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.

Want to learn more about being an Empowered therapist? Check out these blog posts:

• Top Five Things to Know Before Starting a Therapy Private Practice: Insights from a Successful Group Practice Owner

STG Services:

Stark Therapy Group offers therapy for all types of eating disorders, including Anorexia, Binge Eating Disorder and Bulimia. We offer a 3-tiered family based support for teens in eating disorder recovery. We treat anxiety, depression and general mental health conditions. We offer 3-tiered family based support for teens with general mental health issues. We also offer couples therapy. We would love to help you on your mental health journey. Reach out today for a free consultation!