Why Become a Therapist?

Ever feel that you are existing rather than living? That could have a lot to do with your work satisfaction. Working for others, in a job that is not your first choice, with little control over your future can all make you feel like life is passing you by.

Being a therapist means helping others and doing something worthwhile while taking control your life, the hours you work and getting rewarded financially and emotionally.

How will I help others?

The role of therapy is to engender hope, give the desire to grow and learn to self-evaluate and self-help. You will give someone hope through positive regard and a plan for change. You will increase their self-awareness and ability to navigate through future negative episodes. You will give them an ear when nobody else will. And you will do so without judgement, something they often will not find with even those closest to them.

Emotional happiness is often a delicate balance. Therapy is no longer only used to “fix problems” - it has also become a tool for personal growth and developing better self-understanding. This will also apply to you - as you learn about helping others, you will also have the opportunity to learn about yourself as a person.

“For me, therapy is about making and maintaining changes that improves one’s quality of life and supports personal growth. The role of the therapist is to arm an individual with the skills they need to self-help. The ultimate goal is that your client becomes self-sufficient and non-dependent.  The credit for change always lies with the client - the therapist is the facilitator of that change but not its author.”

Dr. Ali Shakir, conference speech, 2009