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Does a career in psychology ever get draining?

I am currently going into my junior year and just completed a psych1010 college credit course that I found really interesting. I think I might enjoy being a therapist for teens/children, but I worry that it may become too draining overtime. I also don't know what I would need to major in to become a youth therapist.

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Gena’s Answer

Hi Claire,

Being a therapist can be draining at times, it can also be incredibly rewarding and interesting.

What I’ve found most helpful is to be able acknowledge the more draining times. To talk them through with my own therapist or trusted friends and to meditate and reflect on them myself.

If a therapist believes that feeling drained is something to reflect on and a cue to look after themself a little more, and not something to panic about or feel bad for, this helps too.

Therapists who are more goals and outcomes focussed tend to get more drained than therapists who are more process focussed. I feel rewarded by the process and small moments along the way and don’t focus too much on where things could or should end up.

Regular meetings with my supervisor and regular breaks also really help. In fact I think they are essential.

Hopefully someone local to you can answer how to major in youth work. I am in Australia and here there are many pathways. Studying a Master of educational and developmental psychology is one way but it will be different where you are. It is possible for any psychologist to be a therapist to youth or children if they choose to work with that population and are competent in this area. Once a psychologist is formally qualified they can be considered competent in counselling youth if they’ve had past or current relevant experience like volunteer work, work experience and independent study ie short courses and supervision.

All the best.
Gena
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Katherine’s Answer

Yes, it's pretty well known that being in the field of mental health is hard on those who provide help. Many or all of the good programs, especially at the graduate level, require students to be receiving counseling for themselves while they are in the program, at least on some frequency, partly as it can help their own understanding of receiving counseling etc., but also because they need to "stay sourced," as some people put it. And there are plenty of professionals who realize that on a particular day, they weren't really giving their best to clients as their own needs or stuff was getting in the way or even a situation that a client is facing triggers them too. But there is still a world of professionals out there doing what they can do, and by and large I think it helps, so if you feel like you can do it, go for it--at least move ahead with your studies. But don't think badly of yourself at any time over the next 45 years, whether as a student or a professional, if you decide, "Ok, I've given some service and done what I could do, and now I will do something different." With the "average" person these days supposedly having up to 7 different careers over a working life (including stay at home parent), this isn't a world where you have to be tied to something just because you went for it.
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david’s Answer

Hi, Claire, I cannot answer all your questions, but I will give this brief comment: If you are doing a career wherein you are helping others, you will find that it is energizing and will keep you looking forward to each day. You will worry about patients, but that compassion is what gives you strength. It is that sense of being useful in this one life that will carry you on. I wish you well.
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Randa’s Answer

Being a counselor or therapist it’s very easy to become overworked and “burnt out”. However utilizing self care methods on a regular basis to maintain a healthy mindset and mental health is very beneficial. Self reflection is a big part of identifying when you are beginning to feel “too drained”. There are also preventive practices to establish a more sustainable counseling career without becoming burnt out!

To answer your question about what scope of practice you want to work with for children , normally any accredited counseling program would be beneficial for you to take. You would need to have a focus on adolescents & take certifications to assist you in becoming more competent in the area of focus.

Good luck!
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