If You Want to Be a Therapist, Watch This | Being Well Podcast

[@SteveBurksMusic]

1:01:45, “All relationships are an endless dance of harmony, disharmony, and repair. Our culture doesn’t teach us how to deal with moving from disharmony into repair because it doesn’t honor disharmony to begin with.” 😮🎯🏆

[@KaldoniaKaldonia]

Exactly. People just give up, don’t heal and move onto another relationship. Rinse and repeat.

[@hummingbird4934]

I had an amazing relationship that I thought would last my lifetime and we went through some tricky things but rarely argued. When we went through a really rocky patch coupled with trauma all communication stopped. I pushed him away and lost him. As a result not only do I have deep regret over it ending but I’m also aware of just how unhealed I am as a result. Learning how to overcome all types of disharmony is important and if outside counselling is needed that’s not a failure. Sometimes we need outside help 😢

[@sayusayme7729]

Good one, thank you.

[@lisareed9078]

As a person changing careers at 57 this was so helpful! I start my masters of CMHC this fall. This was one of the crucial podcasts for me prior to starting my training. You have given us a gift! Thank you to all the therapists and to you and your Dad!

[@cilegnadeerb]

Wow thats so imspiring thanks for sharing ... This is probably so exciting for you. So why what gave way to this? Im just intrigued.... Its incredibly brave bold and deep of u. U have more drive than most I hope ur proud of urself May u be blessed in all u do say and think i really am so happy and excited for u and y desrrve to hear thus cos thia is amazing and i dont think ppl understand juat how big this is. Whatever it is that you want to do with this .... Do it. Dont doubt urself or quit ...may u be the answer and cure to the people whonseek u out. The type of help and guide they have veen searching for. Ur way should be unique to u so that u can help pthers who have been to the average joe but it disnt qork ao adapt ot to fit ur own approach. Well done🎉 Sorry i didnt feel like fixing my typos ...too much effort not worth the aftermath

[@gnomie2.0]

I’m hoping to start the same type of program at age 55 (a few years from now) and find this podcast incredibly inspiring and encouraging. Wishing you the best in your training!

[@Mo-xm6zh]

Can I ask which CMHC program? Online or in person? I’m 51 and looking at schools now.

[@Nephi44]

Starting a grad program at 53 in the fall 2024

[@lisareed9078]

University of Wisconsin Parkside. Look at all of us. Its wonderful to see the pursuit of the this very meaningful way of being with people.

[@john2428]

I'm a psych undergrad with plans to pursue a master's in mental health counseling. This is a second career for me after spending almost 20 years in IT. I am so glad this episode appeared in my recommendations. It was great hearing all of these experiences and it reinforced for me that I am on the correct path.

[@Davi1700]

I’m also in tech and thinking of transitioning to counseling and pursuing my masters. What made you change your role?

[@id_emotion]

​@@Davi1700same! I'm also leaving the creative digital design industry for a career in counselling/therapy

[@bridgeterrante2380]

@@id_emotionI’m in a similar role and looking to transition too. Best of luck to you

[@karenr5870]

I have zero interest of becoming a therapist, but this was still very nice to learn about. This should be a required video for psychology students.

[@SteveBurksMusic]

Wow. If Forrest never did another episode, this one is a crowning achievement IMO.

[@ginarenee1625]

I agree. It is excellent!

[@SteveBurksMusic]

This whole thing should be required viewing for all first-year therapy students. Everywhere.

[@jujudiamond97]

i would love to have Rick as my supervisor. he's so deeply present and i love his blend of mindfulness, psychodynamics, practicality and humanity. always enjoy hearing his perspective as a therapist.

[@Isabel-lb9fg]

Elizabeth always touches on my heartstrings ❤ Her vulnerability about the challenges of therapy and the work it takes to get there is so helpful and the most inspiring to me!

