I still remember the mix of excitement and nervousness on my first day as a student therapist. After 20 months of intensive theory, I was suddenly expected to apply it in the real world. However, in that moment, it felt like I had forgotten everything. Questions flooded my mind: What if I don’t know what to say? What if I make a mistake? The doubt grew louder as imposter syndrome crept in, joined by the worry that I had no idea how to market myself. How was I supposed to know who my ideal client was when I had no real experience? How could I know which modality suited me best when I hadn’t explored them all? Despite the self-doubt, I reminded myself why I was here. Helping others reconnect with their true self, and providing a safe space for them to explore uncomfortable feelings through the process, was my passion. My first few sessions weren’t perfect, but I quickly learned that clients weren’t looking for perfection. They were looking for someone who would listen and hold space for them. Slowly, I started to trust that I had something to offer.

In school, we’re taught that the therapeutic relationship is essential to a client’s progress. In practice, I realized that it’s just as crucial for the therapist. Feeling secure in that relationship gave me the confidence to take risks, whether it was trying new interventions or gently challenging a client’s perspective. True therapeutic work can only happen once that foundation is established. As therapists, we navigate the delicate balance between holding space for emotional distress and maintaining boundaries to prevent dependency, ensuring that therapy remains a place of empowerment rather than reliance.

Supervision is a requirement for students and I deeply valued the support and guidance it provided. Each session became a learning experience, helping me understand not only my clients but also myself as a therapist. As I progressed, I realized that I was drawn to certain modalities more than others and that my ideal client did not come from a pre-determined niche. I had assumed that I needed to have a clear roadmap before I even began. But I soon realized that therapy is a dynamic, evolving process. Instead of fearing mistakes, I started to see them as part of growth for both myself and my clients. The best therapists aren’t the ones with all the answers, but the ones willing to sit with uncertainty and trust the process. This was my superpower.

Self-care is not just a recommendation for therapists, it’s a professional and ethical responsibility that ensures we show up as regulated, present, and effective therapists. As students, we juggle the demands of work, school, personal life, and practicum, often leaving little room for ourselves. Yet, maintaining emotional boundaries is crucial; without them, we risk carrying our clients’ pain as our own. I remember the weight of certain sessions, how the stories lingered long after the client had left, how I found myself mentally replaying conversations, wondering if I had said the right thing or if I had truly helped. The emotional residue was undeniable. Over time, I learned that empathy without boundaries leads to burnout. Self-care wasn’t indulgence; it was a necessity. Whether through supervision, peer support, journaling, or simply stepping away to recharge, I discovered that taking care of myself wasn’t just for my benefit, it was for my clients, too.

Saying goodbye to clients has been difficult. I had spent weeks or months walking alongside them in their journey, and now it is time to part ways. Some clients expressed gratitude, while others expressed anxiety about the transition. This has reinforced the importance of reflecting on progress with clients, and empowering them to continue their work beyond therapy.

As I complete my practicum, I am leaving filled with gratitude for every client who has trusted me with their stories and emotions. Each one has contributed to my growth, often in ways they may not even realize. I am inspired by the vulnerability they’ve shown, resilience they’ve demonstrated, and the personal expansion I’ve had the privilege of witnessing in our sessions. This practicum has been an empowering experience, that has not only enhanced my clinical skills but also nurtured a deeper self- awareness and personal growth

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