If I was 22 again and could give myself advice, I would tell myself to at least research 5 other career fields before I made a decision that would impact my entire life. The passion and interest I had in the field back then and during grad school is not the same anymore and I don't know if I can be a therapist for 30 more years. I don't think I would choose this career if I could choose now, but I feel it's too late to go back to school for something else. I still care about the clients, but I think I need to look into other options.
Sadly I am experiencing allllll of the discussed possibilities. Its so embarrassing. I spent so many years and sooooooo much money to become a therapist and now feel super stuck.
Me too, exactly. 12 years as a therapist in various settings - corrections, community mental health, addictions, and more recently private group practice. I have so much guilt about not wanting to do this anymore, hoping clients will cancel, slacking in paperwork because I just want to avoid it all. Thankfully my clients don’t seem to have a clue because I can - and am - still present with them in the session and do a good job. It’s the before and after for me where I struggle. There’s also very little support and accountability where I work. Pretty isolated. But the micro-management approach at my previous job was too stressful. I’ve gone down to part-time but that hasn’t even helped and I just want to quit altogether. But then what…?? I know there’s hope - for both of us.
@@l.d.4477 I'm sorry you're struggling. Burnout is so real and I hope you prioritize your own health and wellbeing! I actually start a new, full-time, non-therapy job this week! I'm keeping a few private counseling clients in the evening, but I'm not even sure how long I'll do that for. I'm planning on keeping my license active and will likely return to full-time therapy in a couple of years, but for now, the compassion fatigue and burnout was not improving, so am taking a break and doing something different for a while.
@Rebecca Reuter Thank you for your reply and the update. Kudos to you for prioritizing your well-being. I love your plan. I was thinking the same way. Currently, I'm holding on until I can find something that is non-therapy. That's a challenge, and I don't have the bandwidth to return to school. Prayerfully, a path will be illuminated for my pivot. I'm happy for you and grateful for your example. Thanks for sharing, Rebecca.
Reading through this comment section made me feel so seen and not so alone. I've been struggling for over a year (mainly imposter syndrome) and have felt like maybe I would adjust but my anxiety just continues to swell. I will definitely be looking into my options more
You're so sweet, and this made me look at my decision to potentially take a break in a lot more positive light. Currently a therapist but realizing this might not be the position for me now. It makes me upset because I've wanted this for years, but I just don't feel like it's the right place for me.
Also the fact that we are grosely underpaid no matter what hospital, clinic, agency, etc. Even in private practice, it's inconsent pay. No benefits/paid vacation or sick leave.
I have been battling for some time. Honestly, this may not be the right career for me & it saddens me. I think this is affecting my mental health so bad because I am so anxious before sessions
I quit mainly because the pay was crappy and politics (gender affirmation), and not enough opportunity in my area. I DID work at a place that I loved before I moved to where I am now, but it was a nonprofit and, again, did not pay well. I made a career switch to building rockets as an entry level aerospace tech and I make more now doing that and feel a lot more satisfied with my work. I had a dream given to me by the Lord to pursue the mental health field, but I question whether it was a calling for life, or just for certain times/seasons. Either way I am content with where I am at now in life.
Thanks so much! So glad someone is talking about normalizing this! It doesn’t mean they are not awesome at what they do but that doesn’t mean they have to want to do it forever.
this is me right now. i believe i’m good at being a therapist but i can’t take the emotional demands anymore. ive worked in mental health for over 10 years now
I worked for agencies and realized it was not for me! I am now in a group private practice (6 hour days) and have my own substance use practice on the side. So much better. Have so much more autonomy. 💜
@@Cristinaa.8 I went on indeed and looked in my area for opportunities at a private practice. You get into one the same way as an agency. Through interviewing with the practice owners.
Thank you so much for speaking to this topic! I found myself questioning my role as a therapist for over a year before getting burnt out and stepping away. You’re right that this comes with shame, guilt and identity confusion! I’m still navigating my way to find a less people-facing position I can apply my clinical skill set to and it’s tricky... I appreciate you normalizing this and offering some helpful guidance.
All the points for me, unfortunately 😔 12 years as a therapist in various settings - corrections, community mental health, addictions, and more recently private group practice. I have so much guilt about not wanting to do this anymore, hoping clients will cancel, slacking in paperwork because I just want to avoid it all. Thankfully my clients don’t seem to have a clue because I can - and am - still present with them in the session and do a good job. It’s the before and after for me where I struggle. There’s also very little support and accountability where I work. Pretty isolated. But the micro-management approach at my previous job was too stressful. I’ve gone down to part-time but that hasn’t even helped and I just want to quit altogether. Thankfully my husband supports me doing what I need/want, but I’m so struggling with not being a therapist anymore. It’s a huge part of who I am. Ugh. This video was helpful, though - affirming and reminds me there are options. Thank you.
This has been exactly my experience ❤ I am currently taking a break from this work as a result of serious systemic issues at the community mental health agencies in my area. I wish there were more supports for us!