[@catherinecunningham1811]

😊

[@sarahb1740]

Great video, everyone should watch this before pursuing this career. I completed an MA in Counseling in May 2019 and passed the NCE in December of that year. The 700 hour clinical internship I completed as a grad student would not apply towards the 3,000 hour requirement due to state licensure rules changing while I was in school. I still haven't pursued my 3,000 hours of post-grad internship and at this stage of life don't think I will any time soon (maybe later, which requires re-taking the NCE because a passing grade is only valid for 5 years). Luckily I did not take on any debt to pursue the degree, but many of my classmates left with HUGE student loans and you must also keep in mind that you cannot just walk off the graduation stage and hang your shingle...you've still got literally years to go before you can even entertain the idea of opening your own practice. I was living in a pretty saturated market for therapists in grad school and while I made some close connections with other students in my program, it felt like we'd all be in a scramble and competing to get clients once we graduated. I don't think that was the reality, but it sure felt that way! It's very true that the classes are the easy part...you are really just checking off boxes. The process of actually establishing your personal approach to working with clients takes many years of practice and refinement. You are ideally also constantly taking in new research to inform your therapeutic interventions. Not to mention a LOT of consultation with other therapists and your post-grad supervisor, who you are often paying a fee to if they are in private practice themselves. It's not an easy career to get started in, the degree really is just the very tip of the iceberg. Perfect grades don't necessarily translate to quality therapeutic skills. Definitely make sure you understand all the technical ins and outs of what is required for licensure in your state...and if you are thinking about moving to a new state any time after you graduate...make sure you check that new state's licensure requirements. Because you might have to go BACK TO SCHOOL (yikes!!!) and earn more credits or re-do ALL of your post-grad internship hours if the new state has different rules (these are not weird outlier situations, it happens more often than you would think). It can be a can of worms.

[@our.secret1130]

Is that why you decided not to continue with the career?

[@DanDan-z7e]

This right here 🙏🙏🙏

[@our.secret1130]

@@DanDan-z7e did you pursue the career and agree with this commenter?

[@Militarywidow]

There is a counseling pact that is in progress. Once it is fully established, you can work across state lines without having get licensure in the other states

[@samp2782]

This conversation was amazing ❤️‍🔥 I'm an early career psychologist (in Western Australia, recently completed my supervision hrs and nearly qualified). I love working with clients but I'm struggling to deal with and balance the mental and emotional load that goes with this work (that, as well as admin!! 😅😭).. I've been feeling a bit in crisis myself lately, like questioning whether I'm cut out for this, feeling like maybe I can't handle the pressure, maybe I'm burnt out already and I haven't even been doing the job that long etc.. But listening to the speakers was so validating and reassuring, each one had something different to share and they each touched on things that resonated so much and reminded me that you don't become a great therapist overnight, that it takes time like all things, to build the needed skills and resilience, and it's a journey that you take with clients as well, or like, whatever that expression is, "it's about the journey and not just the destination". And I'll share one other quote that I came across in some training recently that really hit home for me: "See the client as a sunset to be admired, rather than a math problem to solve". Thank-you so much!

[@Sheik2791]

I'm currently doing my graduate degree, interested in going into Clinical Psychology. I love listening to your channel, you give very valuable insights into the profession through lived experience ❤ thank you for all that you do.

[@jenniferrosenberger3977]

Your dad is such a gem!

[@bigredsbait]

I sell fishing bait to people on drugs, alcoholics, lawyers, doctors, and even the judge, All walks of life fish,, I've found that talking about life is the main thing we discuss ,, even more than how are the fish biting ,, I'm a magnet in my little store for people to come lay down their problems ,, I've thought of trying to make this a career,, but in the short of things ,, my personal lifes a wreck too,, So why not try to learn what therapist learn, to continue helping others, And also learn to help myself

[@MilkTeaASMR]

You are a rare soul and we need more people like you in this world. What a lovely thing to read today.❤

[@LaurieMara01]

I’m only 16 but I plan to be a psychologist or counselor and I’ve been researching and reading a lot on how to do this

[@ItspronouncedAaron]

Wow! I found this so helpful. I am giving serious consideration to pursuing a second career as a therapist. The first person I shared this with- was my therapist☺️. Rick’s assertion to aspiring therapists really spoke to me. I’m passionate about mental health, helping others, and I believe I’d be really good at this. And selfishly, I think I’d get get a second chance at a fulfilling life. Thanks for putting this out there for people like me exploring this path. 🤗

[@arlenegeres5249]

As a practicing therapist, I found this a very helpful, thought provoking conversation. Thank you!

[@our.secret1130]

Do you like the career would you do it again?

[@leidacastilian7900]

I needed this ! and I am a therapist with lots of questions!

