An Inside Look at Becoming a Therapist
Fellow therapists, therapists in training, and anyone curious about the field: this one is for you. Em and Jen share an inside look at becoming a therapist, from the post-grad years before licensure to imposter syndrome, charging for late cancellations, taking time off without guilt, and why every therapist benefits from their own therapy.
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In this episode
- What the pre-licensure years are really like, and why clients rarely mind
- Why new therapists can do excellent work despite imposter syndrome
- How to stop carrying clients home with you
- Late cancellation policies as a boundary that protects clients too
- Scheduling time off in advance to prevent burnout
- Joining with a client who is slow to warm up
New therapists can do great work
Em and Jen say being pre-licensed mattered more to other clinicians than to clients, since new therapists work under supervision. Newer clinicians often bring a lot of energy and individualized attention to each client. Their advice for imposter syndrome: focus less on impressing other clinicians and more on being present in the room.
Boundaries protect you and your clients
Thinking about clients outside of session is normal. Write it down, bring it up next time if it helps, and let it go. A mentor's image has stuck with them: you can show a client three routes to the shore, but you cannot drive the car for them.
Late cancellation fees can feel awkward, but consistent policies give clients structure and safety. Working within a group practice makes it easier, because "it's the policy of the practice."
Plan your rest
Em sends clients her vacation dates at the start of each season so time off is predictable. Scheduling rest in advance prevents last-minute cancellations from burnout, and it models the self-care therapists ask their clients to practice.
Therapists in therapy
Both hosts say it is very important. As they put it, you can only go as deep with your clients as you have gone yourself. If you are not in therapy, stay in supervision or peer consultation so you have somewhere to process what the work brings up.
Video chapters
- 2:01 Navigating the post-grad, pre-license years
- 3:00 Imposter syndrome as a new clinician
- 7:00 Not worrying about clients when you're off the clock
- 10:20 Late cancellations and charging clients
- 14:00 Taking time off without guilt
- 17:05 The first session with a client who is slow to warm
- 20:30 Should therapists be in therapy?
Frequently asked questions
Can you practice therapy before you are licensed?
In many states, graduates can practice under supervision while accruing hours toward licensure. Requirements vary by state and license type, so check with your licensing board.
How do new therapists deal with imposter syndrome?
Remember that supervision exists for a reason, focus on being present with each client, and know that newer clinicians often do strong, individualized work.
Should therapists charge for late cancellations?
Many do. A clear, consistently applied policy protects your time and income and gives clients a predictable structure.
Building a practice of your own?
Em and Jen grew The Therapy Group from a shared basement office into a multi-location group practice. Work with them through 1:1 private practice consulting, or join the 6-month Group Practice Cohort for owners ready to hire and lead a team.
Explore private practice consulting | Join the Group Practice Cohort waitlist
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ShrinkChicks is for education and entertainment and is not a substitute for therapy or medical advice. If you are in crisis in the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.