Navigating Therapy After Your Master’s ?

This topic was not just meant to be a hook, but is a genuine question for all the trainee therapists out there (including myself).

We learn so much in theory through our courses and practicum. But what happens if you freeze during a session or say something you were not supposed to? While situations like these are considered “okay” (because we are human beings and are bound to make mistakes), we still try our best to avoid them. Yet, mistakes can happen…whether it’s tomorrow, ten years from now, or at any point in our careers.

However, this blog is not here to discourage you in any way. Instead, it aims to empathize with you and explore how we, as trainees and professionals, support each other while learning to work with real clients.

For me, I learn things best through a simple step-by-step approach or through observational learning. Keeping that in mind, and also considering the needs of our readers, let’s look at what we can do in such situations.

If you ever find yourself in a moment like this during a session, how do you move forward? How do you navigate it and figure things out? Let’s try to understand it together with a simple step-by-step approach. So, here it goes.

1.List Strengths and Weaknesses

This is a very crucial yet simple step. But before we move forward, there is something important to remember. Having strengthsshould not make a person feel above others, and at the same time, having weaknesses does not mean that you are weak. Instead, recognizing both can help you, as a trainee therapist, become more aware of yourself. And isn’t self-awareness one of the key goals for us as future therapists?

2.Seek Supervision

One of the best favors you can do for yourself after your master’s is to find a mentor. Pro tip: it’s best if you start looking for one even during your internship. A supervisor or mentor can help you shape your professional path while also pointing out your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. In many ways, they can also help build your confidence so that, over time, you feel ready to start taking therapy sessions more independently. However, one possible downside is that in some cases, you may need to pay for supervision.

3.Build a Community

This has been a trend circulating on LinkedIn for quite some time now (arguably one of our most used social media platforms 😂). These can be open or closed groups where you, either as an admin or as a member, can join and engage in meaningful conversations. These discussions can range from shared experiences in the field (including RCI’s “mood swings,” ifkyk 😅) to opportunities that might be helpful for others in the group. Such spaces can also be great for discovering potential collaborations or work opportunities.

4.Further Studies

This could include preparing for exams like NET or NET-JRF, or even giving another master’s entrance a shot. It might sound a bit daunting (which is totally understandable), but who says we can only study until a certain age?
(Fun fact: one of my classmates in college is in her 60s. If she can do it, so can you, right?).  Further studies do not always have to feel overwhelming, either. They can be part-time, full-time, or even something you pursue from the comfort of your home through online diploma courses. Opportunities like these can help you advance your skills and even increase your job prospects.

5.Breathe, Slow Down…

This could be another way of saying, “Slow down, it’s okay.” On one hand, this suggestion can come from a place of privilege, but on the other, it does not mean that you should stop working toward your goals entirely (although taking a break can also be okay). Perhaps you could take a few months off to focus on yourself, reconnect with your hobbies (and even try to monetize them if possible), and slowly and consistently apply for jobs.

Another small activity you could try is making a list of cities where you would like to work. This can help narrow down your search and give you more clarity about where you see yourself in the future. And most importantly, remember this: you will be a great therapist to your clients…whether your journey happens sooner or a little later than expected.

Well, that’s it for this week’s blog post! I hope you find these tips helpful as a graduate, whether sooner or later. I can’t wait to see you all out there as successful therapists. Until the next one, take care, you lovely human beans!