Reflections: A year as a Qualified Psychotherapist
Photo by Kam Idris via Unsplash
Where does time go? A year ago around the summer season, I qualified as a Psychotherapist. I will be honest that I was surprised that I passed my Masters degree and could officially go out into the workforce as a qualified Psychotherapist. Training as a Dance Movement Psychotherapist was a challenging yet eye-opening experience. I gained experience in places I thought I would never step foot in, such as a male prison.
After graduating, my goal of course was to find a part-time psychotherapist role within a small organisation so that I could develop my ‘professional self’. Prior to my job search, I decided to take the opportunity to travel to Barcelona, Spain (read: 96 Hours in Barcelona, Spain) and live my best life.
Shortly after I returned, I started my job search and managed to gain a few interviews but not the position. Luckily, I bagged an interview and a job a couple of months later at a charitable organisation working with teenagers and young people within a NHS CAMHS outreach service.
Starting this new role as a Psychotherapist was exciting yet nerve wrecking. However, I managed to settle in and found myself enjoying the company, atmosphere and staff members that I worked alongside with. As a newly-qualified Psychotherapist, I struggled with ‘imposter syndrome and I still do this day, what has kept me going is the therapeutic work with my clients and support from my supervisor.
One thing I have learnt working with teenagers and young people/adults is that humour can be an aid when building rapport and the therapeutic relationship. Therapy can be scary, but it can also be powerful in terms of healing emotional wounds.
Couple of months in and I have managed to successfully pass my probation. I will be honest and say that I had an irrational fear that I would for whatever reason be fired. Can you see the ‘imposter’ syndrome peeping in? It was pleasing to hear such positive feedback and of course I did have a few things to work on.
As I continue learn the ins and outs of providing therapy sessions, I have been fortunate enough to the learn the ‘business’ side of therapy. Even though I qualified a year ago, I am always keeping up to date with the latest knowledge, because learning never ends.