Becoming a therapist

OK well I've decided that I'm going to become a therapist. I've already made a degree plan with my former advisor at Lesley University, where I went before. I'm going to be a human services major and design my own minor. I'm going to use my horses, when I get them, and gardening as part of my therapy for those who want to do it that way. What do you all think? I know my therapist also suffers from depression, and it's comforting to know she actually does know how I feel, and it was a relief to know that. I know I'll make an excellent therapist. I do want to open my doors to those who have been in abusive relationships. Any avice is welcome!!!!

Missp~

What a great ambition!  I toohave a degree in Health and Human Service.  I only have an Associates degree and decided to try working in that field before going on to get my bachelors.  I will tell you this, and this is from a person that has had depression for over 21 years, though I m glad that I received my degree to work in the arena of families and society, it was the hardes thing I have ever done in my life.  Why I say this for many reasons:

 

1)  Government WILL dictate what you do NO matter how right you think it is.

2)  When you realize that you cannot help these people the way you want to, then you start to get burned out, then comes the depression.

3)  The percentage of people with depression are more likely to get depressed and stay depressed during their employment.

 

 

These are some of the issues that I found to be true.  The only reason I am telling you this is because I have been there.  I worked as a school/court/community liaison for a school district.  I got the chance to really use all training I was taught in school.  After two years, I was drained emotionally, mentally and physically.  Not because of the families and situations I encountered because that was the reason I continued with what I was doing, I truly felt that I was the only one that cared and they knew it.  I dont mean to go on and on with this, but I love helping families in need but as I said, government and city hall sees it differently.

 

There are a couple movies out that give a pretty accurate view of what I am talking about.  They are:

1)  Dangerous Minds

2)  Coach Carter(only difference is if I locked the gym door, I would have been fired!)

3)  Freedom Writers

 

I  am sorryif I am sounding negative, I really dont mean too do that.  I love working with people more than anything else but it kills me mentally.  If I had to do it over again, I would still go for this degree but I would take it further in order to teach or counselo.  That would require Masters Degree and I am too old.

 

Good luck to you friend, it really is a career that is compensated by healing people rather than monetary.

 

Making plans for your future is a positive step and incorporating the things you love in life makes it even better.  I believe in you and I know you can reach your goal, one baby step at a time.

Bless you
Kitt

Congrat's--Animal therapy helps so many- autisic children for one. What a grand way to help others get through the darkness into the light.
Keep us updated on your progress. Many Blessings on your wonderful journey.

Julia