Stepping into the world of professional counseling is an exciting but overwhelming transition. As an Associate Professional Counselor (APC) in Georgia and almost to my LPC (can't wait!), I quickly realized that while graduate programs do an excellent job of teaching clinical skills, there’s an entirely different skill set needed to thrive in this field. Here are a few key lessons I wish someone had emphasized to me when I was just starting out.
1. Find a Mentor—Outside of Clinical Supervision
Your clinical supervisor is essential for licensure, but supervision alone isn’t enough for your professional growth. Find a mentor—someone experienced in the field who can provide guidance on the real-world aspects of being a therapist. A mentor offers perspective beyond case conceptualization, helping you navigate the nuances of client relationships, professional boundaries, and career development. My mentor came through my university, and they have provided invaluable advice as I navigate my career.
Three Tips for Finding a Mentor:
Leverage Your Network: Start with your university professors, internship supervisors, or colleagues. Many seasoned professionals are willing to help if you just ask.
Join Professional Groups: Engage with local or national counseling associations. Attend networking events or workshops where experienced professionals gather.
Seek Someone with Shared Values & Interests: Your mentor should align with your clinical interests and long-term career goals. Look for someone whose approach to therapy and business resonates with you.
2. Invest in Business Knowledge
Whether or not you ever plan to go into private practice, understanding the business side of therapy is crucial. Many therapists struggle because they don’t understand how the industry operates—billing, marketing, client retention, and professional sustainability. Read business books, attend seminars, and familiarize yourself with the financial realities of the field. Feeling uninformed can lead to burnout and unnecessary stress down the road.
How to Start Learning the Business Side:
Read Business Books: Books like Your Next Five Moves by Patrick Bet David and Profit First by Mike Michalowicz can shift your mindset from employee to business-savvy professional.
Attend Seminars & Webinars: Look for workshops that teach the financial and operational aspects of running a therapy practice, even if you don't plan to start one.
Understand Billing & Insurance: Even if you don’t accept insurance, understanding how the system works will help you navigate client expectations and industry standards.
3. Ask Questions—And Keep Asking
New therapists often find themselves in busy offices where they feel overlooked or hesitant to ask too many questions. But failing to seek clarification can lead to costly mistakes—both for you and your clients. If you don’t get an answer, ask again.
How to Advocate for Yourself in a Fast-Paced Office:
Schedule Regular Check-Ins: If your site director or supervisor is too busy to answer questions on the fly, request periodic meetings to go over concerns.
Write Down Your Questions: Keep a running list of things that confuse you. That way, when you get time with a supervisor or mentor, you won’t forget key concerns.
Speak Up If Something Feels Off: Trust your instincts. If a policy, intervention, or client issue doesn’t sit right with you, ask about it. Too much can be missed if you remain silent.
4. Learn How to Deal with the Job—Not Just How to Do It
Graduate school teaches you the techniques, but it doesn’t teach you how to handle the emotional toll of this work. You’ll hear a lot about self-care, but what does that actually mean?
Practical Ways to Handle the Emotional Load of Counseling:
Develop a Sustainable Work Schedule: Overloading yourself early in your career can lead to compassion fatigue. Set boundaries now.
Find a Peer Support Group: Having fellow clinicians to talk with can help normalize the struggles of being a therapist.
Create Your Own Decompression Rituals: Whether it’s journaling, exercise, or prayer, find a way to leave work at work. Therapy can be heavy, and you need strategies to release it.
5. Find Your Niche
Being a generalist may seem like the safest route when starting out, but it often leads to burnout. What are you passionate about? What theoretical approach excites you? Which populations do you feel drawn to? If you don’t know yet, work with your site director to create a plan for mentorship in different areas to help you find your niche. Once you identify it, invest in continuing education, specialized training, and deeper learning in that area.
How to Find and Develop Your Niche:
Try Different Populations: If you're unsure, seek out experience with various groups—adolescents, trauma survivors, couples, first responders, etc.
Learn a Specific Modality: Whether it’s CBT, EMDR, Adlerian, or another approach, gaining expertise in a specialized area can help set you apart.
Invest in Continuing Education: Take courses, attend workshops, and seek certification in your chosen specialty to deepen your knowledge and build credibility.
Final Thoughts
Starting out in this field is challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Find a mentor who can support your growth, educate yourself on the business of therapy, speak up when you need guidance, discover your niche, and take your own well-being seriously. The sooner you develop these skills, the more sustainable—and fulfilling—your career will be.
If you're looking for support, reach out. Navigating the early years of your counseling career can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you need guidance, encouragement, or just someone to help you process the challenges ahead, I’d love to be there for you! Building a strong foundation now will set the stage for a fulfilling and sustainable career, and having the right support can make all the difference. z
Don’t hesitate to connect—I’m here to help.
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