currently in my master’s program for marriage and family therapy. These are definitely helpful tips to remember.

[valeriasso]

Omg thank you I needed this, been super insecure lately about been a therapist, I’m so close but I’m still scared

[Caimera]

Just in time! I genuinely need to hear this.
I am in the first 3 months and I feel that I am already hit the buttom, not because of the patients but because of the supervisor.
Sometimes they are mean.
Choosing the supervisor is as much important as the success or failure. I wish I heard your video before I start.
Thank you very much, it explains a lot of new starters crappie struggles.