My personal journey with therapy: When therapists seek therapy

In the past, the path to becoming a therapist often required practitioners to undergo therapy themselves. However, times have changed, and this is no longer a mandatory part of the qualification process. Instead, it's at the discretion of the individual practitioner whether to seek therapy or not.

My own therapy journey began during my university years; when I had access to university-funding counseling (which is often delivered by counselors in training). I reached a point of overwhelm, where I thought I could really benefit from talking to someone. I eagerly booked my first session, armed with notes on topics I wanted to discuss, potential reasons behind my thoughts, and strategies I had tried. I recall my counselor's surprise at my preparation, remarking, "Wouldn't it be great if more clients came as prepared as you!"

I left that session feeling validated, although I was uncertain about my next steps. This type of free or low-cost counseling from the uni didn’t guarantee that you’d always work with the same therapist, so I wasn’t sure about whether to continue. 

My second therapy venture involved getting a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from a GP, granting me access to six sessions with a Medicare rebate. I remember feeling proud of myself for booking regular sessions, and loved the opportunity to talk through my story. The psychologist noted my progress and suggested I might not need the remaining four sessions on the MHCP. This left me happy but confused, as I had recounted my story but hadn't experimented with any strategies or behavioural interventions. Although I didn't tell the therapist my desire to try a new approach, simply telling my story to a non-judgmental listener was validating enough.

In my third attempt at therapy, I engaged with a life coach who started as my long-term mentor. Her structured 12-week program left a profound impact on me, sparking lasting change and an expanded perspective. It wasn’t a typical 1:1 approach, but combined mixed modalities with group sessions, yoga and retreats, all in addition to individual sessions. Since then, my journey has led me through various therapists, therapies, and modalities, each contributing to my healing in unique ways.

Discovering the right therapist fit is a challenging yet rewarding process. It involves a readiness to share your thoughts, express your needs, and communicate how the therapeutic journey makes you feel. This collaborative effort creates a positive and nurturing environment, setting the stage for growth, healing, and self-discovery. If you feel ready to take a step, I’d be happy to help you each step of the way!