What I wish I knew before I became a psychotherapist
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- čas přidán 7. 06. 2024
- I've been doing psychotherapy for the last 15 years. Here are the top 10 things I wish I knew before I became a psychotherapist.
Special thanks to Elizabeth S., Tyler D., Anna H., Arnt J., Collin P., Evan A., Imran M., Sam D., Ryan L., Sophie Y., Ahmed Y, Israel P., Neuro Transmissions, Eric E., Eve P., Lauren K., BrainCraft, Aaron F., Samuel H., Marisa H.,Tae T., Steve M.,, Bryan T., Nicky C., Samuel A., Anton T., Jennifer C., Shanda W., Saleem H. P., Sri S., Alex N., Denise J., Emily W., Samar, Lars B., and Pipitchy for making this episode possible! Learn how you can help me make The Psych Show and get exclusive behind the scenes access in return at / thepsychshow .
10 things I wish I knew before I became a psychotherapist:
1. You will be constantly humbled by how much you don't know.
2. It is deeply meaningful work.
3. Being a therapist is tough on your body and mind.
4. Having a lot of therapist friends is amazing.
5. You are going to deal with stupid turf wars.
6. Most therapists won't get rich doing therapy.
7. You're entering a customer service business.
8. You will have a lot of independence.
9. Mental healthcare is going to be massively disrupted.
10. Understand growing markets.
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THE PSYCH SHOW! Creating mental health videos that educate, entertain, and empower! Produced, written, and edited by clinical psychologist Ali Mattu, Ph.D. All videos are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute clinical advice.
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What I wish I knew before I became a psychology student: Statistics
Hey, I recently graduated with my BA in psychology. Math has never been my thing, but I made an A in statistical methods of psychology. I will never forget the panic attack I had when my advisor told me I had to take a math class (I was in my last couple of semesters at this time, so I thought I was home free). In sum, you will get through it and be glad you did. If you already completed the course, let's compare our experiences with it.
I think more and more schools are requiring it as a main prerequisite for psych pathways now. In my program, I had to take 2 stats classes before I could take the required class on psychological testing methods
Statistics is not my friend, but I will handle it when it comes across as I start my second degree in psychology
I graduated back in January. English is not my first language and trying to learn something you suck from a teacher whose first langue is also not English was extremely difficult. I remember crying for months just because I failed statistics twice (I am generally successful when it comes to other subjects). Then a miracle happened and I passed. When we started to work on spss things got drastically better, I can work with spss, do calculations then interpret the data and write a report without problems but boy I don't think I'll ever learn how to do calculations by hand. I gave up on math quite long ago. Now, I am trying to choose a masters programme but I am scared of going through the same thing again :(
undergrad psyc statistics is very easy and doesn't involve as much math as real statistics. I promise--this is from someone who probably has an LD in math.
Listening to this already give me the overwhelming stress
lol- welcome to the field. it’s a marathon not a sprint
lol
OMG same 🥲
OMG same
Tap out bro
As a therapist, everything on this video rings true. While getting my degree I never got a sense of the practical consequences and challenges of working as an independent (self-employed) clinician: the changing schedule, the importance of being available through emails and messaging and the toll all of it takes on body and mind. In the last 3-4 years of work I've come a long way in learning to manage all of if, and I couldn't be any happier to see you adress this in such a concise and honest manner.
The biggest upside of all the dificulties is, to me, your second point: meaning. The days and weeks -and months- can be rough sometimes, but being part of a life-altering process is a very unique and rewarding experience.
Thanks for the video, keep up the great work!
I have a question for you.........when did you become certain that you would like to pursue a career in psychology? What are the signs that you noticed that indicated that this is right for you?
i got lucky because my clinical supervisor went back and got an MBA and consequently always spoke to me about “growing the business” and thinking about websites, consulting, and etc if I wanted to go into private practice
subsequently- I’ve never gone into private practice cuz I hate business stuff
tho i do wish I had some of the freedoms in tx that comes with private practice
Which degree do you need to study in order to become a therapist, please let me know??
Funny how all of us here are therapists . . . Cheers, all!
