Can I be a therapist if I have a mental illness?

I'm going to give you the honest answer.
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Learn more: Mental health difficulties among clinical, counseling, and school psychology faculty and trainees : psyarxiv.com/xbfr6/
Topics discussed:
0:00 - Introduction
0:35 - Biases in mental healthcare
1:10 - Good therapy can be learned
3:05 - Mental health isn’t binary
4:16 - Motivation for becoming a therapist
6:05 - Know yourself
7:28 - Know your limits
10:33 - Research is me-search
11:40 - Famous therapists with mental illness
12:34 - Don’t make assumptions
13:20 - Conclusion
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Website ► alimattu.com/
THE PSYCH SHOW! Creating mental health videos that educate, entertain, and empower! Produced, written, and edited by clinical psychologist Ali Mattu, Ph.D. All videos are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute clinical advice.
If you or someone you know needs help immediately, you should take one of the following actions:
- call 9-1-1 in the United States or your country's emergency number: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
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- text START to 741-741 in the United States or visit chat.suicidepreventionlifeline...
- go to your nearest hospital emergency room

[@drali]

What questions do you have about becoming a therapist?

[@solomontruthlover5308]

Understanding different types of therapists like LCSW vs LPC vs LMHC and so on

[@gaijininsight6580]

Imagining being a therapist and the experience of being a therapist are probably really different. Going to the field is a big commitment, is there some resources I could use to educate myself about how the experience of being a therapist is actually like?

[@in-serenesanity4514]

Could you please speak about forming one's professional identity, as a therapist. What does it consist of, stages of development, means to develop it, etc. Thank you!

[@Ziddawastaken]

How to cope with all the depressing things u hear? Also : ur opinion on creative therapy?

[@kaydence1000]

The scientist-practitioner aspect of work-life balance! How can u manage the balance while researching and practising at the same time? (Or is it a myth?)

[@DrLizListens]

Clinical psychologist here with ADHD, anxiety, chronic pain, BDD, and trauma. 🙃 The wounded healer archetype is real but diagnoses don't define people. Mental health & wellness is a part of being human. However, I had to hide my real experience in graduate school. Now, it's part of my therapeutic process self-disclosing when clinically appropriate. Transforming pain into meaning can be a radical act of compassion.

[@loveinthematrix]

Love youuu. Thank you so much for sharing

[@DrLizListens]

@@loveinthematrix you're so welcome!

[@aven-rv7ku]

I realize this comment was left a while ago, but in general, how do others in the profession react if you disclose to them? I told my supervisor for an internship in school about an attempt several years before, and I got fired because of it. I have graduated, but I'm very hesitant to tell any other supervisor about it and sometimes it would be nice to talk about it in relation to clients.

[@Itania333]

I'm a clinical psychology student on my way to be a psychotherapist for children and teens. I have struggled with mental illness since at least the age of 13 but probably before that. Having mental illnesses myself gives me both advantages and obstacles when it comes to becoming a therapist. I definitely have a deeper understanding for patients than a lot of staff I have encountered in my internships. The other day I had a seminar. We were discussing an instrument to measure social phobia. I was pointing out that I was finding some wording hard to understand. The teacher said: 'Oh, well, you probably don't have social phobia. THEY understand this.' I said: 'Actually I do have social phobia. And I don't like the way you assume none of us have mental illnesses. That's just not realistic.' I said that in front of 60 students in an online class. She simply repeated what she had said previously and told me social phobia wasn't like what everyday people have, when they're afraid of public speaking. I was so confused and angry. She just didn't believe me? Without knowing me? But I talked to some classmates afterwards and they were super supportive. So a) YES YOU CAN BE A THERAPIST WITH MENTAL ILLNESS IF YOU ARE STABLE AND HAVE LEARNED THE TOOLS YOU WILL BE AWESOME and b) I'M BRAVE Thank you.

[@us_er_Max]

Exactly! I'm a psych student and I feel like a lot of our professors assume certain things that I don't really understand - like that none of us have mental illnesses of any kind and nobody struggles with anxiety or depression.

[@slotha_]

Can I ask where you attended college? I'm currently only one year away from deciding what path I want to go down and I'm trying to choose between Child and Adolescent Psychology and Clinical Psychology (I'll probably choose child and adolescent) but I can't seem to find any colleges close to me that offer the education and degrees.

