Have you ever wondered what it's like to sit on the other side of the therapeutic couch? Are you curious about what your therapist experiences as they listen to your stories, problems, and victories? What motivated them to choose this career path?

 While every therapist's journey is unique, here are some reasons I chose this path and continue to feel fulfilled in my practice as a therapist. 

1. Creating a Sacred Space:

Humans are relational beings. At some level, we all yearn to connect deeply with ourselves and with one another. I view the therapeutic space as sacred, a place where genuine human connection helps bring an aliveness and vibrancy to the sessions. Each moment is bubbling with the potential of what we may uncover from the depths of our subconscious. Collaborating with individuals to create such a rich environment where we experience the beauty and sacredness of human connection feels very rewarding.

 2. Experiencing Human Diversity:

Everyone I've had the honor of working with fills me with awe. It's a gift to experience humanity in its full uniqueness through these interactions. In therapy, people share their most vulnerable parts, their art, and their moments of joy and love with me. I feel privileged that I get to witness humans in all their beauty, resilience, and fragility. Together, we celebrate the messiness of the human experience.

 3. Practicing Acceptance and Compassion:

I strive to live by the values of presence, acceptance, and compassion. Being a therapist offers the perfect opportunity to practice these constantly. As I build my capacity to accept and sit with the depths of my pain, it allows me to hold space for individuals to process their grief, sadness, anger, and shame as well. Likewise, holding different parts of the human experience with compassion for others helps me extend that same care to myself. It feels like a great positive loop to be stuck in!

 4. Understanding Myself Better:

I am on my own inner journey of understanding myself more deeply, untangling past patterns, and living authentically. While my primary work is through meditation, self-inquiry, and my own therapy, working with clients adds immense value to that journey. Each person I meet leaves a subtle imprint on me; every interaction transforms me just a bit. Joining clients in their experiences, thoughts, and fears often opens up parts of my own mind. Their perspectives can trigger light bulb moments for me, helping me understand my own insecurities, motivations, and anxieties better.

 5. Sharing The Magic of Being Seen:

I have had the privilege of experiencing the transformative power of 'unconditional positive regard'. To be really seen, heard, understood, and valued is the greatest gift I have ever received. Hence, I feel compelled to share this gift with others. Being held in a space where you can fall apart without the rush to "fix yourself" is something that can only be felt, not explained. It's a beautiful, indescribable experience and I am grateful I get to share it with others.

 Of course, there are many more reasons I enjoy being a therapist. I love creating an impact and seeing my clients grow and love themselves more. Reflecting on these reasons, I sometimes wonder if my reasons are selfish. Am I more a therapist for my benefit than for those of my clients? However, I've realized that's the beauty of human interactions—something wholesome and fulfilling for one can benefit others, too. If it comes from a place of growth and love, it doesn't have to be beneficial to only one person. We are deeply interconnected, and my experience of the space as sacred may be felt by my clients as well.

 So, here's a heartfelt thank you to all my past, current, and future clients who have made this journey so beautifully fulfilling :)