@@yogi8903 I hear you! Good for you for taking care of yourself. I hope you refresh yourself and are either able to go back to that place or find somewhere more suitable and less problematic.
I don’t dislike it, shoot I don’t even think I’m bad at it. But after kind of accessing several things I realized I don’t really like interacting with people this much. I don’t feel like my own mental health will be healthy if I keep taking on so many others people emotions as well as my own. Right now I only have my bachelors but while seeing the debt to income ratio for grad school I just found that the field isn’t speaking to my heart anymore. I love it and think it’s so needed, but I think I rather support on the back end then the front lines.
You are extremely wise to notice this and NOT obtain your master's. I unfortunately made this choice and now am suffering the consequences of a high DTI load. Walk away now, you will be thankful that you did.
I'm in the same boat: education, money, fear, shame. I still don't want to do it, really it's fear and shame that keeps me from quitting currently. I feel like it's inevitable, and I'm trying to do the right thing in the "right way" which I don't know what that means.
A lot of switching career options you mentioned have been one I've looked into. For one because I like the variety of job options when I look at the MH field. However, now that I'm in it and have looked more closely I find it impossible to switch to research or I/O without a ton of experience AND specialized degree. Even looking at adjunct positions at community College the qualifications look impossible. Can you do a more in-depth video on switching careers within mental health once you're a therapist. Or maybe interview someone who did?
Theory: maybe not the right thing for you at this time in your life. The working situation you are in might not be right for you. Make sure you are in the right workplace, or working with the right clients. Are you overworked? Or is it too much for you right now. Burnout is possible, not loving being a therapist and want to avoid the work. Are you too isolated. Cynical about the mental health system. Identity development, which may affect your work. Slow down, focus on personal growth, or take a break. Or maybe take a less people-facing role. Write, do e-courses, research, teaching, community therapist. Maybe one on one counselling coming to a close - write a book ! Seek support to get help through this process, to avoid shame, or a failure.
I'm going through this now and I'm thankful that I'm able to pinpoint what the issue is. I love being a therapist, but I'm working a completely different full time job, therapy part time 6 days a week, and a insurance coding class... so I'm overworking myself and something has to go! Also, I struggle with the guilt of turning down clients when my schedule is already pretty full 😬
I don't think I ever thought of quitting to be a therapist, but I have at times gotten frustrated and felt stuck mainly because I was overworked, underpaid at agencies. I mean I'm still kind of overworked at my day job, but private practice has brought my passion back (doing part time). I also agree that the mental health system is broken. It's like therapists have to jump through multiple hoops to provide good care and sometimes there's just nothing we can do because of limitations from the system we work in. Thanks for sharing!
I agree. There was a time when I thought agency work was the be all end all... then I found out more about what private and group practice work looked like.
@@nsanenthembrane I have to plan way ahead (possibly months) if I do take weeks off at a time because I'm so booked. I use my PTO for those and if no PTO, then I don't get paid for those days I'm off which isn't a situation I bump into.
@@PrivatePracticeSkills are you asking if there are any non-direct positions that I wanted you to cover? I think the overall burn out is causing many to resort to other positions that are not direct at all... where you still need to hold a license but are not interacting with patients as much... like insurance or ER psych where it’s more touch and go... generally speaking, what are the other options out there for licensed therapist to make good money (70k or more). Also, what is the market rate for our services at this point (nationally) per hour and salary-wise? Also, are there other ways to leverage the license in other fields?
@@KtotheB1218 I was an ER psychiatric liaison which is mainly providing psychiatric evaluations for recipients of emergency petitions (5051 holds- i.e Britney Spears other celebrities) and for those who have attempted suicide or homicide. In ER psych you also evaluate individuals experiencing psychotic symptoms (other exasperated symptoms) and who are a danger to self/community/others and (most likely) need an IP admission. There are other responsibilities that come with this position but I described the main parts. You can usually apply for this position in any major hospital setting with an ER if you are a fully licensed therapist or social worker (with a suitable background).
One thing I've noticed with a lot of therapists that lead to a lot of the points you mentioned: their expectations about what the field is really like. A lot of younger clinicians have a "this is the way the world should be" mentality, and its usually out of congruence with the way it really is.
That's such a great point! I definitely had a "come to Jesus" moment as an undergrad-level psych researcher. I saw behind the curtain of the mental health system while working with veterans and I realized the field looked almost nothing like what I'd thought. I went through a few weeks when I questioned everything and considered shifting career paths completely. I wonder if there are ways to help folks get a clearer sense of what to expect from much earlier on.
@@PrivatePracticeSkills one thing that I think helped that for was really good supervision. My two supervisors as an intern and my licensing supervisor as an LL were awesome, they didn't sugar coat it and they weren't just there to sign off on my hours. I hope to give the same kind of guidance and mentorship now that I have had counselor supervision training.
