When people find out I’m a counselling therapist, the first thing they often ask is, “Isn’t that… heavy?” And yes—it can be. You’re sitting with people’s pain, trauma, grief, and confusion. But for me, it’s also very rewarding.
For those curious about psychology, this is my ode to a field I’m deeply passionate about and one I’ll most likely continue to pursue and grow in for the rest of my life. It’s a profession that challenges you, humbles you, and constantly pushes you to reflect and evolve.
I’ve become skilled at setting boundaries and learning not to carry clients’ stories with me—though it’s always a work in progress. I also make sure to surround myself with people who truly understand this unique, sometimes intense work, and who can hold space for me just as I do for others.
One of the books that shaped my path into this profession is On Being a Therapist by Jeffrey Kottler. It’s a classic book that’s inspired a generation of therapists to explore the sacred, raw, and deeply human side of this work. That book also showed me that therapy isn’t just a job. It’s a calling, and one that can seem perplexing to others.
I get asked a lot: “So, are you psychoanalyzing people all the time? Is it hard to shut off?” My honest answer: Yes, and… I don’t want to shut it off! People’s stories are like a puzzle – and it’s fun for me. I often find myself quietly piecing it together in the back of my mind, using my psychoanalyzing skills to conceptualize people around me to better understand and help them. I’ve honed this skill throughout my life and now see it as a superpower. That being said, I do this while also making sure I’m having fun in my day-to-day since balancing work with enjoying life is paramount.
My Myers-Briggs personality type is INFJ (the “let’s talk about your soul over coffee” type), so this work fits me like a glove. Therapy, for me, isn’t about clinical diagnosis or fitting people into medical models. Counselling is about deep listening, seeing what’s not being said, offering reflection and insight that helps people feel seen, validated, and—sometimes gently—called out (the same reasons I love my own therapist!).
Yes, it can be heavy. But we’re trained for that. Peer consults, skill building, supervision, burnout prevention, and a value system rooted in the idea that suffering can lead to transformation—it’s all part of it and it’s often generative.
And honestly? The work can be hilarious, humbling, and heart-expanding. I learn from my clients all the time. I leave many sessions feeling more connected to humanity. But, therapists see the world differently and that’s exactly what makes being one so awesome.
If you’re considering this path, know that the work is demanding—but also deeply fulfilling. And if you want to explore whether it’s the right fit for you, I offer counselling to help you map out your career. Book a free consult here!