What Do You Enjoy About Working As A Therapist?

Question: What do you enjoy about working as a therapist? Perhaps you could complete this unfiinshed sentence 'when I'm with clients I feel ......'

Answer (1) Great question! I find working with clients to be an opportunity to have a personal glimpse into the lives of others, and I find that to be a very privileged position. Human behaviour fascinates me, and I love using my analytical skills and philosophical perspectives to help others. In response to your sentence, when I'm with clients I feel better off for increasing their insight and sense of empowerment in relation to overcoming their issue.

Answer provided by Graham Cox, Psychologist

Answer (2) Everyday is different. Today I felt like a clown with the 10 year old boy and his separated parents working with his school behaviour and their step parenting issues; then I felt my passion for life and the hope of distancing from her family's pain in the 30 year old who was trapped protecting her 60 year old mum from the narcissistic rages of her father, whilst herself depending on him for her employment; then I felt the presence of my ancestors as I worked with a client who had just lost an elder sister to cancer, a sister who held the artifacts, the metaphors, the story and the centre of their family in another country; then I felt the sharpness of my intellect in nailing the relationship patterns of a client whose partner is on the other side of the world and having to decide whether he should encourage him to emigrate here or decide its over; then I felt my gratitude for the years of experience and my teachers that made each of those interactions so empowering for all who came. So what did I enjoy today - the wonder that such a range of incredible people come to my home office and that I can be effective in all their lives without feeling I carry them into the rest of mine.

Answer provided by Peter Fox, Clinical Psychologist

Answer (3) I am privileged to have people share their difficulties with me, to be constantly reminded of the capacity humans have for surviving huge deprivations and pain and, with the right supports and resources, tapping into their unrecognised reserves to achieve peace, recovery and a return to a life beyond their past and presenting issues. I cannot imagine not doing this work.

Answer provided by John Hunter, Counsellor