Do You Want To Be A Therapist?

This video is sponsored by the University of West Alabama Online

I get asked about my career path all the time, and that's why today I wanted to talk about my journey to becoming a therapist as well as things I wish I knew when I first started. Now this is going to be honest, real, and if you are considering the mental health field, it will hopefully help you decide if it's the right career choice for you! First off I feel I must mention that in order to be a good mental health professional you have to get into it to help others, not to figure out what's going on with you or to make sense of what happened in your family. Too often I hear from patients and viewers that their therapist uses much of their sessions to talk about their own issues or reacts to things they say in a non-therapeutic way (like getting angry or referring them out when it's not necessary). I know this may be hard to figure out right away, but a great way to ensure you aren't bringing your own person stuff into your work is to get into your own therapy right away. As I have mentioned before, I believe it should be mandatory for all mental health professionals, but since it isn't I will just strongly encourage you to work on your own issues prior to getting into the field yourself. It's good for you and good for your future patients.
#katimorton #therapist #therapy

I'm Kati Morton, a licensed therapist making Mental Health videos!

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[TheGatewayProductions]

Being a therapist takes a lot of strength. I admire everyone who is a therapist and makes a difference in people's lives!

[rosierb]

I’m becoming a psychotherapist because I’m naturally good at it. Everyone uses me as their therapist I have a lot of empathy and understanding. Also I dealt with my own trauma and I don’t want anyone, mainly children to grow up feeling unheard and unseen

[plainsong]

I also have my masters in clinical psychology (class of 2009). The best therapists are those who have struggled mentally themselves. You should never discourage someone who has had mental health issues to pass up the opportunity to help others in the capacity of a mental health counselor. Especially in the field of eating disorders- I have struggled with an eating disorder for numerous years. Having had this personal experience gives me an advantage in working in this field with others who are looking to someone who has “been through it” themselves.

[SvetlanaMinina]

It's really upsetting, that it is so financially stressful to become a therapist. I think, that the system in Scandinavian countries is much better, you don't have to drown in debt to get a degree there. I'm so glad, that you became a therapist regardless of the circumstances. Your videos helped me in my recovery more, than my in person visits to psychiatrist and therapist.

[ghengisbobber]

A tough lesson I learned in undergrad is that your job satisfaction can't be connected to your client outcomes. It's ok to cheer them on when they do well, but it's their journey. Self determination can be a trip. Also, the loans 😑.

[sierramiller]

I'm starting college in the fall and I'm majoring in psychology. I really want to be therapist. I want to work with adolescents. This video was so informative. Thanks, Kati!

[Cadenza]

Hi Kati, I’ve wanted to be a therapist since I was a teenager. I went to university right after high school, studied there for 5 years and finished most of my degree. Unfortunately, life got in the way, I was faced with all kinds of obstacles and lost sight of my goals. Now, I’m 29 and I’m returning to school to finish my degree and I Intend to go all the way to the masters. I realize now that this is what I’ve always wanted to do, I’m answering to a calling that’s loud and clear. Thank you for this video, it was so motivational and I’m sure I will see this a few more times. Happy holidays!

[olgalauze]

That first point about not bringing your issues to your work really hits hard. I've had a pretty bad experience with this because my first therapist actually spent most of the time in our sessions ranting about work than helping me out. It kinda felt like we did a switcheroo. I mean I'm glad they were able to vent and relax but I just come out of that office more confused than before I went in there

[kalilavalezina]

My mother works in the mental health field and is one of those people that probably went into it unconsciously thinking it would resolve her stuff. Because she has a hard time admitting that she has any issues, she doesn't really believe in being in her own therapy. It's sad, because she could be doing more harm than good. She once told me she told her depressed clients to "snap out of it". Even I, completely untrained, knew this was terrible and harmful.
I genuinely think there are a lot of therapists out there that think there's nothing wrong with them, they don't need their own therapy and that "helping" other people with their mental health makes them feel better about themselves.

[forgottenrobot]

I am working on my MSW currently, and while I definitely have my own issues, I am motivated to use the experiences and therapy that I’ve had to really help other people. I want to work primarily with people who have complex trauma and BPD. I know that this population can be emotionally taxing to work with, so I’ve told my therapist that he’s on the job for the foreseeable future

[kairi]

I’m currently in practicum & a grad program working to become an LMFT! It’s SO frustrating not getting paid for the work 😓 I’m fortunate enough to be able to live at home so I was able to quit my job to just focus on practicum. But otherwise idk how others do it! 🙏🏼

[psychologicalawareness]

I am a psychology student 🤩 but I came to it because of my weird life. However, I then started to want to help others and I hope to understand people. Thanks for your awesome videos 😍🌷much love to u .

[addaptinginthedark]

Thank you for this post. After 7 years in an English literature phd, 4 of which were pretty much miserable, I just decided about 4 months ago to drop out to pursue a masters in mental health counseling. I'm very excited, and very scared. So hearing your experiences is really helpful. I just got accepted to my first program yesterday; so the path is hopefully finally beginning. So glad to have found your channel!

[wndamracl]

I was in foster care as a kid and that experience had a crap load of so many traumas. I realize a lot of therapists dont understand the unique traumas and spiritual impacts of that experience and how it affects them. I want to help that community of people, current and former foster children.

[teresaruiz]

Wow, this video couldn't come at a better time Kati! I am 42 and will be getting my BA in Psychology next month. I struggle with ADD and it's been quite the challenge to finish school. I chose the " family first" path, and now here I am, wondering what I will do with my life. I know studying for me is not easy, even though I love the subject of mental health. My dream would be to become a therapist, I'm just not sure if it's even possible with my focusing problems. I've never tried medication, and I've always just gotten by. I have seen a therapist before, but we never really worked on skills for my ADD. Anyway, hopefully, I can figure out my life very soon, as I feel I can't waste any more time. Thanks for the very informative video!

[larag]

I'm so grateful to the therapists I've seen over the years. Heaven knows I wouldn't be here without them 🤗

[jomortonbrown]

I absolutely love my job as a counsellor. You're so inspiring, Katie and inspire me to keep going with my channel. THANK YOU

[NatashaMorgan-dtfv]

I’m a Psychology major still in my undergrad and I was fortunate enough to have a job as a Behavior Therapist for autistic kids. My goal is to become a clinical child psychologist but I’m slowly getting my experience through this different form of therapy and still being with kids. I want to thank you for this insight and I am ready to continue.

[angielott]

I’m a dietitian about to finish my masters degree and I could not be in a different part of the field than I thought I’d be lol! My internship was so eye opening and helpful. I was certain I’d do NICU for my entire career, and I’m doing independent consultant work in a geriatric population! 😝

[peculiarolumide]

I love the closing remarks.

I watched this video because I want to be a therapist why because I love helping people by giving advice. I think I'm getting the hang of it now.

Thanks