[Xeneon]

So I have been thinking for about 2 years about what I want to do with my life. The only thing that keeps popping up in my head is that Im a good listener and I like to help people. Maybe I should be a therapist. I have been told many times that I should be a therapist but when I finally told my mom, she was just like that takes alot of schooling and was trying to make me feel like my idea was wrong. I have learning problem. It doesn't make me stupid, it just makes me different and school hard. I graduated with almost 3.5 and I graduated with honors. Going to a school to be therapist is hard and heck who knows if they would accept me with my GPA. The other problem is that I was brought up that going to a counselor is a weakness. It was kept a secret if you went to a therapist. I love the mental brain. I find it so interesting but I don't know if thats enough. I know that being a therapist, you need to be well grounded. My fear is that my heart is to big for this job. I care so much about people and I just want to fix it. I know I can't fix everthing and I can't save everyone but yeah. I was hoping that you can train yourself not to be affected so much by other people. I know that if my mom didn't suport me on this decision. (If thats what I decided) It would be extremely hard for me because she'll all I got anymore. I haven't gone back to college for anything because I have decided that I'm not going back until I know what I want to do but I just decided that I'm going back in the fall to take my 4-4 classes.

What you guys think? I need some feedback because I'm stuck.
Thanks for taking the time to read this thread, if you did.

[SpiritRunner]

I think there is no reason why you can't explore that as an option! I have thought of it myself, but I don't think it fits me too well......I am not in a position emotionally/mentally to go back to school now, nor is there the money or time to fit it in. But I think you should definitely look into it seriously, no reason why not, if it's something that is in your heart.

[Mediator]

"my heart is to big for this job"

For me it seems you will be a good therapist.

Take classes and see what you think.

Going to a therapist is not a weakness, it's actually recommended. EVERYONE has issues, and showing that you're working through them is a strength. But yes, you have to be well grounded to stay in the job. The clients you work with will be talking about stuff that really can trigger your own stuff, so you need the tools and support to manage that every day.

Having a big heart is good. But, you need a big heart with boundaries. To remember, that this IS a job, and that you have to have limits otherwise it's a one-way flight to immediate burn out. Self care is vital, and YOU have to be number ONE on your list.

It's also a lesson that you can't fix people. You can only give them the tools to fix themselves. I learned this the hard way. But, it's not your job to fix people, simply to guide them in the direction they wish to go. Kinda that "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink" rule. You give them all the skills, and what they do with them is their choice.

I dont think you can train yourself not to be affected. But you do learn how to separate yourself from you work, and leave things at the office.

Good luck to you.

[*doodles*]

I think you should give it a shot!!
I wanted to be a child psychologist and ALMOST finished my degree before I had my daughter. I loved, loved, loved it. Like I couldn't wait to go to my psych classes, lol. But for me, I've learned that it is better as a hobby-learning psychology that is. And I can use it when I work with kids, or even adults for that matter, but its not the right job for me, at least not right now.
And I don't think having a big heart is a bad thing! I am the same way, which is why I decided not to do what I originally wanted to do, which was a social worker, because most of the time in that field you aren't working with people who WANT help. And sometimes, you just can't do anything with all the laws and stuff. But with psychology, they are coming to you, so they, or at least part of them, wants the help, and being there trying to help them with a big heart and compassion is just what they need. All you need to learn is where to put boundaries.
I think you would do amazing!
And my family didn't really understand. They didn't get why I would go to school so long and spend all that money "just" to do psychology...but it was my passion and I didn't care. So I say if thats what you feel is right, then go for it!!

[Xeneon]

I promise to come back and reply to the comments later. When I have more time. Thanks to anyone that posted!!!

