Did anyone here ever seriously consider becoming a Therapist?

Yeah I used to want to be a T. But that was BEFORE I had actually had any T myself. Now I would never do it in a million years. I would think there is a lotttttt of burnout in that field.

Now that I have looked more into INTP - I would be a super therapist. If I can only keep those pesky clients from going on about feelings all the time:

Relationships generally do not come easily to INTPs, although they can be faithful and devoted friends and mates who can be adaptable and easy to live with. Their introversion may prevent them from having an active social life, which they are not likely to regret most of the time. They may also forget or ignore social conventions, not feeling bound by the "illogical" rules of society. To an observer, INTPs can seem emotionally cold and overly critical. From the INTPs' perspective, they are simply applying logical principles to their own behavior and to the behavior of others. If they criticize, it is only to correct what they see as an inconsistency or flaw in logic. They intend to be objective, not hurtful. Because INTPs focus on what is logical, they have a tendency to be unaware of or to dismiss their own feelings and the feelings of others. They are likely to be genuinely surprised when their loved ones complain of feeling "taken for granted" or neglected. They can be insensitive to what other people want or expect from a relationship. However, people who do get to know INTPs more closely will probably find the experience to be very rewarding. While many INTPs have a very cynical side, they can also display a childlike sense of wonder and interest in new ideas. They usually have a good sense of humor that ranges from dry subtlety to impish playfulness.

I started college recently(for social work) switching my major to psychology, aiming for a phd. Eventually

It would definitely be rewarding. I don't know if I want to be a T though, I'm not that confident yet.. right now I'm thinking clinical work.

I got my bachilors degree in counseling psychology. I did three human services internships, and took many courses in creative/expressive arts therapy. That's a passion of mine!
Due to my own depression and PTSD, lately I've been questioning whether or not being a therapist is something I'd want to do, even though I love psychology and therapy and have been told I'd be good at it. I've also had several encounters with therapists who were so blind to their own issues (yet claimed otherwise,) and were outright abusive when questions because for all their training, when I came up against their defenses with the truth they didn't know what to do and so fought back, really hurting me. I would never want to do that to a client and not even know it. I also would worry about keeeping myself together emotionally in that profesion. Like if others issues would triger mine. I know that therapy and supervision, as a therapist is encouraged totally, yet you have these people in the profession as I said above who claim they're doing those things and it doesn't seem to help. I wouldn't want to get burned out and do anyone a disservice.
I've also been told I'd be a good peer specialist, (also known as peer support worker, or recovery counselor) so maybe I could do that one day. At any rate, I have no desire to go back for a master's degree. Just All of this is certainly something I plan to discuss with my new therapist. the cost is enough to discourage me. I always tell people anything I want to learn I can read in a book, and not have to pay enormous rediculous loans for it!

Yes.

I got my BA in Psychology in 2001, and was going to go onto my MA, but I stopped to have children. My intention was to wait a couple of years and then go back. However, health concerns popped up with pregnancy and never really went away.....

Oh well. Just wasn't meant to be for me.

This is pretty much true for me as well. Any profession that would require me to always be around people and be attentive would burn me out quickly, I think. Working at a daycare or kindergarten would probably be even worse - I have a lot of respect and admiration for people who are able to do that.

I think it would be too heartbreaking. I like the idea of helping people but as part of a group---more supports for an individual

Sannah...you'd be good at it.
Stopdog, stick to professoring, and lawyering.

Yes, I am all of those things - I am nosy, voyeuristic, I love being the center of attention aka being outgoing, a people person. I love the human condition - what makes people tick - what makes us different, laugh, cry, hurt, rage. I love listening to people's stories, and could listen for hours on end - I never get bored. I've had my own life tragedies and set backs to deal with, and have dealt with in my own therapy, so I bring a certain amount of wisdom and maturity to my clients.

I currently volunteer as a counselor/advocate at a shelter for women who have been victims of sexual abuse or domestic violence. Next May I graduate with a Master's in Psychology/Clinical Counseling. I feel like everything that's happened to me in my life has been preparing me for this path - I can't wait to get started

Towanda,

You sound perfect for the job, and good on you for being so pro- active! I like the past of listening to people's stories too but would worry about being triggered but I guess that means I haven't dealt with my own issues yet!

I love the idea in theory, but I could never actually do it. I'm a crier and most of my clients and their stories would make me cry. I also have a hard time hiding my emotions, apparently I'm easy to read (which I hate and try to hide). Plus I don't think I could handle everyone else's issues and function in my own life. Furthermore, I would have a hard time separating my professional and personal life, which is crucial in that kind of job. I just would not be a good match for the job.

I wouldn't have the patience. I'd be slapping everyone :-)

Nope. If I was to become a T I would probably have to turn my self in after every session Call my supervisor every minute saying...oh I think I messed up again - Maybe that was not the response/support the client was looking for What a mess.

I do really admire people who enter the field especially the ones who have had the experience dealing with mental problems themselves and now are willing and cable of helping other people heal.

I think I could refrain from slapping - my ability to detach does have some usefulness. And I could even observe the emotions without it being a problem. For both of those all I would have to do is remember it is not my life but theirs. But I seriously could not pull off saying some of the things they say with any hint of sincerity or lack of irony.

I went back to school to enter the mental health field as a Psych NP. When I'm done, I will be licensed to provided psychotherapy services, although I don't think that will be my main role. I do like relating one on one with people, really sitting and listening to people's stories. I'm somewhat of an introvert, and relating to people one on one is my preferred mode. I also like helping people and am empathetic. So I think it is a pretty good fit. We'll see! My own positive experiences as a client helped inspire me to change fields. I'm a real crier too, as rainboots mentioned. I haven't found this to be a problem so far, though, which has been surprising to me. Somehow, I am able to be in a more professional mode and not cry when sad situations arise. The hardest thing for me right now in my training is burn-out. There are so many intense situations that are really draining that it can get to me (I currently work inpatient). Plus, there can be secondary traumatization. I think I am prone to this, unfortunately. My T helps me with this.

Like, do yourself a favour Stopdog...mindyourself now, and be kind to yourself! Not a hint of sarcasm to be found.

I am a crier too, its all I do in therapy, so I would be worried I would cry if I seen someone else cry. I am going to do the intial training course that you have to do before you enter into your diploma course this year just to see if I can do it. Its supposed to be very fulfilling and enlightening anyway so count me in.

I couldn't do it. I'd get bored and fall asleep during sessions.

I definitely want to do something in the mental health field, but I always have. I got my bachelor's in social work with the intention of working with patients with mental illness or developmental disabilities, but life had other ideas for me and I haven't done anything with my degree yet.

My therapist has said I would be a good analyst and might consider going for my PhD someday ( No, lol) and I don't think so, but further schooling definitely isn't out of the question. What I really want is to work with increasing education and awareness of mental health. I've become most passionate about decreasing stigma and wanting people to understand mental illness even more than wanting to work one-on-one.