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Cultivating Clinicians: Starting the Journey

Starting the Journey as a Therapist in Training

By Aayushi Gala, Therapist in Training

Choosing a career in mental health is both exciting and daunting. As someone on the road to becoming a therapist, I can attest to the mixed emotions and significant life shifts that accompany the start of formal training. In this blog, I’ll share my personal journey, focusing on the first steps toward becoming a therapist, the process of selecting the right program, and how I’ve managed the emotional challenges of clinical work. Whether you’re considering a career in mental health or are curious about the process, I hope this post sheds light on what it’s like to begin this transformative path.

Deciding on the Right Program

The decision to pursue a career in mental health is a major one, but figuring out which program and school fit your goals is an equally significant challenge. For me, the journey began with understanding what kind of therapist I wanted to be. Did I want to focus on working with children, adults, families, or all of the above? Was I more drawn to research or clinical practice? After careful consideration, I realized I was passionate about clinical work, and I knew I wanted a program that would offer a well-rounded approach, with opportunities to work with diverse populations.

New York University’s Master of Arts degree in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness caught my attention for its emphasis on a holistic, client-centered approach and the fact that the faculty’s research aligned with my interests. The choice was also influenced by practical considerations—geography, reputation and resources for students. One major resource that reassured me was NYU’s extensive internship network, offering the chance to gain real-world experience in a wide range of settings.

Navigating the New Academic Environment

Transitioning into a rigorous academic program in New York City was a significant shift, especially after having worked and studied in India. Adjusting to a new country’s educational system required patience and adaptability. One of the most striking differences I noticed at NYU was the emphasis on reflective practice and self-awareness. I quickly realized that my growth as a therapist wasn’t just about learning clinical skills or theories; it was about becoming more attuned to my own emotional and mental processes.

Being a therapist is emotionally intense work, and early on, I encountered moments where I felt overwhelmed by the emotional weight of my training. At first, it seemed like an impossible task to manage my personal feelings while staying fully present with clients. However, with time, I learned that self-care is essential. NYU encourages students to develop a support network among peers and faculty, which has been a lifeline for me.

Adjusting to the Emotional Weight of Clinical Work

One of the greatest challenges I faced as a new therapist-in-training was learning how to carry the emotional weight of the work. Being a partner in someone else’s mental health journey, listening to their most vulnerable moments, and helping them navigate their struggles can be both empowering and heavy. I recall one of my first experiences during my practicum when a client shared a deeply personal story. I felt the magnitude of their pain and realized how much trust they were placing in me. That moment was humbling, as it made me realize the deep responsibility that comes with this work. That trust felt like a gift, but it also came with pressure. Could I handle their vulnerability? Would I be able to provide the support and space they needed? These questions lingered, making me acutely aware of the weight of my role. At the same time, it was deeply fulfilling to know that someone could trust me enough to let me into their emotional world. That sense of fulfillment became a driving force behind my continued growth as a therapist.

Initially, I struggled with emotional boundaries, often taking my clients’ feelings home with me. This emotional overflow impacted my mood and left me feeling mentally drained, making it difficult to be fully present in my personal life. With time, and through supervision, I learned to separate my emotions from my clients’ experiences. Mindfulness and boundary-setting became essential tools, helping me stay grounded and maintain the empathy needed without absorbing their pain.

Embracing the Journey

Starting this journey has been both challenging and rewarding. While the path to becoming a therapist involves mastering clinical techniques and theories, it’s also a deeply personal process of self-discovery. My experiences at NYU have taught me that the more I grow as a person, the more effective I can be as a therapist.

If you’re considering a career in mental health, I encourage you to take that first step. Embrace the learning process, and remember that the journey isn’t just about becoming a therapist—it’s about growing alongside your clients, becoming more attuned to yourself, and developing the resilience needed to thrive in a field that is both emotionally demanding and profoundly rewarding.

Tips for Aspiring therapists:

  • When choosing a school, think about your long-term career goals. Look for programs that align with your personal interests and offer hands-on experience. The more you know about your potential field, the better prepared you’ll be to make an informed choice.
  • Take advantage of peer networks, supervision, and support systems provided by your program. Therapy training can be emotionally taxing, and leaning on others who understand your journey is key to managing it healthily.
  • Learning to set emotional boundaries is a critical skill. Mindfulness, self-care practices, and regularly consulting with supervisors or mentors can help you manage the emotional intensity of the work.