@@vidaseidu5656 I got a master's in Clinical Psychology. You can also study counseling. Your ability to provide services won't change a ton from PsyD to MS. Another option is MSW (Masters of Science in Social Work).
i’m a clinical social worker (therapist) and this is all so true. 15 yrs in and I definitely have vicarious trauma
but yeah, I have a ton of therapist friends so it works out
also- the LCSW LPCC LMFT PSYD PHD war is killing me
what i wish I had known: there’s a lot of people who seem to get into this field without having worked out a lot of their own issues. I think it’s important to do a lot of self work and reflect on your own issues because I see people who havent and it ends up impacting their empathy and boundaries.
I'm not a therapist, however, I've been a client or a few years now. I once had a therapist who seemed to use our sessions for talking about her issues. I mean of course, if there's big stuff we can chat about it, but it sounded like she had some things she needed to work out on her own!
@@MrJoon360 yeah fire that person if that's what she's doing. it's a legit problem.
@@MrJoon360 I think this is just Great if a Therapist shares some times some of her or his problems, that makes them more Human!
@@andreakovacs3088 they teach us about self-disclosure in school and how it can be helpful in small doses but shouldnt be a regular thing bc its unethical, but it always depends on the person
My therapist who is a psychiatrist, I could tell projects her stuff on me. Not surprising since if she did the MD route shes more of a left brained person than me and maybe isnt as in tune with emotion.
*This was such a helpful video! Thank you for sharing your job and duties so openly with the rest of us. Keep up the amazing work both inside and outside of the office!*
Thank you so much for your kind and supportive comment!!!! Feedback like this helps me to continue creating videos.
@@drali C
@@TassuMithai Turn to bible and allow CHRIST to be your therapist, psychologist and psychiatrist. No man nor women fits to be one. All are sinners and without glory, all are tempted and suffer the same.
All are expected to REPENT AND BORN AGAIN, to LIVE HOLY AND GO AND SIN NO MORE.
All are weak in the daily fight between their spirit and flesh.
All these therapist, psychologist and psychiatrist, this world provides, can do is:
to deceive and steal.
They deceived you through all these “diagnoses” and they steal your money, through all the pills which you “need”.
In short: they poison your mind and your overall health, leaving you with neither one.
Therapist, Psychologist and Psychiatrist = Field where no human soul, never ever going to fit of being an help, no matter the among of years spend in “medical schools” or the decree gotten from there.
ALL of us are daily deceived, no matter the walks of life.
Do not trust one nor to try to be one.
1 John 4:1 KJV
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
I am 16 and I love psychology from bottom of my heart. I like to take it as my career but I don't get enough motivated from my family and friends but you sir you are doing a wonderful job I really appreciate it.
Bro are you might be from Malaysia?
I have already thought of being a therapist and I’m 14 😂 why doesn’t your family support you? It’s a good career choice in my opinion. I say do what you love. ❤️
@@hijabi_2324 Exactly ❤
Yes ,you are right, many will tell you how much worthless or useless it is and disappoint you but if you are truly interested just go for it at your own way, every career has opportunities, maybe income must be low but happiness is more important than money and if you want to be rich by it I think it should be difficult without phd or a cutoff career path
Iam14
#1 really hit home.
Just as my clients learn about themselves through my facilitation, I too learn through them about what I don't know. In turn, it ignites my passion to learn!!! Intellectual curiosity is a must!
I love this
I'm a grad student in clinical psychology and I'm super pumped to be a psychotherapist but to also interweave technology with psychology. It's true that technology is influencing just about every career at this point, and it'll be interesting to see how the field develops and adapts to those changes!
I see a lot of younger therapists use social media like instagram to advertise their services to gain a higher clientele. Feel like you can garner a lot of base for other services like workshops and things
I think technology is going to play a driving role in making therapeutic resources more available to the people who need it most.
Telehealth will probably be the #1 technological influence
That’s great 👍🏽
Downfall of our society. Insidious.
I am afraid of becoming a therapist. I always wanted to do this, but now I am just afraid and not motivated.