One of the worst choices in my life- grad school and therapy. One of the most disheartening things is that most ppl do not want change or appreciate what it is that we do. Another part is being a politically moderate, straight, white male. No fun working w ppl and bosses that hate you. Add the vicarious trauma, the in-bed w big pharma pushing of meds, insurance, billing, liability, nights working, weekends charting... compaired to many other fields, it's a shit job, often being paid too little, worked long hours, dealing w messed up ppl (other therapists and clients)... I could go on a long time.
Thank you! The isolation section rang with me! I just opened my private practice in a town where I don't know anyone (except my husband and the reason for relocating)! It's hard to make connections
Thank you for this video. I just started my job as a therapist and I am questioning what am I doing? I think the pandemic and obtaining my MSW during Covid has exacerbated my burnout. I just graduated last summer and I don’t think I can do this😩 my agency is not conducive to employee’s mental health. I enjoy therapy but not 5/6 clients back to back. It so excessive for me. I’m thankful for this video and the comments to let me know that I’m not alone ❤️
I’m in the exact same boat right now. Got my degree during Covid and then jumped right into the work. I am really unhappy, stressed, and overworked and have been for a long time. I am really questioning if I want to do this job but am scared of changing my job because of the guilt, time, and money I have put into it thus far.
@@amberc2058 I completely understand. Getting a MSW during Covid should not be understated, that was challenging and definitely speaks to our resilience. Kudos to you as well for your accomplishment! I am trying to change my perspective on the way I feel about my current job. We have come a long way am we deserve to be happy.
same!! working in IAPT is alot! 5 plus clients a day is TOO much!!! 4 maximum! but i feel therapist health is not really cared for!! they mostly care about targets and it’s too much
@@ladymich-j2e I agree! I forgot about this comment. I’ve made it 5 months, which I thought was impossible. Still not happy per say, but I stopped worrying about meeting productivity and only schedule 3 maybe 4 clients per day. I can’t handle more than that and effectively do my job at this time in my career. It seems like a skill that need to be developed. Also, looking for a better opportunity.
I LOVE being a therapist but only after 3 years of working in a large agency, I am so done! I want to be in private practice so badly, as i love this work but hate the corrupt conditions we have had to work in.
I have definitely questioned whether to continue to be a therapist ans this happened when I didn't have enough clients to make my business viable. At that time I decided that there is an expiry date on being a therapist and that I won't want to do it as long as I had intended when starting out 15 years ago
Thank you so much for this wonderful video. It's immensely helpful for me as a novice therapist loving the work but also questioning it simultaneously. This video brings much clarity and openness to reflect on several aspects when we think about quitting personal therapy service
I was thinking of going back to school in order to become a therapist and am already thinking of quitting becoming a therapist.... The worst part of my life is frankly, I don't want to go on. I feel like everything is bullshit. I'm cynical about the economy, the corrupt political system, human nature in general, getting older. I feel like we're all proverbial slaves and the only way out is death. Our body and mind is a prison. I'm not a competitive person, I haven't the energy for it anymore, and two, I feel like most everyone is shallow. There's no truth anymore. People seem divided and bitter. Sleeping is the best reality, followed by petting my precious cats. Other than that, everything is a slog and I don't know how to overcome this. Then on top of all that, I feel like a loser for being this way.
I’m barely an associate and although I thought I found a good place to complete hours, a few weeks in I am hearing gossip/backbiting, contradictory information, the owner isn’t friendly, etc… so I want to pull out but I am concerned that I should just force myself through to get licensed. I only have one client so far and basically the place I work at feels more like a referral center.
At my agency all the other counselors quit, so they started double-booking me! I have worked through the pandemic and am fried. I am looking at trying to figure out private practice.
Problem is, especially for cluster b's, they/we just Need somebody, sometimes. I've felt many a time I know much more/ have even more resilience than the therapist. We are emotional spiritual beings, as much as we may just Want to be logical beings all the time. It's impractical to expect Anyone to be perfectly rational 24/7, and cluster b's will naturally get attached
You know what dilemma I have ( I am only in college to become one) is charging fees. It's nearly a shame and guilt to take money from people who will come to me with depression or any other issues. How to overcome this nonsense?
When you need to pay rent you’ll get over that shame and guilt ! It costs a lot to be a therapist - emotionally it is taxing . We deserve high compensation for this incredibly emotionally exhausting work . And to do this work we must be paid .
Your clients are paying for a service just like any other service so don't feel guilty. They want to pay you. If i go to my car mechanic or a lawyer, i expect to pay.
@@goldbrick2563 poor clients don't have cars, or they just don't get them fixed. Poor people don't pay for health care either. Poor people need mental health care the most.
For a long time I had Non-Profit PTSD: Believing I didn't deserve to be paid a fair amount, I wasn't allowed to have higher functioning clients, I couldn't expect my clients to accept personal responsibility for themselves or show up. This extended to decorating my first office in "Early Nonprofit" (used furniture). Got this from internships. Thank Heavens I'm beyond it now. (BTW I'm not kidding, I believe Non-Profit PTSD is very real and can mess with your personal money issues.
