Should I be a Therapist Anymore? What to do When the Doubt Creeps in…
By: Edie Stark, LMSW
Being a therapist is profoundly rewarding but can also be deeply challenging. As a therapist, you may have spent years helping others navigate their struggles, yet you may find yourself doubting your career choice. Alternatively, maybe you are just starting out and already feeling the uncertainty creep in.
These hesitations can be unsettling and may stem from various reasons, such as burnout, emotional exhaustion, or feeling ineffective.
Here, I’ll explore some common reasons therapists might question their career and provide guidance on how to navigate these doubts.
Common Reasons for Doubting a Career in Therapy
1. Burnout and Emotional Exhaustion
Therapy is emotionally demanding. Constantly engaging with clients’ traumas and emotional pain can lead to burnout and emotional exhaustion. You may find yourself feeling drained, lacking energy, or struggling to muster empathy.
Example: After years of working with clients experiencing severe trauma, you begin to feel numb to their stories. You notice you’re less patient and more irritable, both at work and home. This emotional fatigue makes you question if you want to continue in this field.
2. Feeling Ineffective or Stagnant
Despite your best efforts, some clients may not make progress, which can lead to feelings of ineffectiveness. You might start to question your skills and wonder if you’re truly helping anyone.
Example: You have a long-term client who hasn’t shown significant improvement despite trying various therapeutic approaches. You start to feel like you’re just going through the motions, leading to self-doubt and questioning your ability as a therapist.
3. Administrative Burdens
The administrative side of therapy—such as paperwork, insurance claims, and maintaining compliance with regulations—can be overwhelming and detract from the time you spend with clients.
Example: You find that you’re spending more hours on documentation and dealing with insurance companies than you are in actual therapy sessions. The frustration with bureaucracy starts to overshadow your passion for helping clients.
4. Financial Stress
Therapy can be a financially unstable profession, especially if you’re in private practice. The uncertainty of income can add stress and make you question the sustainability of your career choice.
Example: You struggle to fill your schedule with clients and worry about covering your expenses each month. The financial instability makes you question whether this career can support your long-term goals.
5. Personal Life Impact
The emotional demands of being a therapist can spill over into your personal life, affecting your relationships and overall well-being.
Example: You find it difficult to leave work at the office and often bring the emotional weight of your clients’ issues home. This has started to strain your relationships with family and friends, making you wonder if it’s worth it.
Steps to Take When You’re Doubting Your Career as a Therapist
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
The first step in addressing career doubts is to acknowledge and validate your feelings. It’s normal to experience uncertainty and questioning in any profession, especially one as demanding as being a therapist.
Action: Keep a journal to explore your thoughts and feelings about your career. Writing can help you identify specific sources of doubt and clarify your emotions.
2. Seek Supervision or Consultation
Talking to a supervisor or a more experienced colleague can provide new perspectives and guidance. They can help you navigate difficult cases, manage feelings of ineffectiveness, and provide support.
Action: Schedule regular supervision sessions or join a peer consultation group. Discuss your doubts openly and seek feedback and advice from trusted colleagues. They can also help you navigate potential career shifts and changes.
3. Engage in Self-Care
Self-care is crucial for preventing burnout and maintaining emotional health. Ensure you’re taking time to recharge and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Action: Create a self-care plan that includes activities such as exercise, hobbies, socializing, and relaxation techniques. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine.
4. Continuing Education and Professional Development
Engaging in continuing education can reignite your passion for therapy and provide new tools and approaches to enhance your practice.
Action: Enroll in workshops, attend conferences, or take courses in areas of interest. Learning new skills can boost your confidence and effectiveness as a therapist.
5. Set Better Boundaries
Establishing clear boundaries between your work and personal life is essential to prevent burnout and protect your well-being.
Action: Set specific work hours and stick to them. Avoid bringing work home and create rituals to transition from work to personal time. Learn to say no to extra work that could overwhelm you.
6. Reevaluate Your Work Environment
Sometimes, the environment you’re working in may contribute to your doubts. Consider whether a change in setting or practice model could alleviate some of your stress.
Action: If you’re in private practice, consider joining a group practice or a clinic with administrative support. If you’re already working for another company, discuss workload adjustments or seek positions in different settings that align better with your needs.
7. Reconnect with Your Purpose
Reflect on why you became a therapist in the first place. Reconnecting with your core values and passion for helping others can rekindle your motivation.
Action: Write a mission statement for your practice. Reflect on meaningful moments with clients where you’ve made a difference. Keep reminders of your positive impact visible in your workspace.
8. Consider Professional Support
Therapists can benefit from therapy too. Seeking professional support for yourself can provide a space to process your doubts and develop strategies for managing stress.
Action: Find a therapist or career coach who specializes in working with professionals. Regular sessions can help you gain insight and develop coping strategies for the challenges you face.
Final thoughts…
Doubting your career as a therapist is a natural and understandable experience, given the emotional and logistical challenges of the profession. By acknowledging your feelings, seeking support, engaging in self-care, and reconnecting with your purpose, you can navigate these doubts and find renewed motivation and satisfaction in your work. Remember, it’s okay to seek help and make changes that support your well-being and professional fulfillment. You became a therapist to help others, and taking care of yourself is a crucial part of being able to continue doing that important work.
You don't have to figure this out alone!
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You don't have to figure this out alone! 〰️
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As a therapist who has been there and has supported scores of therapists in similar positions, one of the things I love most is being able to offer personalized consulting services for therapists looking to transition from feeling stuck or burnt out to finding clarity and purpose in their careers. Whether you're starting a private practice, growing into a group practice, or exploring new career paths, I provide tailored support to help you achieve your goals. My services include individual consulting, case consultations, and business coaching, all designed to empower you to build a fulfilling and sustainable professional life.
Want to learn more about being an Empowered therapist? Check out these blog posts:
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