Interviews With Therapists

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I decided to become a therapist in high school after hearing that I was a great listener and advice giver, and realizing I loved being that for friends. I attended college and received a BA in psychology, and continued on to get an MA in Counseling. I …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I majored in womens studies in college and began to do a lot of public advocacy work around gender equality but soon realized I wanted to help people on a more direct and interpersonal level. I traveled to India to volunteer at a womens short stay home, …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I was interested in people. This began as an interest in Theology and Anthropology, but whittled down to an interest in therapy — In the personal and subjective experiences an individual has rather than looking at those experiences on a larger scale or a group level. As …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? My background is in the Arts. My initial professional intention was healing through the use of art, teaching and leading groups. I still love that, but find a lot of richness and reward working with individuals and families in a more intimate setting. Before becoming a therapist, …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? During my work as a spiritual counselor and transformational life coach, I would often receive referrals from other coaches whose clients were not sustaining their gains. Most times, there were unresolved childhood issues wreaking havoc in their relationships. The problems in their relationships would then impact every …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I was working in an office in Central London when I first began training. It had often been suggested to me that I would make a good counsellor and I wanted to learn some new skills so I enrolled on an introductory course to see what it …

What does it mean to be ill? And who gets to decide which illnesses are worthy of being researched, treated, discussed, and valid? Physical illness and mental illness are not treated equally. As a society, we are slowly making it ok to talk about mental illness, but the stigma is still there. Our culture has …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? My reason for becoming a Therapist was due to having a confusing childhood. I really wanted and needed to understand myself and other people, the way we think, feel and behave. My own personal issues led me to seek counselling in my teens, and Counselling training followed …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? My decision to become a therapist was largely informed by having had my own therapy at various points in my life; I felt that I wanted to give back/pay it forward in some form. Further, if I am to be honest, my decision to become a therapist …

Naelah has been practicing as an Integrative Psychotherapist and Counsellor for individuals and couples for over eighteen years. She has worked in private practice for over nine years alongside working as a specialist individual therapist and group facilitator to survivors of trauma for the past fourteen years. She previously worked in the NHS as a …

“I help heal the relationships people have with themselves, with close others, and with the world.” How and/or why did you become a therapist? My earliest memories are about helping people who suffered, were misunderstood or mistreated. As a shy and sensitive child, I had an innate ability to understand people’s emotions leading me to …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I paid a lot of money to a careers advisory firm in London in the 1990s. When they suggested “counsellor” I was surprised and didn’t accept this as a possible career for several years, but after ten years experience I’m completely sold on the idea! What are …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I was always interested in people and subsequently their behavior. Being a therapist, therefore, seemed like a natural fit for me. What are the most rewarding aspects of being a therapist? It’s most rewarding when a client, couple, or family feels as though they have acquired the …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? Becoming a psychotherapist was not a career I originally saw myself pursuing. It took life experiences, a desire for a fulfilling occupation, and an earnest determination to help others for me to end up where I am today. I spent 7 years in a corporate role and …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I’ve known that I wanted to serve in a helping professions role as far back as I can remember. When I took an AP psychology class in high school that was it for me! I knew I would become a psychotherapist. In my studies and work with families, I was a …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I became a therapist by getting the necessary education required in order to be hirable as a therapist. Then I worked as one for awhile, while working on becoming licensed. Became licensed and started to work exclusively as a psychotherapist and as a couples counselor. Why? Well..15 …

What are the most rewarding aspects of being a therapist? It’s therapy’s dirty little secret that doing this work is extremely rewarding for therapists and clients alike. I identify with the concept of the wounded healer archetype coined by Carl Jung. To paraphrase, maintaining awareness of your own personal wounds while acting in service of …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I knew I wanted to be a therapist at a very young age. I was born into quite a bit of turmoil and thanks to my school therapists I was given a chance to overcome the obstacles that life gave me. I wanted to give back the …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? Becoming a therapist was a natural progression for me in terms of a life-long curiosity about people and what makes us tick. Even as a young child, I was always trying to figure out what was really going on with people beneath the surface. I was a …