[@Itania333]

@@slotha_ In Germany :D

[@slotha_]

@@Itania333 hmmm, okay. I’m in the US and I am trying to stay either in the US, or close to it. I think I’m going to attend Alfred University and go into Child Psych, but I’m still looking for other options!

[@Itania333]

@@slotha_ Sounds cool, I hope you find a great school! Psychology is awesome

[@melizh2150]

I'm a junior on college studying psychology and i've been dealing with anxiety and depression for my entire life, you have no idea how much this video helped me, because it has been always an insecure for me that i won't be able to perform on my job in the future. SO THANK YOU❤️

[@us_er_Max]

I'm a freshman on college studying psychology and I can absolutely relate!

[@remy_spores_on_IG_sells425]

Reach out to 👆🍄 They’ll definitely help guide and recommend the best for you 🍄💊🍫🔌………

[@Number1Magician]

Senior psych major here with Bipolar Disorder, this video was very insightful and it helped a lot 😁

[@lopkeee]

I have ADHD and GAD. I’m in therapy now for around 6 months already and I’m currently taking my Master in Psych to be a therapist someday. We can do this! 💪

[@remy_spores_on_IG_sells425]

👆👆 he's got all psychedelic stuffs, he real and ships worldwide 🔞🔞🔞🔞🔞…

[@Jade-wb6fd]

I’ve been wondering about this since I got diagnosed with mental illnesses when I was a teenager. I knew I wanted to work in the mental health field but I also knew I needed to work on being able to cope first. So now 7 years after barely graduating high school I’m finally studying BSc Psychology with counselling at University. I think having firsthand experience of mental illnesses would be a pro and not a con in this field because we would know what it feels like to be in their position, so we would have maybe more empathy than someone who doesn’t have a mental illness and hasn’t experienced what they’re going through. But I also think it’s important for therapists to go to therapy so they don’t carry their work around with them. My therapist has a therapist.

[@drali]

I 100% agree - all therapists should have experience being in therapy. You have to know what it feels like to sit in that other chair. Amazing that you had the insight to be able to cope first before moving into the field. Best of luck on your next steps!

[@Jade-wb6fd]

@@drali Yes exactly. Yeah I wanted to feel ready and not too overwhelmed before getting into this field. So now that I feel mentally ready, it feels less daunting to pursue this career. Thank you!

[@remy_spores_on_IG_sells425]

👆👆 he's got all psychedelic stuffs, he real and ships worldwide 🔞🔞🔞🔞🔞……..

[@joethecounselor]

Early in my career I started saying, "If you don't think someone is crazy, you just don't know them well enough yet." Mental health issues are far more common than most people think.

[@OiVinn-eq1ml]

This is a relief to hear. My biggest fear is empathy burnout, anxiety & emotional baggage I have effect me from becoming a therapist.

[@Healing_Oaks]

I am a therapist and I have extreme social anxiety and bipolar disorder. It does not stop me from wanting to help people. I can put the focus on the client and my issues aside every session.

[@neurotransmissions]

Great video, Ali! It's so important for folks to know that our mental health journeys are all different, and they don't disqualify us for any career or interest. And I really like your point about not becoming a therapist because you want to get help yourself.

[@drali]

Thank you, Brainiacs! Getting some real time, positive, and encouraging peer review is the best thing to wake up to!

[@danm2092]

I really like the way you put the question in context with "Can I become a doctor if I've had a cold?" it really does highlight the biases in mental healthcare and its very validating

[@adampotter760]

Hearing that you have struggled with social anxiety and are now so confident and successful as a therapist really gives me hope. I suffer from pretty bad social anxiety and it's the number one thing that makes me think that I "can't do" clinical psychology, despite it having been my dream for over a decade. How much do you think you should balance waiting until you 'feel ready', and 'feeling ready by doing'?

[@remy_spores_on_IG_sells425]

👆👆 he's got all psychedelic stuffs, he real and ships worldwide 🔞🔞🔞🔞🔞

[@xThinkinqofYou]

I am a prospective grad student with childhood trauma and watching this video was insightful! I'm currently in therapy to address my past trauma in order to become a better therapist in the future.