I was excited *and* afraid when I went into grad school. I cut this from my video for time, but the independence of being a therapist was very scary to me at first. I wish I had a supervisor there telling me what to do. But you always start out slow in your training with easier cases and slowly get less support and more independence as you progress towards graduation and independent licensure.
@@drali thanks for replying, it means a lot.
I feel this too. In a way, I know it's what I must do, but I'm so scared of it that I can't bring myself to actually do it.
@@drali any tips for being successful and financially stable in this field?
Me too
To all mental health professionals: Your mental health is important, too. We realize you devote a significant amount of time to assisting others in navigating their own emotions. Make sure you look after yourself as well, because you matter too.
strongly agree from another patient
I'm scared of becoming a therapist and not being able to separate my emotions from my client's.
Almost finished my studies and this is such a great reminder! Thank you for sharing you knowledge :)
love how he gets straight into the video without waffling, really hlpfull thank you!
Thank you so much for making this video. As a newly graduated in psychology,It's really helpful to hear this from experienced psychotherapist.
I needed this video!! Thank you so much! As a current undergraduate senior in college planning out my life during a freaking pandemic, this video def helped me to realize that I do want to pursue a career in psychotherapy! It's going to be tough but I truly do believe this is the work I wanna do. Even with the downfalls, I see benefits that fit perfectly for me. Thank you again!!!
Thank you, this was SO helpful as someone considering going into psychology. I can't wait to see more of your videos, you speak very clearly and I can tell you are a good psychologist just by listening to you!
Thank you for a great video! I am a new therapist with my training license and this is super helpful and honest. To answer your question, I think I wish I knew how normal it is for therapists to feel nervous, worried, and uncertain in the beginning. This is still a growth area for me. I want to continue to develop my confidence and to feel like I am truly helping someone be able to make the changes necessary to enhance their life.
I'm currently on the fence about continuing to pursue clinical psychology and I was very scared this would be a super negative video but it's purely objective truths that just make me feel so much more prepared, and confident in evaluating my true willingness to become a therapist!! thank you so much. finding this channel has significantly lifted my spirits
Thanks for this helpful video! As a beginner therapist I sometimes feel overwhelmed with how unexpected the course of therapy can be at times. I think part of becoming a therapist is learning to live with the doubt of the effectiveness of our approach. It's a constant process of learning through trial and error.
Your comment is now three years old, I wonder are you now a more seasoned therapist? I am at the beginning of my journey as a therapist and I sure feel insecure at times in my own abilities and strengths despite all the training and schooling.
I just started my private practice as an art therapist for a year now and this is really helpful. I've felt everything you've mentioned and need to remind myself how much self-care I REALLY need. Thank you!
I am studying BS psychology. I hope in few years I also become psychologist
Good luck in your studies!
We please to saw your reply and Thanks for wishing me good luck
Could I email you,please?
I have some things I'd love to get clarification or answers to.
I know 'you're bad it responding in a timely manner'😂😭,so ill give you time.
@@kierras1029 be open not only for your mistakes but for ppl in front of you as well
@@dimensioner is this Just a random quote that is applicable in life? Or are you implying that your phrase applies to my comment??
This was so helpful seeing from a therapist’s perspective! Thank you so much 💕
Too true! Particularly the turf wars around therapy models and type of degree you have as well as how complex the field is! Thank you for this.
The hardest part for me,is realizing how others that have no faith in you, that are supposed to be your biggest support group. Understanding that everyone is deliberately dealing with some form of mental health issues. Trying to find a starting point to get more people ready to talk about their issues and making them comfortable and not be judged.
8:30 coming from the educational background I see the training of educators being more directed at social emotional learning which will also change the mental health field. This year in Texas, legislature was past requiring public schools to partner with mental health agencies to offer their services directly on school campuses. I agree this change of mental health becoming less of one to one will be evolving. I am excited for the change but I too wish to stay on top of it all. Your show inspires me a lot and as a first year therapist on the verge of opening my own practice I thank you for video support.
Just wanted to come on here to tell you that I love your videos and think they’re extremely underrated! You have a very warm and calming presence and it’s very calming to hear you talk! :)
This video was definitely a wonderful watch! Thank you so much for doing this! I woke with a vision to become a therapist and this is very insightful!
