Is Therapy Right for Me as a Counseling Student? Key Reflections.

As a soon-to-be or current counseling graduate student, the “uhh maybe I should be the one sitting in the client chair” thought has popped into your head more than once. Before entering my grad program, therapy was not a conversation in my upbringing. I was under the impression that we keep things to ourselves, besides, nothing that bad has happened in my life....right? The truth is I went through my own little and big T’s (t as in trauma, not Troy), and grad school was going to serve as a pressure cooker in bringing those all out. Cue the global pandemic crashing down on us all, and I found myself searching high and low for a therapist.

Let’s explore some of the key things to consider so you can assess if undergoing the client experience feels warranted as the next step.

Deepened Empathy

Walking in therapy clients' shoes allows emerging counselors to relate to the hopes, fears, and emotions of those they aim to help. This insight cultivates compassion. Having an inside look lets you learn the style of therapy that works for you and the kind of therapist you aspire to be.
Expanded Self-Awareness

Exploring your inner landscape around biases and triggers with a therapist enhances awareness of how you show up with future clients. We all have baggage when starting out. Therapy helps you learn to arrive with neatly packed overhead luggage.

Building Resilience

Processing clients' pain indirectly impacts counselors over time. Having space to work through heightened stress promotes sustainable career wellness. For me, some sessions even served as secondary supervision, offering a space to process new introductions to others' lives.

Enhanced Counseling Skills

Observing techniques like reflective listening firsthand cements theoretical knowledge into practical skill development.

Managing Added Time Commitments

Counseling programs demand substantial clinical practice and rigorous study. I was juggling a full-time corporate marketing job, school, and interning while failing to have a social life. Therapy is a time commitment, but meeting with a therapist once a week can help put time management into perspective and serve as a form of self-care. 

Assessing Financial Accessibility

Therapy costs may present financial strain for students. It’s 2024 and paid internships are far few (how ridiculous might I add). Many out-of-network therapists like me, offer sliding scale options based on these factors. Utilizing OON benefits also presents the ability to be reimbursed for 60-80% of the session cost, once you meet your deductible

About the Author

I'm Brianna, a licensed therapist and the founder of On Par Therapy NYC. I transformed my passion for empowering people into a counseling practice focused on helping busy New York women reduce anxiety, improve confidence, and find balance and purpose.

I blend evidence-based techniques with intuitive insights from my growth to nurture resilience, self-awareness, and inner peace. Wellness is not just about eliminating symptoms; it’s about wholeheartedly fostering self-care and fulfillment. Whether at the starting line or yearning for a pivotal shift in your recovery, you’re in the right place. I supply the resources, strength-based support, and know-how for quieting your inner critic, speaking kindly to yourself, and feeling at home in your skin.

Let's lean into self-discovery, embrace the process, and journey together toward mental health that empowers you to show up fully as your best self. Your dreams of balance and belonging? Let's make them a reality. Reach out INFO@ONPARTHERAPYNYC.COM to schedule a complimentary 15-minute intro call.