[@remy_spores_on_IG_sells425]

👆👆 he's got all psychedelic stuffs, he real and ships worldwide 🔞🔞🔞🔞🔞……

[@hangry_panda]

This video made me cry, I have been avoiding this video because I struggle with anxiety and panic attacks, and covid has not helped. I was losing hope on becoming a therapist with an mental heath problem, even if I went to therapy for years. But this video got me motivated. Thank you so much.

[@thesoulstirrer2326]

One of the major reason for me to shift from Commerce and Business to Psychology, is that I'm motivated to study in this field because of my own experiences with Anxiety Disorder as well as Depression for over 5 years now. I really feel that having a personal experience helps you to actually understand what happens at 'ground zero' and how important it is to help out others.

[@visionsofablackherstorian]

Thank you so much for this video. I just graduated with my degree in social work and I have been prolonging getting licensed and performing therapy, because I was insecure about my own mental health diagnosis being a conflict of interest. I genuinely want to help people and have wanted this since 2013. Since then I developed psychotic episodes and this made me feel that I wouldn't be a good therapist. However, I found one key that could help others through their psychotic episodes and maybe I can make a difference. After watching this video, I am more confident in wanting to pursue my licensure and do what I originally planned to do. Thank you again!

[@drali]

Welcome to the field! We are lucky to have you 🙌🏽

[@visionsofablackherstorian]

@@drali 😊😊😊

[@remy_spores_on_IG_sells425]

👆👆 he's got all psychedelic stuffs, he real and ships worldwide.

[@michelekurlan2580]

These questions need to be posed to potential presidential and vice pres candidates

[@anthonymenor1152]

Had the privilege of connecting with Ali and discussing this topic. Thank you so much Ali for encouraging me to not give up on helping people despite my social anxiety!

[@blackbox8490]

A few years ago I asked myself this very same question and this bias has set me back. My whole life I thought I was useless due to my trauma. So, I am a psychology student now who had a shitty childhood and was suicidal most of my life. I still struggle and I 100% agree. All my therapist friends or trainee clinical psych friends struggle(d) with their mental health to an extent, sometimes they struggle getting help for themselves too, sometimes they come to me for help as a friend. A good social worker friend reminded me of the pain mixing your work life with your personal life can cause and even if you're perfectly fine, you will see awful stuff, hear and experience it. I just feel comforted knowing that I have so many years of studying and learning from experience ahead of me. I asked my counselor if she 10 years ago could be in this room with me and play the role of counselor and she said, "no, I'd run away to the bathroom and cry." We cannot forget that therapists have their traumas, mental health struggles and their own therapists. My sociology teacher sees mental illness as a social construct and a natural part of life, not in a dismissive way, but in a way to say that we all need help at times, and even those we deem "crazy" have their place and value. You were very right in pointing out the binary view of the mentally healthy 100% therapist and the crazy scary client. You know those movies where a child draws a scary picture and writes an edgy poem so a parent sends them to a therapist to fix them? In real life, my therapist friends are the types to draw edgy pictures with edgy poems to accompany them and I am glad. As therapist / future therapists, we don't exist to fix people, we exist to provide them help, whatever that help may be. Keep spreading the kindness, Ali. We all appreciate you :)

[@PracticalInspiration]

Great video and great message. I love the way you summed it up..."you are not your mental illness".

[@ardianpaja5921]

How does this video doesn’t already have 1000 views already

[@drali]

Haha, thanks! As long as it's having a positive impact on one person the views don't matter. Honestly, impact > views.

[@Vyanne84]

I'm a psychotherapist in training and I'm going to a crisis right now. Since I experienced traumatic events throughout my childhood, I have gone through many crises ever since. I want you to know that you helped me so much with your words. There is so much stigma around mental illness and there are so many myths concerning our job that the pressure can be suffocating.

[@nadinearrandale2391]

I know I am a very empathic person, and don't really know how to deal with other peoples problems as I tend to absorb others emotion. How do you disconnect that or at least help yourself not to allow their emotions to negatively affect you?