I have to leave the helping professions after realizing how much things rub off on me. I don’t want to spend my life around illness poverty and trauma. I want abundance, health and joy for life. I believe all beings are worthy of good things, and I strive to be kind. But I want to enjoy life too
I'm a high functioning person with a high status career but i have some severe symptoms. I would call therapists and they would tell me they couldn't work with me or act really distant and almost demand that I take medication even though i've managed without it for a decade. I finally found a great therapist that was willing to see me and didn't try to shove meds down my throat. It suckkkkks when therapist only want to take anxiety and moderately depressed clients. It's so freaking hurtful and hard to find a therapist that deals with anything other than anxiety or depression. Knowing it's because you guys want an "easier" life, doesn't make it suck less. Don't you think there's enough of you who are taking on anxious and moderately depressed folks? Why even join the career at all.
Are you saying they should do that for the rest of their lives? If it's taking a toll on them mentally, emotionally, physically, etc, they need to also take of themselves. It's great that you found a great therapist but don't be selfish and judge those who are not able to continue doing what they once enjoy doing, here can be millionsof reasons but dont judge them. @truthspeaker8863
I have been an LPC for almost 20 years. For the past 15 years, I conducted assessments primarily not counseling; as well for past 15 years I have worked primarily in management- clinical and administrative. Recently I took a job as an outpatient therapist in a group private practice. I realize I have no idea what I am doing and it's scary. Regretting I left my management job, although it had it's issues - but I was confident in that job. Maybe it's just change - and I will adjust?
Thank you for sharing this! It’s nice to see the perspective of someone who’s been in the field for a long time. I recently also started working as a therapist in private practice and after having done mainly community mental health jobs and hospital social work, I also question if I know how to “be a therapist”. For the past few months I have been really curious if doing just intake assessments may be a good fit for me (it feels like it would still be clinical, without the responsibility of longterm work with the client). Is this what you did? Id be interested to know what kept you doing assessments for 15 years?
@@fimja I did assessments and reassessments primarily in a community based program (Mental Health Rehab). I was responsible for the clients as a supervisor. I directed treatment and supervised unlicensed master level counselors who provided supportive counseling and skills training to the clients. I also once worked in a prison doing triage assessments. I am very confident in doing assessments. I have also worked in upper management in other jobs in which I did no clinical work. This is first time since the first few years of my career that I have done what I term as "real counseling". I have been brushing up on theories and techniques- sort of a crash course. The two things I have discovered recently that helps me to relax somewhat is "to be myself and let the client talk to lead direction of session, using instinct to implement theory and technique. I am accustomed to doing a lot of paperwork when I did assessments. This will be lot less paperwork and much more client time. I liked doing assessments because it was balanced between paperwork and client contact time. It's been slow start with my job as far as building client base and thankfully I negotiated salary vs. split compensation with my employer. I have had a 75% return rate of assessments of new clients, which is not bad I suppose just starting out...I started the job about 3 weeks ago but have been out past 3 days due to contracting COVID (recovered well). Although I am anxious because this is "new" for me, I plan to give it 3 months to see how I feel and how it goes. I wasn't unhappy with my former job but they were experiencing financial issues so I needed to leave. I wanted to do something different so here I am. Let me know how you are doing. Glad to know I am not only one who is having doubt.
If I was 22 again and could give myself advice, I would tell myself to at least research 5 other career fields before I made a decision that would impact my entire life. The passion and interest I had in the field back then and during grad school is not the same anymore and I don't know if I can be a therapist for 30 more years. I don't think I would choose this career if I could choose now, but I feel it's too late to go back to school for something else. I still care about the clients, but I think I need to look into other options.
Sadly I am experiencing allllll of the discussed possibilities. Its so embarrassing. I spent so many years and sooooooo much money to become a therapist and now feel super stuck.
Me too, exactly. 12 years as a therapist in various settings - corrections, community mental health, addictions, and more recently private group practice. I have so much guilt about not wanting to do this anymore, hoping clients will cancel, slacking in paperwork because I just want to avoid it all. Thankfully my clients don’t seem to have a clue because I can - and am - still present with them in the session and do a good job. It’s the before and after for me where I struggle. There’s also very little support and accountability where I work. Pretty isolated. But the micro-management approach at my previous job was too stressful. I’ve gone down to part-time but that hasn’t even helped and I just want to quit altogether. But then what…?? I know there’s hope - for both of us.
You're not alone in this. I feel you.
@@rebeccareuter6854 Hi Rebecca, how are you doing with things now? Have you been able to make a decision?
I'm struggling myself.