[@val.counseling]

This was great , thank you. Lori’s book got me into becoming a therapist a few years ago and it was life changing.

[@LoveMarMar95]

I just wanted to reach out and deeply thank you for making this video/podcast. I listen from Apple Podcasts but came and found your video to leave this for you! This video may very well have changed my life. I have a BS and MS in Animal Science & Agriculture and I have really been considering the transition to this field in some way - I feel so much more supported by the universe after today! Ha! Thank you for your hand in that, very much. Your podcast is deeply inspiring and keeps me going through my days. If you have any ideas on how to intertwine my background with therapy of some kind, definitely let me know! 😂 Best wishes to you and your father both.

[@ForrestHanson]

This is awesome to hear! Really appreciate it.

[@blueblonde]

Have you considered equine therapy?

[@arbez101]

I really enjoyed this presentation. Thank you Forrest, and thank you to your guest therapists.

[@Chloe_mowson]

Wow this was fantastic, insightful, intelligent and so helpful 🩷

[@sayusayme7729]

As a neurodiverse person late diagnosis. At 64 I always chose jobs I thought I could fit into . However, as I’ve been through so much . Having had many types of therapists along the way. I’ve met many that were not over their own traumas. People have always fascinated me confidentiality, compassion & non-judgment. I would love to help in done capacity, perhaps not a conventional therapist. Many different aspects won’t work if it’s not your forte. Loved this so much. I truly believe there has to be something that connects two people. Too many therapists without human experience that they’ve actually worked through and can impart those tools . Love Lori, I truly believe that’s the entire reason we go to therapy.. to change our stories and learn to thrive. Passion is infectious. It helps to be able to connect. If we can’t see the other as a beautiful seed that needs the right type of nurturing I don’t believe it works for either the therapists or client. Awesome podcast, thank you. 🌅

[@Wals141]

This was a brilliant podcast, thank you. You have a tenderness in approaching these conversations which made listening a genuine pleasure

[@heathercook3346]

This podcast was so helpful. And thank your dad for coming on and sharing. I am 48 just starting my life. Being dependent on past relationships and only knowing being a mother and home maker. I had expressed to people about wanting to try to become a therapist. And mostly got negative feedback. And i watched a few videos on KZbin on the subject of this venture. Up to this video i had only heard people say don't do it. Dont go into that field. So iam so appreciative that you showed the positive side of all the hard work. ❤❤❤

[@cdub4834]

SO many incredible one-liners in this video!

[@jakob6721]

Thank you so much for all the effort you put into this!

[@meghanmengel437]

44 w two small kids and still have to do my undergrad this is so helpful

[@crookedbook8862]

I’m 47 with one kid, I have one more year of graduate school left. I did the bachelors and graduate school part time as a working single parent. 💪🏻💪🏻♥️

[@leila595]

I'm only "at the start" of the video and I love it! I find it so fair-for-people - to talk about therapists' effectiveness!

[@MelodyProsser]

Thank you for this. I am thinking of making a career change into this field and watching this was part of my research. Very helpful!

[@jennajewert]

Listening to this again for the second time because it was so helpful and validating. I describe my career in mental health as an emotional rollercoaster with many ups and downs. I appreciate the honesty and insights offered by each guest.

[@ryk5066]

About to start grad school for an MSW and I found these conversations incredibly helpful and insightful. Thank you for creating and sharing this excellent resource!

[@ForrestHanson]

That's really exciting, I hope you enjoy it.

[@hayleeromrell3000]

Lovely conversations. Thank you for producing such wonderful content. I genuinely feel grateful to know of your podcast and for the new knowledge I acquire each week.

[@aneriisheth]

Very informative and helpful!

[@reneecadwell]

As a practicing therapist working towards licensure, this video was very helpful. Thank you so much!

[@lilymulligan8180]

I just found your channel today. I'm hoping to start my master's in counseling next fall, so this video was really helpful! Every "things you need to know if you want to become a therapist" video I watch, I become more sure of this career shift. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@bluaurora8635]

I would love to be a therapist, my best friend of 15 years tells me I have the perfect temperament for it, but I’m 30, already have 22k in student loans for a communications degree, living alone, and working in customer service for 52k. To go back to school for two more years plus do a years long unpaid internship is just a huge barrier for me at this stage. :(

[@Mo-xm6zh]

I’m 51. It’s not too late for you! If it feels right, go for it :)

[@kiararose8896]

You could try to get into a state college. That would be a lot cheaper.