[@axiitis8115]

This gives so much encouragement to young people like me who suffer from overthinking or depression because what we hear in sarcastic tones is, "How are you going to treat someone when you are the one who needs the treatment first"... It feels so demeaning and hurtful when people say that. I wish they understood better. Your videos are amazing... Lately came across them and I'm already so encouraged haha ❤️

[@carimavandijk1091]

Thankyou so much for this video 🙏

[@knijhara]

So glad to have found your channel, Dr. Mattu!! Getting your perspective has been really helpful for me in my training. Eagerly awaiting your upcoming videos.

[@NoticeFeelBreathe]

THIS WAS SO HELPFUL. Thank you!!!

[@nataliemclaws6266]

This video came just when I needed it. Thank you.

[@TheLightRoom22]

This is such a joy to hear!! 💚💚

[@acorz3314]

I really needed to WATCH this. As someone who is currently studying counseling psychology and was considering giving up on the profession due to my mental health challenges, I am very much encouraged by your insight Ali. With the the right meds, therapy, and self-awareness, I feel it is possible for me to become a good therapist!

[@bilalahmedali4010]

I so much relate to this , i suffer from ocd and man the uncertainty that strikes me everyday about not being able to be a good psychologist made me think of giving up my profession, even tho I honestly would give everything to do it and be successful in it !

[@kgg1221]

Thank you so much for this. I think the hardest thing to grapple with as someone with a mental health history is to walk the line of acceptance/willingness to engage in steady treatment v. over-identifying with issues/diagnoses. Like you said, these issues are part of who we are, not the whole of us. I am a writer in the midst of transitioning careers. I have CPTSD and depression/anxiety and have been in therapy for almost 25 years. I've worked incredibly hard to achieve some semblance of balance amidst serious challenges. My level of insight is advanced, but I also know healing doesn't have a destination. (Really like the word 'healing' as opposed to 'healed'.) As someone who has worked in social services before and also been a client, I've experienced biases from both sides. I like the idea of bridging the gap, if only on a micro level. I appreciated your specific advice re: knowing your triggers when it comes to treatments you offer/populations you work with, etc. But the fact that you address this issue out loud in the first place is the best thing about it imo. 🙏

[@lynpupo1279]

Thank you for this highly informative video.Please receive my most heartfelt condolences about your brother. Happy New Year and many blessings!

[@lorem.dickey8002]

You must be reading my mind Ali! Thank you for addressing this topic.

[@natachamgreen]

Good video, thank you for sharing your experience.

[@kayleeonthat]

You’re so good! I respect you a lot !

[@Mary-yk4xw]

thank you so much for this video 💗 you helped me clear out the plans and jumbled thoughts I have bc I've been struggling these days about the career path that I would want to obtain.

[@linkalipski]

Thank you for this video. I very much appreciated that you shared your personal life and limits and how you have addressed them. Hearing lived experiences really helps so thank you for making yourself vulnerable in this way. 🤍

[@LisaJazz]

Thank you so much for this video. This was so validating for someone like myself who graduated as a therapist but had to take a step back because I had undiagnosed trauma that all bubbled up when I went into the field. Thankfully I had the insight and support to step back and I did go into the field originally for the right reasons, however it did go south and when I went to therapy realized I was using it as a way to avoid my own stuff without realizing it. Thank you for your videos and speaking your truth! I also really appreciate your insights on knowing your triggers and what issues you can and cannot treat. Such a great video!

[@nattie911]

I really could have used this information 10 years ago when I was in school for psych and social work. Amazing video thank you for creating and sharing!

[@grbgeslnger24]

You said it very well. A matter of when and how 👍🏻

[@annas4191]

Love this so much. It’s affirming to hear we are all human! As a grad student currently it’s amazing to see a therapist talk about these things so openly !

[@qazedc3]

this was sooo informative and knocked off a lot of fear i had in my mind with this question, thank you!! You're insightful and considerate with this advice. I honestly feel like the most intelligent and creative people are also the most sensitive which leads them to just being more prone to having a mental illness

[@kaydence1000]

Such a great clip with valuable messages. Wish they showed this in the CP classes. Thank you!!

[@drali]

Thank you for the kind note!

[@karinaking8783]

This Was very imformative and appreciate you addressing questions that I personally feel like I had as a psych student

[@WhatsTherapy]

Great vid, thanks for sharing your perpsective. A good question to tackle! I'm new to youtube and making vids about mental health and similar stuff, and it's awesome to see what other people are sharing. Thanks again.