This is such an amazing video!! You actually gave information that helps me to know what it is I need to face and to prepare for. I really love it!!
The thing that made me rethink that thing “Most therapists don’t become rich”
Rich is so subjective. Will you be making "stacks on stacks on stacks" (to quote Tom Haverford)? No, but you can become financially stable and successful.
Nobody becomes rich, and if you do its at the expense of others starving and being homeless 🤷♂️
It's not impossible. The secret is hyperspecialising,marketing and Private practice. Yea that should work.
@blad90 the more properties you own the less likely someone else can own one at a reasonable price ;)
@@PewPewFig a lot of people think that this is how the economy works but it doesn't. When one person becomes rich it does not mean that others become poor because of inflation. Money is pumped into the economy so that there is enough to go around. Unfortunately, the richest people still gobble it all up. That's why the rich are becoming richer while the poor and middle class are not.
Thank you for this, very insightful. I'm about to go into my fourth year in psychology!
Wow all I can say is thank you so much for this video! This isn’t just a game changer in my own understanding of the craft of being there for others but this helps so many of us understand the world of psychology and reassures those dedicated to psychology of a greater understanding which in the long run doesn’t just help those giving but the entire group of all people and how they may relate to psychology
Great topic Dr. Ali. Also, I got excited when I saw you on a trailer of a Netflix show called The Mind Explained.
Thank you! Very excited for The Mind, Explained to be released next week!
I see this was from 2 years ago. I'm now going to see if this is still on Netflix.
As a fellow psychotherapist this sounds so true to my own experience ❤ thank you for sharing your experiences. Love this channel.
Awesome video! I’ve been considering studying psychology/therapy for a while and I think this video secured my interest!
As someone studying Psychology with the goal of becoming a therapist, I deeply appreciate this video.
As a therapist myself you are absolutely right about being humbled daily by how much we don’t know! I think great therapists know and admit that whereas therapists who think they know it all, have some fixed method they believe in, or think they are “experts” tend to be less effective and suffer from confirmation bias, great point! 👍
WOAH this video gave me so much insight into the actual lifestyle of a psychotherapist! THANK YOU!!!
Thank you so much for sharing! I am currently looking at different Graduate programs and have been so bogged down with all the types of different degrees you can get to be a therapist. I'd love to hear your perspective on different master's programs and how to make sense of all of them. Best wishes!
Over the last few years, I've started to understand that people who are different than me experience fear and hatred against them that I dont experience myself. And it's taking a toll on me to the extent that I'm considering moving to another country. Would that be considered vicarious trauma? Or is the term geared specifically to an effect within a doctor/patient relationship?
Ps. Only met you once, but you're still one of my favorite people ever. Keep being you!!
I'm so glad we got to meet! It's rare for me to connect with members of this community in person and when it happens it's magical and meaningful to me.
Vicarious trauma isn't unique to people in healthcare. People who work in law enforcement, lawyers, journalists, pretty much anyone who works with people who have gone through trauma can experience it.
Here's a free toolkit that can help you further explore this topic: vtt.ovc.ojp.gov/.
@@drali makes sense. Thanks for the link!
@@bridge4 My pleasure!
Man. I'm trying to help my step daughter by just showing her different perspectives from quotes and videos and passages and she just won't do it and I think about often and it just sucks
@@drali Right! And even customer service reps and engineering technicians lol. I worked in customer service for a few years after getting out of the Army and I tell you, it’s amazing how many people just want someone to talk to and vent their frustrations to. I can’t recall how many people I sent on feeling a little better about their day or life just by sharing wisdom attained and lending an ear. Some of them were just lonely old people. I recall many one hour conversations trying to help people through their problems. This happened a lot while I was in the Army too. People just tend to confide things in me. I am going back to school now to get my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling.
This was greatly helpful and enlightening. Thank you!
This was very insightful. Thanks for sharing in such a concise and relatable manner.
Glad it was helpful!
Amazing video, super helpful, thank you!
So informative, great job!!
I love your channel SO much! thank you for the amazing content
Great. Educational as always. Thank you
Sipping tea in the middle of your explanation is hilarious. I love it!
