Days are long. Reimbursement rates from insurance are not always great. I have a lot of paperwork to keep up with on a daily basis. My days can be unpredictable. When my kids are sick I have to cancel and likely lose money. My income is unpredictable. I can’t really talk about the details of my work with friends or my husband. Sometimes my job is isolating. But it is worth it. Here are some of the reasons why I love what I do:
1) I get to have a unique relationship with many interesting, fascinating and inspiring people. People share their stories with me. Stories that are so deeply personal and touching. I am honored that people feel safe enough to share their stories with me.
2) I get to witness my clients doing so much of their own personal work while simultaneously being inspired to focus on my own personal growth as well. It was not until I got into private practice that I realized how important self care is. I began meditating, doing more yoga, running frequently, and realizing that self care is the most unselfish thing I can do not only as a parent, wife, and friend but also as a therapist. If I am asking my clients to spend time taking care of themselves, I need to model that to them as well.
3) Clients share their triumphs, too…On more than on occasion since being in practice, client’s have followed up after being discharged or having moved away to share how they are doing. They share that they got into college or managed the big transition to another city. They make appointments to just check in and let me know that they are doing alright.
4) I love being in flow with people…sometimes during a session, the client and I can find ourselves in such a beautiful flow of energy exchange in breaking down a trouble spot or exploring their maladaptive patterns. It is rewarding and beautiful.
5) It is important to me to show another human that I care about them, hear them, see them, and value them.
6) I love the “aha” moments.” To watch a client make a connection, to finally sit in the deep hurt they have never sat in, to be able to share their most traumatic memory - and then to see them do all those things and be okay (or not) is endearing to watch. It is really neat to be in that room with them when they can finally have some insight into something that has been hurting them for so long. I love watching clients get to those points in therapy.
7) Seeing client’s growth! I love being able to point out to a client how 6 months ago they may have responded in a way that did not feel authentic to them but as they tell me how they responded in present day - it’s great to be able to point out their progress in shifting their dynamics and patterns in relation to themselves and others.
My work is not always pretty. I cry with my clients sometimes. I am sad with them. I laugh with them. I am human with them. I hope they can feel my warmth and care for them. Being a human is tough and being a human carrying around hurt is even harder. I hope my work as a therapist allows to them find even just one day of feeling unburdened and as though someone values their life.
Lindsey