[@kathe.s.268]

I have literally been asking therapists this question in the last couple days... Amazing, thank you for the answer and how detailed the answer is

[@stephanieb8571]

I’ve been watching several of your videos. I am a new LSW working as a counselor and what you said about lived experience to becoming a better therapist at the beginning of the video was encouraging.

[@colleenreed540]

This is such a well-made video! It went into pretty much every area of the topic that I had questions about and more! I hate the stigma of working in the mental health field and having mental illness yourself. I was actually interested in psychology before I even knew of my issues or was officially diagnosed. My family and friends are often in need of help when it comes to mental health and sometimes the criminal justice system, so it was just natural for me to major in psych. I'm used to people venting to me, I like helping people, and psychology and related fields are so fascinating! Thank you for this wonderful video! :)

[@rababshahzad]

Dude why are you so amazing??? Cuz you just are!!!

[@BL0B5TER]

Man I really needed to hear this.

[@miaashly7]

Thank you Dr. Ali. This was an excellent video. I have always said, “we are all one right wrong circumstance from experiencing a mental break”. Not grammatically correct, but simply meaning mental health affects everyone, just in difference ways.

[@drali]

Absolutely! It's not a question of if we will struggle with our mental health but when. Let's normalize it, talk about it, and help each other grow.

[@maeday7457]

You know, I've had this question pop into my head a few times recently, and have even had my partner ask me the same thing. This was really reassuring, because I felt that even though (right now) my mental health has been 100% manageable, I have my moments. So this question of whether or not I could help others because of these challenges I've had in the past, and others comments,, made me concerned I wasn't going to be capable or even able to pursue this career. Thank you, for this very insightful video 😊🙏

[@laurynmorrison5124]

I never comment on KZbin videos, but I just have to comment on how helpful and useful your videos are. I am a final year Psychology student at University in the UK and obviously have to think about what I am going to do after I graduate (Masters, PhD etc). I have so far watched a couple of your videos and just have to express how helpful they are to myself right now. My biggest hope is to become a child psychologist, because I really believe that problems in childhood can solve so many other issues in the future. Thank you so much, you have gained another subscriber.

[@jhanviyj1664]

Another superb video, thanks!

[@drali]

Thank you so much!

[@abbynormal5913]

Thank you so much for this video! It was really touching to see the recognition that lived experience with mental health challenges can be a valuable tool. I worked not as a therapist but as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist at a peer-run wellness and recovery center until my center closed due to the pandemic, mostly facilitating different support groups, and it's always been dishearteningly rare to see any acknowledgement from outside of the peer support bubble of the value of lived experience. One of my coworkers even overheard a clinician at a conference refer to us as "giving the patients the keys to the asylum." I have to admit I got a little teary at the recognition of how many pioneers in mental health had their own struggles. And thank you for talking about the importance of self care and making sure that you are okay in the therapeutic relationship! I swear, at least half of all the training curriculum I took was just a big megaphone labeled "SELF CARE" blasted at us at 5 second intervals, lol. I think the topic of self care really needs more emphasis for anyone going into any kind of "helping/taking care of others" job. I loved this video! I think it's really important that anyone thinking of going into mental health hears these things. Burnout is way too common.

[@drali]

I'm so sorry to hear your center closed due to the pandemic. It sounds like you were doing really important and meaningful work. It angers me to know a clinician said those words at a conference. That is not okay. Lived experience has helped the field of mental health to evolve. If you're interested in my self-care routine as a clinician, I made a video about that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5Ononmcq62XgpY. Thanks for being part of this community!

[@mademoiselle9842]

This was a very helpful video! Thank You so much! Very enlightening ~🤗

[@drali]

So glad to hear it was helpful!

