My Journey to Becoming a Therapist: Turning Pain into Purpose
When I reflect on my sophomore year of college, it’s hard to believe how much has changed since then. I was attending school out of state, far from home, and the familiar comforts of family and friends. I thought I had everything under control, but life quickly became overwhelming. It was during that year that I made the difficult decision to terminate a pregnancy—a choice that brought a flood of emotions I wasn’t prepared for.
The weeks and months after the procedure were some of the darkest times of my life. I was engulfed in sadness and shame, and I began to isolate myself. My academic performance plummeted as I struggled to focus on anything other than the pain I was carrying. By the end of the year, I was asked to leave the college due to my low GPA. It felt like rock bottom, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had failed, not just academically, but in life.
The experience left me feeling completely lost. I wasn’t sure how to cope with everything I was going through. Eventually, I sought therapy. At first, I was hesitant and unsure of what talking to a stranger could do for me. But soon, I realized it was the lifeline I needed. My therapist created a space where I could finally express the complex emotions I had been burying. She helped me work through the grief, guilt, and sadness in a way that felt healing rather than overwhelming.
Therapy became a turning point. Through the process, I discovered how transformative it could be to feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment. For the first time in a long time, I began to see a way forward. More than that, I started to recognize a spark within myself—an interest in the power of helping others navigate their pain, just as I was doing.
That’s when the thought first crossed my mind: what if I could be the one offering this kind of support to others? What if my experience wasn’t just something to survive, but something that could fuel a career helping people through their dark times?
It took time, but I slowly began to rebuild my confidence and my sense of purpose. I went back to school, this time with a renewed focus. The idea of becoming a therapist stayed with me, and as I continued to heal, I became more determined to follow that path. What started as one of the most painful periods in my life ultimately gave me direction and purpose.
Now, as a therapist, I often think back to that time when I felt like a failure, and I see how those experiences shaped me. They taught me empathy, resilience, and the importance of mental health. I understand what it’s like to feel lost and to face depression, and that insight allows me to connect with my clients on a deeper level.
The journey wasn’t easy, but it led me to where I am today. I’m grateful for the struggles that helped me grow, and I’m honored to help others find their strength and healing through therapy.