How to Become a Therapist
Since transitioning to a career as a therapist almost 10 years ago, I’ve noticed a remarkable rise in interest in therapy, inspiring more people than ever to explore careers in mental health. I’ve had the privilege of supporting dozens of individuals in finding clarity and confidence in their career paths and guiding them through transitions.
If you're considering a career as a therapist, I've compiled some podcast resources below which might be helpful.
Additionally, I offer personalized coaching for various career goals, including a focused, one-time, 30-minute consultation call for $100 for those unsure about entering the field. During our call, you can ask me any questions about pursuing a career as a therapist. Reach out via the contact form if you’d like to schedule a chat.
How to Become a Therapist - Resources
Letting Go of Certainty: Making Career Changes with Will Wang
In this episode of Beyond the Couch, I speak with Will Wang about his decision to leave his corporate career in pursuit of becoming a therapist. Will reflects upon always being the ‘good kid’ or guāi, and how these expectations shaped his identity and career choices. He opens up about the moments that sparked his interest in therapy and the encouragement he received from mentors along the way. Together we delve into the mental blocks he faced, including fears around sharing the decision with his parents as their eldest child. Will discusses the liberating yet terrifying process of applying to graduate programs as well as learning to let go of certainty as he pursues a new path.
A Field Guide to Mental Health Careers: Part 1
In this episode of Beyond the Couch, Christie and I share our journeys to becoming therapists and answer common questions about starting a career in mental health. We discuss important factors when applying to and choosing programs, the meaning of school accreditation, and the various career options in psychology. We also share what we wish we had known before starting graduate school.
A Field Guide to Mental Health Careers: Part 2
Sam and I revisit the topic of pursuing a career in mental health and answer your questions! We discuss our graduate school experiences, the path from school to licensure, and beyond. We also share our thoughts on our programs and how they contributed to our experiences.
A Field Guide to Mental Health Careers: Part 3
Christie, Sam, and I wrap up our series on pursuing a career in mental health. We discuss life after graduation, the journey to licensure, and our favorite (and not-so-favorite) aspects of our jobs. We cover the financial realities of a mental health career, the pros and cons of different paths, and how to determine which path might be right for you.
Christie chats with Minji, a cherished member of the Bridges team, about her journey into graduate school to become a therapist after nearly a decade in the creative industry. In this first installment of the Grad School Diaries mini-series, Minji shares her experience of changing careers, exploring her identity and connection to Korea in therapy, and the surprises of her first year in the program.
Sam is joined by Minji, our Bridges intern, for the second installment of the Grad School Diaries mini-series. Minji shares updates from her second and final year of her program, her experiences seeing clients for the first time, and the joys and challenges of practicing therapy. She also opens up about the personal lessons she’s learned from being on the therapist's side of the room.
So You Want to Be a Therapist?
On this episode of the Being Well Podcast with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson, Forrest speaks to five therapists and therapists-in-training to learn the lessons they wish they’d known when they started.
This podcast is designed for counseling graduate students who aspire to own their own private practices. Each episode features interviews with therapists who have successfully launched their practices, sharing insights into their entrepreneurial journeys.
Asian Seeking Asian (Therapists)
In a special episode of Feeling Asian, I discuss with hosts Youngmi Mayer and Brian Park the unique challenges facing the AAPI community and share my experiences as a therapist in a predominantly white field.
How I Became A Therapist with Dr. Therese Mascardo
In this episode of The New School podcast, guest Dr. Therese Mascardo discusses her journey to becoming a licensed clinical psychologist, highlights the essential traits of effective therapists, and emphasizes the importance of self-care. Therese shares her experiences confronting fear and trusting her instincts on the cutting edge of mental health practice.
Becoming a Therapist with Ben Behnen
Marriage and family therapist Ben Behnen launched the Becoming a Therapist podcast to assist new therapists in navigating the transition from student to clinician. Through interviews with therapists, Ben explores crucial topics such as managing imposter syndrome, preventing burnout, and seeking support.
In this episode of the All Things Substance podcast, where therapists explore substance abuse through a mental health lens, licensed therapist Betsy Byler delves into the journey of becoming a therapist. She explores the pivotal decisions and considerations that shape this career path, including choosing the right pathway and graduate school.