[@kaylajewell4207]

Thank you so much for making this video. I have my bachelor’s in social work and plan on getting my master’s degree within the next couple of years. Soon after graduating I started struggling with panic disorder and I have had anxiety most of my life. At one point, I started to feel like a hypocrite. This video is very comforting

[@Miss_Distress]

I’m so lucky to have stumbled on your channel. I’m studying mental health and want to go further with it. I had asked myself this question. But I realised, I know some great people in mental health services that have suffered from mental illness. I would never question whether they should be in the industry. Of course they should! So I won’t ask it of myself either :)

[@kburok5651]

This is so relevant to my interests! I am seeking scholarly resources on therapists in therapy and therapists with mental illness as I begin working on my culminating project for graduate school. Any suggestions would be well appreciated! Fantastic video, Dr. Mattu! Thank you for taking the time to address this issue.

[@jadenkitchen8311]

Thank you so much for your help! I don't know if you're religious, but your insight was definitely an answer to my prayers. Thank you for posting this priceless knowledge and experience that you have gained. I for one really appreciate it!

[@eduardacicarini1483]

Thank you for this video!!! I am thinking of doing psychology, but I was in dought (because I have some mental ilness). Also, I love your channel!!

[@shulinglee9464]

just what i need !! as i want to apply for BSc Psychology next year

[@drali]

Yay! Glad it helped!

[@racheljacobs7023]

I really appreciate how open and vulnerable you are about the cases that are hard for you. And way to call out the bias! Mental health is not binary.

[@maysannasser]

I have Bipolar and Borderline Personality Disorder and have been going to therapy for a long time. I tried psychoanalysis, CBT/psychodynamic, and more recently person-centered. This last one is really proving effective. I am also on medications and relatively stable with my mood. I am entering grad school for psychology this fall, and I really want to be a good therapist because I know what a difference a good therapist can make to a life. In the video you mentioned social anxiety and depression, but what about personality disorders? Do you think I can be a good therapist while having BPD and Bipolar?

[@ali_haidar_313]

Good for you , I have Narcissistic Personality Disorder and I am really thinking about studying psychology.

[@matej1987]

In my opinion and experience, definitely not until you're at least 40. For example, A.J. Mahari or Brian Barnett has a history of BPD, they are now aware of it and can be very helpful to other people. Or even Sam Vaknin has NPD... but part of these diagnosis is limited empathy, self-control, and the ability to self-reflect.. these are extremely important skills for any interpersonal relationship and especially for relationships with patients...

[@lohi172]

Thank you, I’ve always been drawn to wanting to help others, especially in the mental health field but I thought that my mental illness disqualified me. As someone with primarily Inattentive type adhd, I can struggle with listening to others as intently as I’d like but I believe I can overcome this with hard work. I’m inspired to give the field another look. Thank you for all that you do!

[@lillightninglover1829]

thanks for this it really made me gain a clearer understanding of what i want to accomplish and why .i want to help people get the help that i needed and i always worried that because i did and continue to have mental health struggles that it might prevent me from being able to help others or that it maybe perceived as a reason to discredit the work i want to do because mental health has always been something im passionate about and i just want to help people more than anything.again thank you for this it made my choice in considering a career much easier..

[@welcometoparadise8737]

Thanks for the hope! I'm really struggling as I try to finish my BA in psychology, but going to therapy to try to get myself okay before grad school.

[@ericshiel]

Thank you so much for making this video Dr. Mattu, I actually had this conversation with one of my psychology professors at my undergrad school. It basically came down to me asking her if getting a Ph.D. and practicing as a clinical psychologist was realistic given my own chronic mental health diagnosis. It's nice to hear your perspective. I had always seen it as more of a strength given the enhanced relation and empathetic nature of those with firsthand experience. I've actually heard of people who include something of their own journey with these struggles in their grad school application essay that has played a role in granting admission.

[@drali]

Thanks for sharing your comment! Personal experience with mental health can be a massive asset if you are also able to take care of yourself. Regarding grad school admissions, it can def be ONE part of your story and at the same time it shouldn't be the only reason you're applying to grad school. Professors like to hear about what you've done with that personal passion, how have you gained experiences, why you're ready, and what you'll add to the program.

[@haleyvance2664]

Great video 😄

[@adrianatorres828]

I'm in my last year of my psyc BA and I always go back to this video when I feel discouraged :') It reminds me of the reason I wanted to become a therapist in the first place. Thank you for making this video, you hit all the important points! I also really liked how you mentioned to not let our personal experiences with mental illness cloud our ability to empathize with our patient, I think that's very important to keep in mind!