Lisa Bahar is a licensed marriage and family therapist, professional clinical counselor and certified drug and alcohol counselor. She works with individuals, couples and families and specializes in personality disorders, mood disorders and substance abuse treatment. Lisa specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) an intervention skill set that helps client regulate emotions, learn how to …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? My parents say that I have always been listening to people – from my friends when i was young to the elderly in a nursing home when i was in high school to parents when i was teaching parenting classes in my 20’s. So, they were not …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I felt most alive and connected when I could help others make sense of their fears and longings. In my growing up years, the well of my own unmet needs drove me to try and make things more bearable for everyone. What are the most rewarding aspects …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I had resigned from the Canadian federal public service. At a loss about what to do next, I was soaking in the tub and “art therapy” as a vocation dawned on me. Since I was a teenager, art and expression had been my own catalyst to healing. …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I became a therapist after I had lived abroad, mostly in Asia, for 7 years. My pre-travel days undergraduate degree was a BA in psychology, from which I had learned a lot about myself and the human condition, but after living in various Asian countries and diving …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I decided to become a therapist when I was I was fourteen. I was an adolescent and I was going through all the difficulties of this developmental stage. My favourite subject at school was philosophy. I think that I used to love that subject because at least …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I think, like many people in the mental health field, from a young age I wanted to better understand people, including myself. As I grew, I also knew that I wanted to help others. My goal was to leave the world a better place than when I …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I became a therapist for the same reason everyone becomes a therapist, I wanted to change the world. And I was terrible in math. There is almost no math in any of the undergraduate or graduate programs! Kidding aside, I have always been interested in people and …

I’ve been a licensed psychotherapist for 25 years now. I spent the past 10 years working in partnership with law-enforcement. I have had many opportunities to serve a wide variety of people, from all backgrounds, and with a variety of belief systems. One thing that each person I worked with had in common, was a …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I decided to retrain as a Gestalt Psychotherapist following a very serious car accident eight years ago. My right leg was very badly injured and needed reconstruction. At the time, I was working in the TV industry, which involves spending a lot of time on one’s feet. …

What are your favorite or most interesting interpersonal relationship tips/advice? When couples come in to see me I start off by stressing the imperative nature that each party work their darnedest (against all odds set out by the ego) to focus on themselves, developing a keen eye for personal virtues and also faults in the …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I became a therapist because at one time I was a foster parent for the children’s aid Society and due to wait lists and a flawed system children had to wait extensive time for service which I found to be painful and unfair. As a therapist I …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I became a therapist because at the core of me is a deep and abiding interest in people. I was a music teacher and overseas development worker/recruiter, bur all the time it was what people are about that interested me most. What are the most rewarding aspects …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I was a Political Science major during undergraduate studies, but realized after graduation that I had a knack for listening to people, being able to take multiple perspectives, feeling and dealing with a full range of emotions, and feeling ok being an active part of people’s lives …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? Why did I become a therapist? There is a feeling dimension to the question and thinking strand. When I was younger there were times when I was left to deal with things that were too difficult for a young person to manage. It was the emotional equivalent …

I always, even as a little child, wanted to understand how relationships work best, and knew that there are more to it than what seemed on the surface. Wondering why people experience so much conflict, became a puzzle that fueled my passion to solve. After years of studies, personal experiences, and sharp observations of my …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? As a young man I became impressed with how psychotherapy helped me become more emotionally healthy and happy. The personal growth that I gained in therapy resulted in me having much better relationships. So I got interested in the field of psychotherapy and eventually became a therapist …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? A very abbreviated version is that someone told me that I would never make something of myself and I wanted to prove them wrong. What are the most rewarding aspects of being a therapist? Seeing a client go from struggling with life to thriving. Its also a …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I was always very curious about people and interpersonal relationships and people recognized this so they often came to me with their problems as I was a good listener and natural in empathy. I genuinely care about people and the more I work with them, the more …

Krystal Boothe is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of Wings of the Future. Boothe grew up in Detroit, MI from an underprivileged family in an abusive home; her father had two wives. The abusive environment made a major impact in her schooling as she had special educational classes. As an adult, she found …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? “Because I failed miserably as client!” I’m joking, though I felt like that for a long time! In therapy, fortunately you cannot fail. It’s a process of growth and understanding. I struggled deeply for many years to find relief from my own mind, to make sense of …

What’s unique or special in your background or approach to interpersonal relationships? Blending lots of different experiences, see below. What are your favorite or most interesting interpersonal relationship tips/advice? Being authentic and understanding your real feelings is a much better basis for long lasting trust and satisfying relationships than “behaving” correctly. I think truth, even …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? Originally I was interested in police work and was accepted to college for Criminal Science. My mother put the bug in my ear about how people seemed naturally attracted to me as someone who people seem to like to talk to. I have a cousin who was …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I began working with other people as a Girl Scout and later through charity work. After a decade of working in the fashion industry, which I found very shallow, I looked up schools with a psychology degree and was hooked. I am not as creative as I …

