The best part of being a therapist

For me, is actually not helping people. And it’s definitely not the money, but another selfish reason. The best part of being a therapist is that the profession encourages me to be a better person.

When I work with clients, it is like putting up a mirror to reflect back what they see in themselves and what I see in them. What also happens is that the mirror reflects back at me, the therapist, and I have to look at myself.

It’s a vocation that requires me to be reflective of my own thoughts, biases, emotions, and personal history, as I try to be fully present to someone else’s.

How being a therapist helped me grow:

1. I practice what I preach: setting boundaries, communication, self-care.

2. I also practice self-acceptance. I’m not perfect, but I love myself anyway.

3. I take care of myself, so I can better care for others.

4. I learn from my clients.

5. I have become better at seeing the good in people.

6. I reflect & manage on my own biases, my thoughts & emotions as they show up inside and outside of sessions.

It’s hard work, but I am grateful for it.

My work

Yoojin Nam LMFT is the author of Thinking to Feel. He has been providing psychotherapy for 7 years and is licensed to practice in CA & TX.

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Disclaimer: These posts are not a replacement for therapy. The information contained within is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be therapeutic advice.