[@DD-jm5ug]

I'm due to start my 3rd year training as a therapist and I'm struggling with not feeling good enough. Thankyou for this video 🙇💜

[@ghazalriaz8873]

This helps so much!!!!

[@Christ_Is_Life10-10]

I have found that colleagues were judge mental and supervisors didn’t want to provide appropriate supervision. “It’s not my job to be your therapist”. I was unable to process transference/counter transference issues.

[@user-tu3su4zc4i]

u r amazing, it is always interesting to listen to. can u please tell about anxiety. it is my big problem. i am going to university next year and i’m so anxious about exams that sometimes i even can’t sleep because of it. thank you for what you doing

[@bilalahmedali4010]

I so much relate to this , i suffer from ocd and man the uncertainty that strikes me everyday about not being able to be a good psychologist made me think of giving up my profession, even tho I honestly would give everything to do it and be successful in it !

[@andreac647]

I think in my case one of the main issues would be social anxiety and my mind looking for the "danger" element in people which can result in a mental block where I cannot really focus and am getting overwhelmed. I'm working on that, hopefully I'll overcome it to the degree that I'll be able to work with people. This video gives me hope, thank you!

[@diajengtripadya9774]

thank you for this video

[@drali]

Thanks for your comment!

[@kimh9420]

I was thinking the same thing....Boundaries...choosing who you can work with and who you cant...can't.... One of the groups that I don't feel like I would be able to help is sex offenders...especially people that hurt children. You made me feel much better...I needed to hear this!!!

[@amyglennbaxter6896]

I currently am a Mental Health Counselor and Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapist (dual associate licensed). I started as a Certified Peer Counselor working at in-patient crisis stabilization for six years with client who were both voluntary and those who were there on a court order hold. During that time, I completed my master degree. I have my B.S. in Psychology - Crisis Counseling and my master degree in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy. I have several mental health diagnoses. I have been placed on a mental health hold before, I had a psych service dog because the anxiety and depression were so bad that I could not leave my house without him. I still have times when I struggle with anxiety and depression. It did not stop me from completing my degrees, working or have a thriving private practice. It is hard, it is a lot of hard work, therapy, and working on myself; working on my own wellness, recovery and resiliency. In the end it was the right choice for me. I am thriving and love my life.

[@reclaimyourpracticeyourlif6715]

I totally appreciate your realistic assessment of the need for people to get help when necessary instead of falsely believing that education in psychology will help one to accomplish the goal of healing. Many years ago I was working as a counselor in a supportive housing program for mentally ill adults. One of the counselors was easily triggered whenever we spoke of our dads both of them being dentists. She reported that her dad had abused her terribly and she would tell me that she was dissociating then asking to stop talking about our dads. As it happened she did go and get a Master's in Mental Health and found that she was unable to be a clinician because of her own issues which were never healed well enough for her to not be triggered by her patients. Your transparency is most appreciated in this world where many therapists will never admit their interest in going into the field was because of their own mental health issues as well as noting those who have acknowledged their mental illnesses and how it affected their interest in doing the work and in some cases innovating in the field - a really balanced approach which is not an easy thing to do at all!.

[@anelisebarbara983]

Thank you : )

[@ToastyModesteCh]

As someone who revitalized their interest in Psychology and switched degrees to Psychology with the intent of eventually becoming a Psychologist, your videos are very informational and comforting, part of why I didn't go into Psychology first was because I was worried my own mental baggage would keep me from helping people like I want to, but now I know I was being foolish. Thank you, for all you do!

[@ExistentialIzzy]

