A career in therapy is not for everyone.
Below are 7 Reasons Why You Should Not Become a Therapist
1. If you want to change people.
The goal of therapy is not to change our clients. We work with our clients to help them become aware of what needs are not being met as well as what they may be struggling with in their lives. Therapy is not meant to force anyone into making changes by the terms of their therapist. It is a process that is different for every individual.
2. Giving advice and telling your clients what to do.
Therapist Do Not Give ADVICE!!! When I tell people I am a therapist they automatically assume that I can give them advice or tell them what they should do. It does not work that way! I know that it may seem simple to be a therapist by what our perception and/or idea of the profession. However, there are many different techniques, ethical guidelines, and professional training that is entailed. The clinical hours alone (4,500 hours in NJ) show the amount of supervision and training that is required just to get licensed. Check out my post What I Wish I Knew for more information.
3. Working on your past issues through your clients.
This is a BIG no no. If you think disclosing personal issues about your past is beneficial for your client you are very wrong. It is not about you! Does that mean you cannot self-disclose ever? No, but self-disclosure is meant to help your client and not benefit you. For example, if a client shares that someone has passed away it is not uncommon to relate to loss. Just be mindful of what your intentions are when you decide to self-disclose.
4. Wanting to become friends with your clients.
This is completely unethical. At times, it is possible to create a strong therapeutic relationship with some clients. However, that does not open the door for you to go out to dinner with them or visit them outside of the office. It is important to set boundaries within the therapeutic relationship. In the beginning of treatment it should be made clear that this will be a professional relationship. If you reach a point where the client is only coming in to chit chat than discussing termination or referring to another therapist should be initiated.
5. Expecting something in return.
Your clients do not owe you anything. If you are expecting something in return from your clients you might as well not even apply to graduate school. In this profession it is all about the client. If you have a difficult time listening to others it is probably best to think about another profession.
6. Counseling family and friends.
This is a conflict of interest. Counseling your own family and friends will not be successful. One of the great things about going to therapy is not knowing the person that you will be sharing your most personal experiences with. When we know family and friends it is a lot easier to become judgmental as well as frustrated. Also, we may have perceived notions and/or experiences with close family and friends, which can create biases within treatment.
7. Developing an intimate/sexual relationship with clients.
It is obvious not to engage in an intimate relationship but it does happen. You should be mindful if you start becoming inappropriate with a client and vice versa. Again, setting boundaries is crucial! If you have a gut feeling as well as continued inappropriate behavior, please refer out. Make sure to document in case client reports being abandoned in treatment.
The field of counseling can be very rewarding if you are choosing this career for the right reasons. Please remember that you are dealing with people’s lives and wellbeing, which is something that should not be taken lightly. Empathy, awareness, and non-judgement are important key elements in providing a safe environment for individuals striving to work on themselves.
“In my early professional years I was asking the question: How can I treat, or cure, or change this person? Now I would phrase the question in this way: How can I provide a relationship which this person may use for his own personal growth?”
-Carl R. Rogers