The Privilege of being a Therapist

We all know, in years past there has been a stigmas attached to mental health issues and admitting that you go to therapy. Fortunately, this is being dispelled by today’s younger generations, thanks in part, to social media. In past years, I have even been hesitant to talk about my job, based on my own preconceived notions of what someone might think about me. More recently though, I have responded directly when I correct them at the doctor’s office for example, “I am a psychotherapist, not a physical therapist.” It happens all the time! Is it that you think no one could actually be a PSYCHOtherapist? Surely, you mean, physical?

I truly believe that if you really knew how hard I worked for each client, you would not see therapy with a stigma attached. I pour my heart into the healing of each one of my clients, always hoping with all my heart for healing, growth and quality of life for them. If you could experience this process, you would see it as I do: a sacred connection between two brains, hearts and beings that exists to problem solve together for the best possible outcome of the hurting one, to be felt and heard.

The entire therapy process is much more than just meeting and discussing a problem. Once my client and I have entered into an alliance and a commitment is made by my client to do what she needs to, to move through the process, what happens next is not something that should be in any way stigmatized! What follows might make you envious that I have the privilege of this job!

Yes privilege. When progress is made, when a corner is turned, and there is a brain shift, and my client knows it, we share a moment of excitement, a poignant moment or a moment of celebration, and there is almost nothing in the world better to me than this! To feel the relief of another person when she understands something in a new way that is life changing… indescribable! This is when I know that there is no other job I would rather have! This is when I will tell you:

I am a PSYCHOtherapist and so privileged because of it!