I'm really glad I stumbled across you. (CW/TW) When I was in the Navy a few years ago, maybe late 2016, early 2017, I tried going through a program called VocRehab (they help you with college, get a job, etc) to see if I can become a criminologist. I was aware that I could never be a criminologist in the sense of how things were depicted on the show "Criminal Minds", but at a young age (14, 15) I became very interested in criminology because of the abusive home environment I grew up in. It was more mental/emotional than anything, but I did experience sexual abuse (from a toxic religious rhetoric) and even some physical abuse. So, in 2016/2017, I was given a paper from VocRehab to give to my therapist. Basically a recommendation. I immediately regretted showing interest because I already knew the answer having started therapy in 2015 and having a history of self-harm, suicide attempts, etc (prior to joining the Navy). My fears were made reality when my therapist handed the paper back to me not recommending me (I would've needed to possibly possess a firearm) for criminology and my entire world was shattered. It took me until 2019 sometime to stop blaming myself for being denied my dream career because of something I couldn't have known about in my youth, such as the consequences of self-harming. I can never give up my love for psychology/MH. I simply cannot. The entire reason I wanted that career was to save the children that were trapped in abusive homes since I had no choice but be exposed to my environment constantly. I even, if very briefly, considered child psychology. I still give "advice" (I share experience since advice is not a one-size-fits-all thing) as if I were a therapist after 5 years of therapy -- and still ongoing. I never claim to be a medical professional because I know I'm not. Marsha Linehan is my biggest inspiration as I have BPD, MDD, and C-PTSD. The things that have helped me the most, in order, were Mindfulness (meditation optional), CBT, and DBT.

[@JennaRose957]

I was wondering this for a while since I’m actually starting my major in psychology. If it wasn’t for my numerous therapists through my childhood/teenage years I wouldn’t be alive today, (now 23 years old treatment free) I’ve experienced BDD anxiety panic attacks social anxiety depression self harm suicidal behaviors and eating disorders I feel all of my disorders will give me such a deeper understanding to my psychology degree and help people who struggled like me. thanks for this video!

[@grassgrees6728]

thank you

[@JulesA5266]

I really like the statements you made about other healthcare professionals being silly. I'd never thought of it that way. You're right in that people do seem to think that therapists are somehow "perfect" or have to be that way in order to be a therapist.

[@adjappleton]

Yes!

[@twinstarssystem2857]

As a disabled person who's experienced bad treatment and has a lot of friends who have experienced medical abuse: if you struggle with something, PLEASE go into the medical field and learn to treat it! Lived experience is always going to be more valuable than textbook knowledge, and being part of a community guides you in what people with those experiences want and need. Sure, you probably need to be stable, but you'll probably do a lot better than those without those experiences. Plus, it's always so much easier to trust someone who has a similar experience to you.

[@kaydence1000]

Btw I fell in love with the lamp in a geometric shape behind you!

[@drali]

I love it too! Got it back in 2013 from Urban Outfitters.

[@glittery_alice6179]

This is such a wonderful video

[@drali]

Thank you!!

[@char8095]

I’d like to see a video about how to protect yourself from predatory therapists. As in any profession you have a chance of coming across a practitioner who will take advantage or/and harm you for their own ends.

[@micheller6804]

Char, the Psychology in Seattle channel has some good info on this.

[@hopecornelius4588]

Gah, are you accepting clients? Lol. Absolutely love your videos. Educational but with heart!

[@unravelingpiece8546]

Hey there, you are so inspiring! I am 24 years old and already have a bachelor in creative technology but have since discovered that it is not the path I would like to continue in. I have always had an interest in psychology and have wanted to help people ect... however, I am a very empathetic person and what I have found at least with the people closest to me that I care about I carry their load. Do you learn how to not carry someone else’s problems ? How do you deal with a heavy and saddening story from a client? How do you keep your cup full? I would really love to hear your opinion about this. Love your channel!

[@leeknowsyeobo]

very nice topic🙌

[@drali]

Thanks 🙂

[@ShrimpPerr]

4:15 I think everyone needs to take that to heart

[@jasmwong262]

Your channel i great.

[@Sunstepa]

This guy needs more subs. 🙃

[@shivanandsivanesan6016]

Great video Dr Ali! I am currently in my third year of psychology and hopefully I can pursue a Masters in Clinical Psychology. Do you have any tips to prepare for a Clinical Psychology masters program like getting experience through an internship?

[@Dudealoodledo]

There's also a myth that Therapists have perfect lives, have everything together, don't get angry, etc. and forget that they are also human and deal with life issues the same as everyone else, but have tools to use through their training to help them deal with them. I also think that many people don't realize that many Psychologists also have Psychologists. Would be interested to hear your opinion on Autistic people being Psychologists. Love your videos!

[@persona2]

What is that cute lamp on the right side of the screen? I wanna buy one!