@@l.d.4477 I'm sorry you're struggling. Burnout is so real and I hope you prioritize your own health and wellbeing! I actually start a new, full-time, non-therapy job this week! I'm keeping a few private counseling clients in the evening, but I'm not even sure how long I'll do that for. I'm planning on keeping my license active and will likely return to full-time therapy in a couple of years, but for now, the compassion fatigue and burnout was not improving, so am taking a break and doing something different for a while.
@Rebecca Reuter Thank you for your reply and the update. Kudos to you for prioritizing your well-being. I love your plan. I was thinking the same way. Currently, I'm holding on until I can find something that is non-therapy. That's a challenge, and I don't have the bandwidth to return to school. Prayerfully, a path will be illuminated for my pivot.
I'm happy for you and grateful for your example. Thanks for sharing, Rebecca.
Experiencing a lot of these. I honestly just want to go back to a job where I’m working manually, less people focused.
What job?
I get paid less than I did as a bachelor level social worker, for a lot more in student loans and holding trauma from others
Reading through this comment section made me feel so seen and not so alone. I've been struggling for over a year (mainly imposter syndrome) and have felt like maybe I would adjust but my anxiety just continues to swell. I will definitely be looking into my options more
I feel.the same way!!!
You're so sweet, and this made me look at my decision to potentially take a break in a lot more positive light. Currently a therapist but realizing this might not be the position for me now. It makes me upset because I've wanted this for years, but I just don't feel like it's the right place for me.
Also the fact that we are grosely underpaid no matter what hospital, clinic, agency, etc. Even in private practice, it's inconsent pay. No benefits/paid vacation or sick leave.
I have been battling for some time. Honestly, this may not be the right career for me & it saddens me. I think this is affecting my mental health so bad because I am so anxious before sessions
Hi Marie W. How are you feeling and doing since your post?
I thought I was alone in this
I feel exactly the same! I'm anxious and dread providing therapy before and after sessions.
What job did you decide to.go into?
I quit mainly because the pay was crappy and politics (gender affirmation), and not enough opportunity in my area. I DID work at a place that I loved before I moved to where I am now, but it was a nonprofit and, again, did not pay well. I made a career switch to building rockets as an entry level aerospace tech and I make more now doing that and feel a lot more satisfied with my work. I had a dream given to me by the Lord to pursue the mental health field, but I question whether it was a calling for life, or just for certain times/seasons. Either way I am content with where I am at now in life.
How did you even find that new gig? How's it going? I'm also a Christian sick of this gender junk.
Thanks so much! So glad someone is talking about normalizing this! It doesn’t mean they are not awesome at what they do but that doesn’t mean they have to want to do it forever.
I completely agree!
this is me right now. i believe i’m good at being a therapist but i can’t take the emotional demands anymore. ive worked in mental health for over 10 years now
I worked for agencies and realized it was not for me! I am now in a group private practice (6 hour days) and have my own substance use practice on the side. So much better. Have so much more autonomy. 💜
How did you find said private practice? What does it take to enter one?
@@Cristinaa.8 I went on indeed and looked in my area for opportunities at a private practice. You get into one the same way as an agency. Through interviewing with the practice owners.
@@AlexaAnaiiswhat is your income like? :)
Thank you so much for speaking to this topic! I found myself questioning my role as a therapist for over a year before getting burnt out and stepping away. You’re right that this comes with shame, guilt and identity confusion! I’m still navigating my way to find a less people-facing position I can apply my clinical skill set to and it’s tricky... I appreciate you normalizing this and offering some helpful guidance.
What did you do me up doing after stepping away?
Could you share any of those things you found that are less people facing positions?
I decided to take a break instead and take time for myself.
I'm so glad! I hope the time is helpful and meaningful ❤️
All the points for me, unfortunately 😔 12 years as a therapist in various settings - corrections, community mental health, addictions, and more recently private group practice. I have so much guilt about not wanting to do this anymore, hoping clients will cancel, slacking in paperwork because I just want to avoid it all. Thankfully my clients don’t seem to have a clue because I can - and am - still present with them in the session and do a good job. It’s the before and after for me where I struggle. There’s also very little support and accountability where I work. Pretty isolated. But the micro-management approach at my previous job was too stressful. I’ve gone down to part-time but that hasn’t even helped and I just want to quit altogether. Thankfully my husband supports me doing what I need/want, but I’m so struggling with not being a therapist anymore. It’s a huge part of who I am. Ugh. This video was helpful, though - affirming and reminds me there are options. Thank you.
This has been exactly my experience ❤ I am currently taking a break from this work as a result of serious systemic issues at the community mental health agencies in my area. I wish there were more supports for us!
@@yogi8903 I hear you! Good for you for taking care of yourself. I hope you refresh yourself and are either able to go back to that place or find somewhere more suitable and less problematic.
I don’t dislike it, shoot I don’t even think I’m bad at it. But after kind of accessing several things I realized I don’t really like interacting with people this much. I don’t feel like my own mental health will be healthy if I keep taking on so many others people emotions as well as my own. Right now I only have my bachelors but while seeing the debt to income ratio for grad school I just found that the field isn’t speaking to my heart anymore. I love it and think it’s so needed, but I think I rather support on the back end then the front lines.