So happy I found you! Just started and this is very useful advice.
I love your videos. Thank you so much for taking your time to educate us!❤
Thank you for the Awesome video. I have been considering doing career counselling for a long time but I think after watching this it'll need to be a volunteer/social enterprise thing on the side. I have been daydreaming about web development as a profitable niche but it is you that has given it more fuel by tying that type of work to disrupting the mental health industry to provide better solutions than what currently exist.
My best friend is just starting out as a therapist and she definitely needed to see this. Thank you!! You should send this video to all the mental health higher education institutions! They definitely aren't covering all of this stuff
I watched this whole video on the edge of my seat...this is awesome
This video is exceedingly validating as a fellow therapist!
This was very helpful. I've always had a "gift" it seems, people who I know close or people I hardly know will confide in me. I don't know why, and I've always loved psychologically, I'm seriously considering getting my PHD. I've been doing a lot of research, reading a lot and been paying more attention to the conversations I have with others. And I'm just getting more and more curious and interested. Thank you!
Great advice! Thanks for this content
Your point on mental health being set to be massively disruptive is very interesting. While I think there are many ways therapy will be reintroduced to the world through technology and such, therapy, in my opinion, will always be centered around one on one, personal communication. Group settings, AI, etc. will always be welcomed, because they will allow for easier access to people who may not have the means for one on one therapy (time and money), but will never give the satisfaction of having that therapy that is personally designed for them. As you presumably know, having the ability to have your specific situation considered is huge when it comes to therapy. This is why, therapy, like you said, has been the same for so long. I know I am likely just discussing things you've already probably considered, but I just wanted to comment on it.
I just discovered your videos earlier today and have loved all of the ones I have seen. Really looking forward to watching more!
Yes! All these things are so true. I figured the compassion fatigue would take its toll but I don’t think I knew just how hard it would be to manage. I wish I had known at the beginning to not just take opportunities because they were presented to me. Nothing is worse than starting out in the field with a bad supervisor. It is worth taking the extra time to do research and make sure the job will offer impeccable supervision.
I also had no idea how difficult it would be to emotionally manage this job. Grad school focuses so much on the skills involved in the techniques but less so the emotions involved in this career.
@@drali i wanna be psychotherapist but i afraid my patients. I just dont wanna hit or anything pls help me
Thanks so much for your honesty, especially section 1
Thanks for inspiring confidence in my ability to do well in this field.
Thanks for taking the time to comment!
I really DO wish I saw this before becoming a psychotherapist. Thank you
This is such a great video. Currently studying psychology and my dream is to also get into the field. Unfortunately I feel like politicians in my country are actively working against better health care. The number of people who need mental health care is rising and the waiting lists get longer and longer. I don't know how things are in the US, but my in my country it's insanely expensive to become a psychotherapist and a very long journey.
Finish your studies than apply for a job in a country where you'll be appreciated
Wonderful Video!!
What I would love to learn next from you: "Day in the Life of a Therapist"
Thank you! This video gets you *close* to what my day looks like, at least the self-care part: czcams.com/video/IbDqFfvHdL4/video.html.
You can also learn more about what my life as a therapist is like in this conversation with my wife: czcams.com/video/4JMLM8BnrA4/video.html
I wish I knew how emotionally draining this job is. And a lot of things you already mentioned. Good video. Thanks 😊🙏
this is such a helpful video, being someone whos going to start work soon and is going to start masters degree in clinical psychology means theres so much i need to know and be exposed to. thanks for making this video.
Great video! Super helpful.
I'm a wellness and recovery specialist (peer specialist) and it's very interesting to hear these because I have a lot of similar experiences!
Thanks, Dr. Ali Mattu.
Very informative, thanks!
I have been working in medicine for 25 years and I need a change, it is too much on my body, I am also bored and do not feel fulfilled. Therapy has always been something that I have been drawn to and with your video and help from my therapist friends, I am looking into this field. Thank you for your honesty.
What did you end up doing?
thanks for this video! very informative
I was just reaching out to LCSW's for information on the reality of being a therapist in general. This came at a fantastic time.