[Hazel Glitter]

Originally Posted by Xeneon

So I have been thinking for about 2 years about what I want to do with my life. The only thing that keeps popping up in my head is that Im a good listener and I like to help people. Maybe I should be a therapist. I have been told many times that I should be a therapist but when I finally told my mom, she was just like that takes alot of schooling and was trying to make me feel like my idea was wrong. I have learning problem. It doesn't make me stupid, it just makes me different and school hard. I graduated with almost 3.5 and I graduated with honors. Going to a school to be therapist is hard and heck who knows if they would accept me with my GPA. The other problem is that I was brought up that going to a counselor is a weakness. It was kept a secret if you went to a therapist. I love the mental brain. I find it so interesting but I don't know if thats enough. I know that being a therapist, you need to be well grounded. My fear is that my heart is to big for this job. I care so much about people and I just want to fix it. I know I can't fix everthing and I can't save everyone but yeah. I was hoping that you can train yourself not to be affected so much by other people. I know that if my mom didn't suport me on this decision. (If thats what I decided) It would be extremely hard for me because she'll all I got anymore. I haven't gone back to college for anything because I have decided that I'm not going back until I know what I want to do but I just decided that I'm going back in the fall to take my 4-4 classes.

What you guys think? I need some feedback because I'm stuck.
Thanks for taking the time to read this thread, if you did.

I think that if you are hesitant about it maybe you can arrange to meet with a few practicing therapists to talk with them about their jobs and what it is all about. Maybe, I don't know if you can do this due to privacy issues, but maybe you could even volunteer in a therapists office. You would be able to get to know the type of people and environment you would be working in.

You sound very determined and if your mother does not approve of it now than she will when she sees it makes you happy.

Originally Posted by Xeneon

So I have been thinking for about 2 years about what I want to do with my life. The only thing that keeps popping up in my head is that Im a good listener and I like to help people. Maybe I should be a therapist. I have been told many times that I should be a therapist but when I finally told my mom, she was just like that takes alot of schooling and was trying to make me feel like my idea was wrong. I have learning problem. It doesn't make me stupid, it just makes me different and school hard. I graduated with almost 3.5 and I graduated with honors. Going to a school to be therapist is hard and heck who knows if they would accept me with my GPA. The other problem is that I was brought up that going to a counselor is a weakness. It was kept a secret if you went to a therapist. I love the mental brain. I find it so interesting but I don't know if thats enough. I know that being a therapist, you need to be well grounded. My fear is that my heart is to big for this job. I care so much about people and I just want to fix it. I know I can't fix everthing and I can't save everyone but yeah. I was hoping that you can train yourself not to be affected so much by other people. I know that if my mom didn't suport me on this decision. (If thats what I decided) It would be extremely hard for me because she'll all I got anymore. I haven't gone back to college for anything because I have decided that I'm not going back until I know what I want to do but I just decided that I'm going back in the fall to take my 4-4 classes.

What you guys think? I need some feedback because I'm stuck.
Thanks for taking the time to read this thread, if you did.

Look at the coursework for it and see what you'd have to take.

I think that if you are hesitant about it maybe you can arrange to meet with a few practicing therapists to talk with them about their jobs and what it is all about

This is a great idea....you can ask them what it's like to listen to people's problems all day, which i think must be tough. I don't know how my T listens to me, plus her other clients and doesn't lose it.

Someone I know is a therapist and ED specialist and runs programs for that in hospitals. you have to just want to help everyone I think and have, or learn to have, very thick skin. You have to realize that you can't fix people all the time and let it go when that happens. and she's BP also, so the fact that she deals with that, plus has that kind of career...very impressive and shows it can be done successfully.

[Xeneon]

Originally Posted by poetgirl76

I think there is no reason why you can't explore that as an option! I have thought of it myself, but I don't think it fits me too well......I am not in a position emotionally/mentally to go back to school now, nor is there the money or time to fit it in. But I think you should definitely look into it seriously, no reason why not, if it's something that is in your heart.

I hope when your emotionally able to. You go back to school for what you want to do in life. Best of luck to ya!! Thanks for all the kinds words. Take Care!!!

[Xeneon]

Originally Posted by stormyangels

Take classes and see what you think.

