I'd like to echo exoticflower's observation. I'm studying in a grad program, and see a variety of backgrounds, too. Some struggle with a wounded background, some not so much. I've also checked in with my therapist before undertaking this study. I've come to belive that it's not so much the ability/disability we have, it's what we do with it that matters. If we enter the field with a primary purpose of healing ourselves, we do a disservice to our own path and present the potential for damaging others who come for help. A person who has suffered and learned and can put that into service has a natural advantage over another who has not trod that path.

It's truly valuable advice to take stock of how far we've come and ask the hard questions early: how successful is my coping system? Can I put my needs aside and be of service to others? Will others' trauma trigger painful things in me? Can I control my display of emotion? If on meds, am I fully stabilized? How much patience do I have for another person who doesn't want to do the work I've done? Can I handle it when my help fails? Do I have the tenacity to be of service when I don't want to? Am I able to be compassionate when I have a hard time respecting or understanding someone? Are there people I can't bear to be a room with? Who are they, and what will happen if I am in a job that does not allow me to refer them out? How flexible is my thinking about what I think I know?

These are just a few of the things that came up for me while deciding to pursue this path and in the early part of my program. I applaud anyone who takes the time to really think about it and step forward in the right direction - whichever that direction leads. I wish you growth and peace as you make your decision!

~Gayle