At least LCSW's don't have to fight with Medicare for reimbursement, while counselors are unable to get reimbursement at this time.
Such a great video!
New subscriber!! Looking to get into the field. Thank you for being our mentor
Thank you for this! I mean i was scared I am gonna get demotivated with this, esp with how much I am scared that I won't be able to handle it. But these were some really useful insights. 👍🏼
I wish I had a more realistic view of how therapists supported themselves in this field. A lot of media shows therapists as being well off and not working crazy hours because you can make your own schedule. I am almost two years into this field and I quickly learned how false that really is.
Amazing video, thanks Doc :)
Watching you giving the information about what your career and how you wish you know before you become a psychotherapist is very in educative and great information for new college student who is study psychology. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Thank you so much! Very helpful!
I absolutely love the charity to society in this work I love pondering the minds of myself and others and the reflection to a solution for a positive impact in said clients life
i am a clinical psychologist myself and i loved the useful "unspoken" information you speak about
Oh Man! This is the best channel I can ask for as Psychology Student who is working towards her future in Psychology.
Thank you for the amazing feedback and welcome to the community!
@@drali You deserve it.
Thank you brother, very useful video.
I'm your subscriber 👊
Thoughtful presentation...especially #9.
Awesome video, thanks.
Thank you for working so hard to make this kind of videos!!
thank you man!!!
its very helpful
Im still young to be thinking about jobs- but sometimes I like to plan ahead in life, and today, I had a thought of becoming a psychotherapist. Seems like stressful but can be helpful towards others- I'll look into this more, and thank you for the video.
Great video!
Thank you for your honesty Doctor. I love that u mention about the technology part.
Wow! Very informing video!
Fantastic lessons👏👏
Thank you for this video!! I'm almost 40, on disability for mental health, and haven't been to college in 20 years, but I'm starting the process to go back to become a Social Worker to be a therapist. I'm having to start almost from scratch because I was a music major before and have almost no GE that transfers... I've always been fascinated with mental health (I'm a musician, and most of my songs and vlogs are about mental health or abuse, and/or overcoming), and I love helping people and watching them grow!... But yeah... I REALLY hope I can do it (go back to school and then get to working)! It's a BIG step for me, with the mental health issues, but I'm going to try my hardest!! Anyway! Thanks again! (subscribed) It's nice to meet you!!
Hi Mary, how's it going? I'm in a similar boat
Good for you! 😊👍🏾
any updates Mary?? I hope you’re doing well
@@flexlordchino1352 hi there!! Yes!! I’m wrapping up my first semester and I’m getting straight A+s!!! I really need to do a video (or more) about it! But yeah!! It’s been amazing!
@@MaryHamerMusic its good to hear.. Wish you all the best for further success
great video! love your channel
Thank you so much!!!!!!!!
Can you please do a video on a mature student over 30 going to study to become a Psychologist? I am starting in January 2021 from scratch. Ps. Love your videos.
Yes please
Same, have you started yet??
28 here. Took me years to realize that I have a mediator personality and psychology has always been interesting to me. Should I start working towards this?
@@Druggy-Doggo I’ll do it if you do it. Let’s be friends.
How’s it going for you?
Thank you very informative. I’m a fairly new therapist working in a youth forensic program at the moment.
I have been becoming more interested in psychology and have been curious whether or not being a therapist would suit me. This definitely gave a lot of insight. Thank you!
Grad student 👩🎓 soaking up all this great content!! Thanks!!
Leah Fischer same here!! Good luck and keep pushing!
Thank you for the information very insightful
wow... this is my dream job! either this, either as a clinical psychologist. But I prefer this! i'm currently 15, loved this since I was 11 and I definitely won't change my mind. Hopefully I become a great psychologist or psychotherapist one day! I want to help people, with normal disorders and mental disorders(mental disorders interest me the most btw, it's just so fascinating to discover how the brain works). Thanks for this video!
Thank you so much for this video
I'm a Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC, Canada and this is bang on. Thank you!
Planning to go for PhD in clinical psychology how much do clinical psycho gists earn in Canada?
great video thank you!