You are extremely wise to notice this and NOT obtain your master's. I unfortunately made this choice and now am suffering the consequences of a high DTI load. Walk away now, you will be thankful that you did.
this is exactly how i feel, seeing 4-5 people a day with heavy emotions and problem solving to deal with is just too heavy for me
I'm more so an intern in my final year and i already want to quit.
I'm in the same boat: education, money, fear, shame. I still don't want to do it, really it's fear and shame that keeps me from quitting currently. I feel like it's inevitable, and I'm trying to do the right thing in the "right way" which I don't know what that means.
A lot of switching career options you mentioned have been one I've looked into. For one because I like the variety of job options when I look at the MH field. However, now that I'm in it and have looked more closely I find it impossible to switch to research or I/O without a ton of experience AND specialized degree. Even looking at adjunct positions at community College the qualifications look impossible. Can you do a more in-depth video on switching careers within mental health once you're a therapist. Or maybe interview someone who did?
Theory: maybe not the right thing for you at this time in your life. The working situation you are in might not be right for you. Make sure you are in the right workplace, or working with the right clients. Are you overworked? Or is it too much for you right now. Burnout is possible, not loving being a therapist and want to avoid the work. Are you too isolated. Cynical about the mental health system. Identity development, which may affect your work. Slow down, focus on personal growth, or take a break. Or maybe take a less people-facing role. Write, do e-courses, research, teaching, community therapist. Maybe one on one counselling coming to a close - write a book ! Seek support to get help through this process, to avoid shame, or a failure.
Thank you for having such a validating approach to this ❤ I needed it!
I'm going through this now and I'm thankful that I'm able to pinpoint what the issue is. I love being a therapist, but I'm working a completely different full time job, therapy part time 6 days a week, and a insurance coding class... so I'm overworking myself and something has to go!
Also, I struggle with the guilt of turning down clients when my schedule is already pretty full 😬
I don't think I ever thought of quitting to be a therapist, but I have at times gotten frustrated and felt stuck mainly because I was overworked, underpaid at agencies. I mean I'm still kind of overworked at my day job, but private practice has brought my passion back (doing part time). I also agree that the mental health system is broken. It's like therapists have to jump through multiple hoops to provide good care and sometimes there's just nothing we can do because of limitations from the system we work in. Thanks for sharing!
How is your time off at agencies? Are you allowed to take off two weeks there two weeks here even if you don’t have pto?
I agree. There was a time when I thought agency work was the be all end all... then I found out more about what private and group practice work looked like.
@@nsanenthembrane I have to plan way ahead (possibly months) if I do take weeks off at a time because I'm so booked. I use my PTO for those and if no PTO, then I don't get paid for those days I'm off which isn't a situation I bump into.
@@gocubs1815 Absolutely and being unlicensed at the time, collecting hours seems miserable.
So true! I'm glad you're finding a fit that works for you and allows you to engage with your passions!
Would it be possible to make a video about other non-direct care options for licensed therapist?
Great question! Are there any in particular you're interested in?
@@PrivatePracticeSkills are you asking if there are any non-direct positions that I wanted you to cover? I think the overall burn out is causing many to resort to other positions that are not direct at all... where you still need to hold a license but are not interacting with patients as much... like insurance or ER psych where it’s more touch and go... generally speaking, what are the other options out there for licensed therapist to make good money (70k or more). Also, what is the market rate for our services at this point (nationally) per hour and salary-wise? Also, are there other ways to leverage the license in other fields?
@@chyaholland4341 oh wow. ER Psych? What is that?? Sounds interesting
@@KtotheB1218 I was an ER psychiatric liaison which is mainly providing psychiatric evaluations for recipients of emergency petitions (5051 holds- i.e Britney Spears other celebrities) and for those who have attempted suicide or homicide. In ER psych you also evaluate individuals experiencing psychotic symptoms (other exasperated symptoms) and who are a danger to self/community/others and (most likely) need an IP admission. There are other responsibilities that come with this position but I described the main parts. You can usually apply for this position in any major hospital setting with an ER if you are a fully licensed therapist or social worker (with a suitable background).
@@chyaholland4341 so interesting. I can find this type of position on the internet. Might it be under another name?
One thing I've noticed with a lot of therapists that lead to a lot of the points you mentioned: their expectations about what the field is really like. A lot of younger clinicians have a "this is the way the world should be" mentality, and its usually out of congruence with the way it really is.
That's such a great point! I definitely had a "come to Jesus" moment as an undergrad-level psych researcher. I saw behind the curtain of the mental health system while working with veterans and I realized the field looked almost nothing like what I'd thought. I went through a few weeks when I questioned everything and considered shifting career paths completely. I wonder if there are ways to help folks get a clearer sense of what to expect from much earlier on.
