Maybe I Really Can

[ShodokanJenn]

So, since I was 16, I've wanted to be a therapist, with a focus on trauma recovery. I get to have a tiny taste of what that would be like because of a class I help teach. It's a women's self defense class, and about 80% of the women who take the class have been assaulted. The class is definitely triggering, and over the course of the 8 weeks the class runs, it is very much like exposure therapy. I've had private conversations and heard so much from them. Some I've been able to actually do something more to help them.

I didn't finish college, because the PTSD flared and I just could not cope with the pressure (I went to a very competitive private college).

I never told my therapist that he is doing exactly what I want to do. Last week we were discussing the fact that my symptoms have really ramped up lately. We ended up side tracked a little, and my therapist said that he thinks I would make an excellent therapist. If he can come to that conclusion without me ever saying anything about it, maybe he's right. Maybe I could be an excellent therapist (in a few years, when I've made enough progress with my own therapy).

Maybe some dreams do come true. I honestly believed that because of all the therapy I've needed, I am too broken to help anyone.

Anyone else ever think about becoming a therapist?

 

[freyjacat]

So, since I was 16, I've wanted to be a therapist, with a focus on trauma recovery. I get to have...

Just letting you know, many therapists have disorders of their own.

If anything, your own struggles can perhaps give insight to those going through their own. I have only recently began to consider counseling or victim advocating as possible future career moves. I think helping teach a defense class could be very helpful for you in the end. I'm sure the women in there appreciate any advice you can give, especially since you have experienced your own trauma. I've thought about volunteering for a domestic abuse hotline and/or something with RAINN would be my ideal. Something to look into. I also never finished college, so my current options are limited. I want to finish one day though.

You're never to broken to do anything!!

 

[Friday]

Thought about it, it's not for me.

I tend to be very good in certain kinds of crisis (others I have zero patience for), and even fewer kinds of slow steady progress. Where my strengths lie are in highly volatile, short term, strong propensity for escalation to violence scenarios... And finis. De-escalate & Hand off. Some of the people I've worked with (where I hand EDP off to) have said I would be good at what they do. I've thought about it, and decided I wouldn't be. The instant connect & de-escalate is a very different thing than working with someone (much less a lot of someone's!!!) long term. That shit would eat me alive, and burn me out, faster than anything I can imagine.

Maybe some dreams do come true. I honestly believed that because of all the therapy I've needed, I am too broken to help anyone.

<grin> Very, very happy for you. :D It's a rare moment when someone sees us for who we are and what we are capable of, recognizes it, and allows us to see the same in ourselves.

 

[ShodokanJenn]

Thought about it, it's not for me.

I tend to be very good in certain kinds of crisis (others...

@FridayJones Thank you so much for your words. I do well in crises true, but I prefer to have a chance to see my suggestions/ideas put to practice. I love teaching martial arts, and the relationships I develop with students over time. So many parallels in teaching versus therapy.

I'm going to pursue this. I'm scared but excited.

 

[Friday]

I'm scared but excited.

That's how I know I've made the right decision about something. Right. There. :D

 

[EveHarrington]

I think you should go after your dreams!

Don't ever let anyone try to dissuade you. (Well, unless there are very practical obstacles like oh your dream will cost you 3.5 million dollars with no chance of recouping it----that sort of thing.)

But with career choice, go for what drives you, what motivates you. Good luck! I know you can do it.

 

[Eagle3]

I also teach a women's self-defense class. Generally, I utilize a group therapy approach to these classes due to the high numbers of "issues" that come up during class. I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and wanted to be a therapist, but lately i've decided its not for me. I have no more patience for clingy people (its actually a trigger for me!). I've decided to maybe pursue Forensic Psych instead.

I love teaching martial arts as well! And seeing the women grow and conquer their past is one of the best experiences of my life. I hope you continue to pursue your dreams!