I became a therapist after a difficult time in my life where I went to therapy in college to a few different therapists. One of the therapists was not so helpful which made me feel worse, but then I went to one that was so helpful and I felt a weight being lifted off my …

How or why did you become a therapist? I grew up in a family that believed in being of service and doing something that mattered. I became a teacher in 1970 after graduating from a program at USC called Teacher Corps which was a fellowship program with the goal of bringing new teaching methods into …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I knew I wanted to become a psychologist by the time I turned 12 years old. I distinctly remember stating my goal out loud while serving appetizers to my parents’ friends during a social gathering at our house. One of the guests asked me the ever-so-common, and …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? As the youngest of 7 children in a chaotic household, I learned early on that I’d better learn to manage the relationships with my siblings in order to survive! I spent a lot of time watching, learning and listening – I seemed like the best one for …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? It seemed like a good idea at the time. I kid, I kid.. No, I wanted my very own super powers. OK, for real this time, human behavior is fascinating. What if you could understand why people do what they do and even anticipate certain behaviors? What …

Lynsey Lowe is a BACP Accredited Therapist with over 10 years’ experience of working with individuals, couples and groups. Her initial practice and main area of interest was working with survivors of trauma. Lynsey worked for a specialist trauma service for over 5 years as a counsellor, trainer and manager. She enjoys working with couples …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I returned to the mental health sphere after a hiatus of almost 30 years in which I “did other things,” serving as a reform politician in South Africa, a global marketing supremo for a banking group and a few private business enterprises, including international board roles in …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I studied a Masters of Gestalt Therapy and then embarked on studies in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. I became a therapist because I wanted to put into practice core beliefs and values that were important to me, to ‘walk the talk’. I developed a passion for working …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? Holocaust. I still remember the first time I heard the word uttered accompanied by an intense tone that was used to insinuate its severity. I turned towards my grandmother, “what does holocaust mean?” Her face was full of love, but also pain and sorrow. She eschewed my …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I became a therapist because I wanted to work in an area where I had some natural giftedness, an area I would find rewarding. I was always that kid in middle school and high school all my friends came to to talk about their problems. I tend …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? Although my childhood desire was to be a dancer, I was also intrigued by the dynamics and subtle communication between people early on. My father was only too happy that I was interested in something “practical” when I chose to study psychology. I think my interest in …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I have always wanted to help people live in happier, healthier marriages. Ever since I was young, people have come to me for advice on what to do in relationships. Now as a couples counseling, I have excellent opportunities to help couples live happy healthy lives. What …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I had been working in the government sector and wanted to move to voluntary clients. I was about 35 when I decided to do this and had a career in the Department of Justice in Ireland but I had always run therapeutic group during that time. What …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I grew up witnessing people close to me really struggling with mental illness. From a very early age I had a desire to help people suffering in this way. I studied medicine and worked for many years as a general practitioner. I knew I was passionate about …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I came to social work and psychotherapy in my mid-40s after working various jobs in the private and educational sectors for most of my adult life. It was the culmination of a long process of self-discovery, growth, and working-through of very compelling issues of my own that …

What are some of the biggest mistakes a therapist or patient can make? Despite the 3000 hour process and years of education, many therapists make the mistake of assuming the work is solving the client’s problem.Thinking we are responsible for a person’s marriage or their children is a mistake. A therapist that has just met …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? Whilst living a traumatic childhood from a very young age, I began to people-watch as it enabled me to ‘categorise’ people for my own safety and wellbeing. In doing so, I discovered the difference between the ‘factual’ and the ‘actual’. Although fascinated by people’s habits, attitudes and …

An interview… I have been working with couples since 2000 and have seen Baby Boomers, Gen X-ers and Millennials. I work with couples as they struggle with affairs and divorce as well as with premarital clients as they prepare for marriage. When I look back over my years of work I don’t see any one …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? This was a series of things really – I had been doing some voluntary work in a social reading group and I’d previously done an introduction to counselling, so the interest was there. This social reading group re-ignited my interest because I was reminded about how much …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I confess that it’s because I absolutely thrive on emotional intensity 🙂 And that I live for those moments of connection that are just so real, authentic, and deep 🙂 And that I want my clients to have that too 🙂 A place where they can really …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I became a Counsellor/Psychotherapist because a close member of my family nearly died and was treated at a hospital many miles away from where I lived. I received a lot of invaluable support from various people at that time and realised how important it is in times …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I come from a strong Muslim Asian Community from Preston, England. During my teenage years listening to teenagers at mosque suffering from abuse. I realised this community needed therapy and a feminist. During my A Levels I had to choose whether to become a Lawyer or a …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? Basically I wanted to help young people. I retrained in social work after a successful career in the visual arts and progressed to working in public mental health, where I learnt a lot about families and and serious mental illness. My overall aim was to be a …

