Reflecting on my work with new clients recently has given me an opportunity to delve into the essence of my profession. As a licensed mental health counselor, my role requires an immense amount of love and dedication, bordering on obsession. Why? Because we navigate the depths of human experiences, vulnerabilities, and the most humane aspects of people's lives every day. And it's not just our clients we encounter—it's ourselves as well.
Mental health professionals are in a constant state of reflection and learning, which often comes with doubts and the need to challenge ourselves, just as we do with our patients. This demands an extreme love and passion for our job, not towards the patient or the session, but towards our own continuous self-improvement and growth.
If someone were to peek at my book list or browser history, they might assume that I am in a state of suffering. But that couldn't be further from the truth. I am relentless in my pursuit of knowledge from other experts, professionals, and peers.
I want to learn as much as I can about the field of mental health because each and every one of my clients has unique and dynamic needs.
Yes, there are shared experiences, but as a mental health professional, I take pride in adapting each session to the individual needs of my clients and understanding their worldviews and lived experiences.
Dedication to this field goes hand in hand with the realization of the power dynamics present in every session. To anyone who claims that there is no power dynamic, I beg to differ. Whether we like it or not, power dynamics exist and must be carefully navigated in every single session. The level of responsibility I hold is a direct result of this power dynamic. I am accountable for my own self-care and personal growth. It would be reckless of me not to work on learning and evolving from my own past wounds and previous versions of myself.
I have communicated this message countless times to my clients over the past 10 years: the most important thing for them to know about me is that I am a therapist who has been (and continues to be) in therapy. I did not join this field to pathologize people and their suffering. I have been in their shoes many times over—the anxious new client uncertain about their therapist and desperate to overcome the feelings that have taken control of their thoughts and actions.
My job is not about wanting to save people or change them. It is fueled by a genuine love for the field and a deep passion for empowering individuals on their personal growth journeys. I believe in the power of community workshops, one-on-one meetings, and the resources I offer to support high-achieving women, helping them enhance their self-worth, work-life balance, and mental well-being.
So, as I continue on this path of personal and professional growth, I invite you to join me. Let's challenge ourselves, reflect on our own journeys, and embrace the power within us to create positive change. Together, we can empower ourselves and others to reach new heights of self-confidence, belief in our abilities, and overall well-being.
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Website: maryjackson.online
I am glad you were able to connect with this piece, Deanna. Our profession is so profoundly private, with our clients and our reflections. Sharing this with the world and connecting with other therapists is an honor.
Hi Mary, I just have to say that I really resonated with the way you described what the role of a therapist is like. At times I feel like so much of my free time is spent reflecting and reading in an attempt to learn as much as I can to best help my clients and I’ve wondered if that’s normal 😅. Thank you for speaking on the passion and love that drives us therapists to do the challenging & meaningful work that we do 🩷