Being a therapist is a job like any other. There are parts you do and don’t like. Offering online therapy is one thing. Being able to represent and support an organization that offers affordable online therapy is another. Nevertheless, work and passion are two separate sides of one Venn diagram. While each aspect contains their own unique characteristics, there can be overlap. 

For me, work is my passion. It is a part of my personal happiness and fulfillment. In highschool, I decided my life’s purpose would be to hone myself into the healthiest and happiest person I can be. As I evolve into a different person through my experiences, there are two constants. One-There is inherent value in instilling hope in others.  Two- There is even more value in taking the hope that we hold for them, and teaching people to hold it for themselves- to instill belief in themselves. Serving as a guide, as a temporary anchor to their hopes, dreams, and desires is my job. It’s also my passion. This is something I’m able to do as an intake coordinator and therapist in training. 

It’s an honor and a privilege to be a graduate therapist in NYC. Hour by hour day by day, we are able to treat depression or the low motivation that comes along with it. We are able to hold space for anxiety and the worry that  invades our client’s inner world. We offer a plan of action. A human face and connection to accompany the tools and resources. For Gen z’s and college students who face unique challenges being the most connected and disconnected generation, this human connection is imperative. Many clients have told me how hesitant they feel about paying for psychotherapy- for that human connection. It can almost feel like paying for a friend. While there are some brief overlaps between a therapist and a friend, being that both therapists and friends care, a Therapist also  offers a unique education and science based perspective. It’s this unbiased perspective that allows us to challenge our clients and encourage growth through proven methods. Despite this, despite our education, we are still human- we care. It’s the combination of care and education that creates the therapeutic benefits. The care I have as a therapist, drives me to advocate for my clients. The education gives me the resources to do so, properly and effectively. To the clients who are afraid of paying money for a “glorified friend”; care and empathy is not often something that can be faked. Many people are therapists, not because of money, but because of a calling. 

 While some aspects of the therapeutic relationship are one sided, as they should be, some aspects land close to home. While I do not share the ins and outs of my life, there is a personal truth that can be healing to hear. If you’ve ever wondered what a therapist thinks of their job, here’s one perspective. My job is my passion. Helping others heal is gratifying and beautiful, but also, oftentimes, as I talk to my clients they prompt me to write different narratives, lead a different life, talk to myself in a different way, and engage in my healing from a new place. While this healing doesn't look the same as what I offer them, it is no less valuable. Healing can be double sided- and for me it is.