Jennelle is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Supervisor, and Coach, working in a “Soteria” psychiatric clinic and in private practice in Munich, Germany. www.jennellepraxis.com. How and/or why did you become a therapist? I had always been aware of my privilege growing up in a wealthy white suburb. This discomfort, combined with my psychology interest …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? My doctorate is in Counselling Psychology. Most therapists become therapists because of the challenges in their own lives and I am no different. I became a therapist because of the challenges that I had faced in life and I wanted to understand how to manage and handle …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I became a therapist because I love helping people become the highest version of themselves possible. Relationships are certainly complicated and have enormous potential to add to our suffering. All individuals have a unique presentation of personality quirks such as wrong beliefs, perceptions, traumatic experiences and less-than …

Background: I’m a licensed psychotherapist in S. California, with 30 years’ experience in counseling individuals and couples. I’m also the author of 13 books in 16 languages, including How to be Happy Partners: Working it out Together, Love Styles: How to Celebrate Your Differences and The Real 13th Step: Discovering Confidence, Self-Reliance and Independence Beyond …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I actually started out in education, and then marketing and hadn’t really considered psychotherapy as a career because, initially, I didn’t really know/understand what a psychotherapist did. It was when I was doing my mindfulness training that I learned more about counselling and psychotherapy and realized it …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? My journey to becoming a psychotherapist was very much a personal one. My own childhood was very traumatic and I’d left home at a young age. I spent most of my twenties travelling and discovering myself through some hairy adventures, spiritual enquiry and also a lot of …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I used to work in HR, and found myself unable to help people with their problems as much as I wanted to. I initially trained as a life coach and then learned about NLP to deepen my skills. The more I learned the more I wanted to …

Why did you become a therapist? I was drawn to becoming a therapist even before I knew exactly what one did. As I child, I watched “The Miracle Worker” about Helen Keller and declared that when I grew up I wanted to help people like Anne Sullivan. Part of what intrigued me was my curiosity …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? Always being psychologically-minded from a young age, I tended to gravitate towards studies in psychology to better understand human thinking and behavior. Years later in my career I realized that I’d been inadvertently counselling my friends in high school hallways all along! So a great deal of …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I became a therapist partly because therapy has helped me a great deal at various points in my life. I’ve had some really supportive and helpful experiences with therapists who’ve journeyed alongside me as I’ve navigated something painful or a big change. Becoming a qualified therapist in …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? Being a psychotherapist for me is a vocation. I have been passionate about psychology and philosophy since I was an adolescent, always curious about the mysteries of the human mind and existence itself. One of the driving forces to become a therapist has also been my wish …

What are some things about therapy that you want to increase public awareness about? My therapy approach, which I call Quantumview Therapy, is largely based on the discoveries of quantum physics. This may sound like a scientific approach, but it’s actually the opposite. Quantum reality is an understanding of reality, based on quantum physics discoveries, …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? Becoming a therapist was always a vocation for me and definitely my calling in life. Prior to becoming a therapist, I realised I was suffering from depression. I decided not to go down the medical route of taking medication, and instead took up meditation and went into …

What are the most rewarding aspects of being a therapist? One of the most rewarding aspects of being a therapist is constantly being challenged to grow and heal in order to have the necessary skills and capacities to support my client’s growth and healing. The emphasis here is “support” my client’s healing. One of the …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I was a journalist and I loved interviewing people and finding out what makes them tick and I realised that I wanted to do that in a more in-depth way. I am fascinated by people, their world, our world. What are the most rewarding aspects of being …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? Becoming a therapist or to be precise a clinical psychologist was not something I had planned for. Me being an average student during my school days I was helped by a special educator who made a difference in my life and what I am today. So, I …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? I remember that I loved to sit and observe people. I have images of me being 5 years old and 7, 8, or 15 years old, sitting on a bus or train or tram or anywhere and calmly observing other people, the way how they act, speak, …

How and/or why did you become a therapist? This is my second career. My original career path was in Computer Engineering. I worked in Silicon Valley high-tech companies for over a decade, but I felt unfulfilled, as my heart was not in technology. Being empathic, I was drawn to psychology and wanted to make a …