@@PrivatePracticeSkills one thing that I think helped that for was really good supervision. My two supervisors as an intern and my licensing supervisor as an LL were awesome, they didn't sugar coat it and they weren't just there to sign off on my hours. I hope to give the same kind of guidance and mentorship now that I have had counselor supervision training.
One of the worst choices in my life- grad school and therapy.
One of the most disheartening things is that most ppl do not want change or appreciate what it is that we do.
Another part is being a politically moderate, straight, white male. No fun working w ppl and bosses that hate you.
Add the vicarious trauma, the in-bed w big pharma pushing of meds, insurance, billing, liability, nights working, weekends charting... compaired to many other fields, it's a shit job, often being paid too little, worked long hours, dealing w messed up ppl (other therapists and clients)... I could go on a long time.
Thank you! The isolation section rang with me! I just opened my private practice in a town where I don't know anyone (except my husband and the reason for relocating)! It's hard to make connections
I hope you're able to find some connections, both locally or even remotely through digital means. It's so easy to get isolated, especially these days!
Thank you for this video. I just started my job as a therapist and I am questioning what am I doing? I think the pandemic and obtaining my MSW during Covid has exacerbated my burnout. I just graduated last summer and I don’t think I can do this😩 my agency is not conducive to employee’s mental health. I enjoy therapy but not 5/6 clients back to back. It so excessive for me. I’m thankful for this video and the comments to let me know that I’m not alone ❤️
I’m in the exact same boat right now. Got my degree during Covid and then jumped right into the work. I am really unhappy, stressed, and overworked and have been for a long time. I am really questioning if I want to do this job but am scared of changing my job because of the guilt, time, and money I have put into it thus far.
@@amberc2058 I completely understand. Getting a MSW during Covid should not be understated, that was challenging and definitely speaks to our resilience. Kudos to you as well for your accomplishment! I am trying to change my perspective on the way I feel about my current job. We have come a long way am we deserve to be happy.
same!! working in IAPT is alot! 5 plus clients a day is TOO much!!! 4 maximum! but i feel therapist health is not really cared for!! they mostly care about targets and it’s too much
@@ladymich-j2e I agree! I forgot about this comment. I’ve made it 5 months, which I thought was impossible. Still not happy per say, but I stopped worrying about meeting productivity and only schedule 3 maybe 4 clients per day. I can’t handle more than that and effectively do my job at this time in my career. It seems like a skill that need to be developed. Also, looking for a better opportunity.
@@socialworkersanonymous glad to hear you're trying to work through it & have established a boundary 🤍
I LOVE being a therapist but only after 3 years of working in a large agency, I am so done! I want to be in private practice so badly, as i love this work but hate the corrupt conditions we have had to work in.
The first one for sure when I was working in agencies.
I've been there too!
I have definitely questioned whether to continue to be a therapist ans this happened when I didn't have enough clients to make my business viable. At that time I decided that there is an expiry date on being a therapist and that I won't want to do it as long as I had intended when starting out 15 years ago
I won’t even start. I could
write a book about how horrible this career has been for me. It could be a real tv drama series.
You are an amazing therapist, Doc! You're keeping it real on so many levels with this video 👍🏾
Thank you so much for this wonderful video. It's immensely helpful for me as a novice therapist loving the work but also questioning it simultaneously. This video brings much clarity and openness to reflect on several aspects when we think about quitting personal therapy service
I was thinking of going back to school in order to become a therapist and am already thinking of quitting becoming a therapist.... The worst part of my life is frankly, I don't want to go on. I feel like everything is bullshit. I'm cynical about the economy, the corrupt political system, human nature in general, getting older. I feel like we're all proverbial slaves and the only way out is death. Our body and mind is a prison. I'm not a competitive person, I haven't the energy for it anymore, and two, I feel like most everyone is shallow. There's no truth anymore. People seem divided and bitter. Sleeping is the best reality, followed by petting my precious cats. Other than that, everything is a slog and I don't know how to overcome this. Then on top of all that, I feel like a loser for being this way.
I’m barely an associate and although I thought I found a good place to complete hours, a few weeks in I am hearing gossip/backbiting, contradictory information, the owner isn’t friendly, etc… so I want to pull out but I am concerned that I should just force myself through to get licensed. I only have one client so far and basically the place I work at feels more like a referral center.
Solid practical points Doc. Preach. Two thumbs up.
Thank you for this! I am wanting to do use my skills in a another way.
Thank you so much for your content! 💜
At my agency all the other counselors quit, so they started double-booking me! I have worked through the pandemic and am fried. I am looking at trying to figure out private practice.
Problem is, especially for cluster b's, they/we just Need somebody, sometimes. I've felt many a time I know much more/ have even more resilience than the therapist. We are emotional spiritual beings, as much as we may just Want to be logical beings all the time. It's impractical to expect Anyone to be perfectly rational 24/7, and cluster b's will naturally get attached
i’d love to hear about how the mental health system is broken and toxic..