Going to a therapist is not a weakness, it's actually recommended. EVERYONE has issues, and showing that you're working through them is a strength. But yes, you have to be well grounded to stay in the job. The clients you work with will be talking about stuff that really can trigger your own stuff, so you need the tools and support to manage that every day.

Having a big heart is good. But, you need a big heart with boundaries. To remember, that this IS a job, and that you have to have limits otherwise it's a one-way flight to immediate burn out. Self care is vital, and YOU have to be number ONE on your list.

It's also a lesson that you can't fix people. You can only give them the tools to fix themselves. I learned this the hard way. But, it's not your job to fix people, simply to guide them in the direction they wish to go. Kinda that "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink" rule. You give them all the skills, and what they do with them is their choice.

I dont think you can train yourself not to be affected. But you do learn how to separate yourself from you work, and leave things at the office.

Good luck to you.

May I ask if it took you awhile to figure out how to keep work at the office? Do you find it hard to keep yourself number one? I have a hard time doing that because if someone says I need your help. I'm there in a heart beat. If I asked any questions that you don't want to answer, just don't reply to it. I tottaly understand. Thanks for taking the time to read my thread and to reply to it. That means alot. Thanks!

[Xeneon]

Originally Posted by doodle3609

I think you should give it a shot!!
I wanted to be a child psychologist and ALMOST finished my degree before I had my daughter. I loved, loved, loved it. Like I couldn't wait to go to my psych classes, lol. But for me, I've learned that it is better as a hobby-learning psychology that is. And I can use it when I work with kids, or even adults for that matter, but its not the right job for me, at least not right now.
And I don't think having a big heart is a bad thing! I am the same way, which is why I decided not to do what I originally wanted to do, which was a social worker, because most of the time in that field you aren't working with people who WANT help. And sometimes, you just can't do anything with all the laws and stuff. But with psychology, they are coming to you, so they, or at least part of them, wants the help, and being there trying to help them with a big heart and compassion is just what they need. All you need to learn is where to put boundaries.
I think you would do amazing!
And my family didn't really understand. They didn't get why I would go to school so long and spend all that money "just" to do psychology...but it was my passion and I didn't care. So I say if thats what you feel is right, then go for it!!

Doodle I think you would be amazing at being a T. You take so much time out of your day to come here to give other people support. I totally understand about social worker thing because I forsure would hate that job.lol Yeah I'm going to have a stuff time with the whole boundaries part because it seems to be that i get thrown out like a dirty tissue when people are done with me. I spend so much time,energy and money on them. Which ends up making me beat at the end of the day. Idk even know what to say about your parents, other then how dumb can they be for not supporting there child for anything they do. I promised myself that I will so proud my kids(if i have kids) if they are a trash pick up guy. As long as they are happy, I will be happy. Take care Doodle!!

[Xeneon]

Originally Posted by Hazel Glitter

I think that if you are hesitant about it maybe you can arrange to meet with a few practicing therapists to talk with them about their jobs and what it is all about. Maybe, I don't know if you can do this due to privacy issues, but maybe you could even volunteer in a therapists office. You would be able to get to know the type of people and environment you would be working in.

You sound very determined and if your mother does not approve of it now than she will when she sees it makes you happy.

This is such a good idea but my only fear is that it wouldn't be do able. Never hurts to try. Thanks for advice. Take care.

[Xeneon]

Originally Posted by jadedmoonbeam

Look at the coursework for it and see what you'd have to take.



This is a great idea....you can ask them what it's like to listen to people's problems all day, which i think must be tough. I don't know how my T listens to me, plus her other clients and doesn't lose it.

Someone I know is a therapist and ED specialist and runs programs for that in hospitals. you have to just want to help everyone I think and have, or learn to have, very thick skin. You have to realize that you can't fix people all the time and let it go when that happens. and she's BP also, so the fact that she deals with that, plus has that kind of career...very impressive and shows it can be done successfully.

I'm school be going to a career counselor sometime in the fall. So hopefully I will beable to get that from her. Thanks for the advice. Take Care!!