Definitely. I am a certified and licensed counselor and have been for over 5 years now. I won't lie and say its not challenging. I do not disclose to my clients. And it can be hard to listen to words echoed from someone else that have been resonating in my mind. But, it feels good to be helpful and supportive to those that may be experiencing the same thing. I feel like I have a heightened level of empathy.

Self-care is super important though. Since starting this job, I have had to really buckle down on my own mental health symptoms to keep them in check.

But, yes-- you can be a psychologist, therapist, counselor, etc. It's not dissimilar to LCDC's (chemical dependency/substance use) having a history in addiction. Sometimes you need to have gone through something to get it. Really 'get it'.