You know what dilemma I have ( I am only in college to become one) is charging fees. It's nearly a shame and guilt to take money from people who will come to me with depression or any other issues. How to overcome this nonsense?
When you need to pay rent you’ll get over that shame and guilt ! It costs a lot to be a therapist - emotionally it is taxing . We deserve high compensation for this incredibly emotionally exhausting work . And to do this work we must be paid .
Your clients are paying for a service just like any other service so don't feel guilty. They want to pay you. If i go to my car mechanic or a lawyer, i expect to pay.
@@goldbrick2563 poor clients don't have cars, or they just don't get them fixed. Poor people don't pay for health care either. Poor people need mental health care the most.
@@truthspeaker8863 she didnt mention poor clients. She mentioned charging depressed people. Poor qualify for medicaid for payment
For a long time I had Non-Profit PTSD: Believing I didn't deserve to be paid a fair amount, I wasn't allowed to have higher functioning clients, I couldn't expect my clients to accept personal responsibility for themselves or show up. This extended to decorating my first office in "Early Nonprofit" (used furniture). Got this from internships. Thank Heavens I'm beyond it now. (BTW I'm not kidding, I believe Non-Profit PTSD is very real and can mess with your personal money issues.
I have to leave the helping professions after realizing how much things rub off on me. I don’t want to spend my life around illness poverty and trauma. I want abundance, health and joy for life. I believe all beings are worthy of good things, and I strive to be kind. But I want to enjoy life too
I'm a high functioning person with a high status career but i have some severe symptoms. I would call therapists and they would tell me they couldn't work with me or act really distant and almost demand that I take medication even though i've managed without it for a decade. I finally found a great therapist that was willing to see me and didn't try to shove meds down my throat. It suckkkkks when therapist only want to take anxiety and moderately depressed clients. It's so freaking hurtful and hard to find a therapist that deals with anything other than anxiety or depression. Knowing it's because you guys want an "easier" life, doesn't make it suck less. Don't you think there's enough of you who are taking on anxious and moderately depressed folks? Why even join the career at all.
Are you saying they should do that for the rest of their lives? If it's taking a toll on them mentally, emotionally, physically, etc, they need to also take of themselves. It's great that you found a great therapist but don't be selfish and judge those who are not able to continue doing what they once enjoy doing, here can be millionsof reasons but dont judge them. @truthspeaker8863
I have been an LPC for almost 20 years. For the past 15 years, I conducted assessments primarily not counseling; as well for past 15 years I have worked primarily in management- clinical and administrative. Recently I took a job as an outpatient therapist in a group private practice. I realize I have no idea what I am doing and it's scary. Regretting I left my management job, although it had it's issues - but I was confident in that job. Maybe it's just change - and I will adjust?
Thank you for sharing this! It’s nice to see the perspective of someone who’s been in the field for a long time. I recently also started working as a therapist in private practice and after having done mainly community mental health jobs and hospital social work, I also question if I know how to “be a therapist”. For the past few months I have been really curious if doing just intake assessments may be a good fit for me (it feels like it would still be clinical, without the responsibility of longterm work with the client). Is this what you did? Id be interested to know what kept you doing assessments for 15 years?
@@fimja I did assessments and reassessments primarily in a community based program (Mental Health Rehab). I was responsible for the clients as a supervisor. I directed treatment and supervised unlicensed master level counselors who provided supportive counseling and skills training to the clients. I also once worked in a prison doing triage assessments. I am very confident in doing assessments. I have also worked in upper management in other jobs in which I did no clinical work. This is first time since the first few years of my career that I have done what I term as "real counseling". I have been brushing up on theories and techniques- sort of a crash course. The two things I have discovered recently that helps me to relax somewhat is "to be myself and let the client talk to lead direction of session, using instinct to implement theory and technique. I am accustomed to doing a lot of paperwork when I did assessments. This will be lot less paperwork and much more client time. I liked doing assessments because it was balanced between paperwork and client contact time. It's been slow start with my job as far as building client base and thankfully I negotiated salary vs. split compensation with my employer. I have had a 75% return rate of assessments of new clients, which is not bad I suppose just starting out...I started the job about 3 weeks ago but have been out past 3 days due to contracting COVID (recovered well). Although I am anxious because this is "new" for me, I plan to give it 3 months to see how I feel and how it goes. I wasn't unhappy with my former job but they were experiencing financial issues so I needed to leave. I wanted to do something different so here I am. Let me know how you are doing. Glad to know I am not only one who is having doubt.
How has it gone for you? Do you feel like you’ve adjusted?
Thaaank you soooo much
No shame for me. Biggest waste of time and money ever!! I’d rather earn a living as a barista at Starbucks. At least that’s honorable.
Yesssss
For me it’s 3 but it’s the country not exact place🥲, 4 annnnddd definitely 555555!