[@Militarywidow]

There are paid internship

[@hummingbird4934]

Look at all options. It can always be a longterm goal if now isn’t feasible 😊

[@spearl2498]

We are in the EXACT same situations!!! I’ve decided to get my masters in counselling while working full time and already have 27K in student debt. As your comment was a year ago I’d love to know how you are now!

[@B.Beddingfield]

This is such a helpful video, thank you!

[@rosex6728]

Wow wow I’ve been wanting to hear actual advice about everything that has to do with being a therapist and I had so many questions that I’m so grateful you’ve helped me finally find the answers to

[@messrmarr]

This is fantastic! I just applied and got accepted into a local program to work on my BA and then my MA after pursuing a different career. This answered so many questions I had and hadn't thought of yet. Cheers!

[@elizabeth4275]

We need this kind of people to work in mental health care.thanks you for put your life to help other people that in need of your help.some mental health care providers out there just doing it for money they don’t have the heart for it and it’s heart breaking

[@evad15]

Forrest you ask such good questions!!!!

[@Eve65901]

This is gold. Thank you.

[@7bigapple]

I love Terry Real. His audiobook, Fierce Intimacy, is excellent.

[@JennaRose957]

Im halfway into my BA and am really looking forward to going into my Masters in 2 years. It’s a long process becoming a therapist but so so worth it from what I’m learning.

[@gwendolynmurphy9563]

this was so excellent. Learned so much and saved a bunch of money! Thanks!

[@gnomie2.0]

Wait how did you save a bunch of money? Were you just talked out of pursuing a graduate degree?

[@gwendolynmurphy9563]

@@gnomie2.0 Exactly! My sense of humor is highly ironic and may not be appreciated by everyone! I am 75, have no debt, no dependents, live an authentic life guided by my Inner Wisdom Guru!

[@evad15]

so insightful. thank you so much for doing this

[@katrinaniedjalski]

So glad you didn’t edit out the part that your dad said you might have to edit out

[@our.secret1130]

I reallllllly love this episode

[@tamdinh1273]

This is literally the most useful videos I have watched. Thank you for this.

[@kaseychristie7690]

Wow, i found sooo much value in this and will go back and listen again soon. I’m applying to grad school in the next few weeks. I’ve been trying to figure out what school to attend and if i want to get a masters in social work or counseling. my question is does it matter which one to go into? if i get a MSW can i later do family therapy? or do I get a Masters in Family Therapy?

[@AM-kq6tv]

Honestly, I think MSW is better. Better and more diversified chances of employment. You can specialize in family therapy

[@ArtwithAddie123]

THANK YOU so much for making this video! Very helpful in helping me make a decision as to whether or not to go back to school.

[@monicawilde7107]

Loved this Forrest🙏 I found all the interviews held gems of insight into human nature and the nature of the therapeutic relationship but Elizabeth’s deeply thoughtful and embodied responses were GOLD to me as a student about to embark on my graduate counselling placement in Australia. Your steady, optimistic, respectful and curious interviews provide both your guests and your audience the space to reflect and explore ideas in a wonderfully creative and collaborative way. Thanks for all you do🙌

[@leahv.2537]

Thanks so much for this! I'm thinking of applying to grad school for psychology or Behavioral sciences. I read Lori Gottlieb's book Marry Him: The Case for Settling for Mr. Good Enough about 12 years ago after I ended a relationship. It was helpful in a way. That was back when she was still a writer/journalist, I believe. I would love it if she revised it through the lens of her current training and experience and the lessons she's learned since writing it.😊

[@cheyennetilleman1832]

I really love this content, it’s sooo insightful and honest. Thank you!

[@oo5240]

Super helpful, I’m considering transitioning from tech

[@lohi172]

Quick question: Should I get trained to reign in my impulses to fix people/give advice since it doesn’t come naturally or should I stick with my temperament and get a job where my impulses are ok like coaching, teaching, law? I do want to help people but maybe the latter option is best for me. Good video!

[@RenaeElwood]

I have a similar question!! 🙋🏼‍♀️

[@CrystalWarnock]

Thank you for making this video. It’s given me a lot of info as I try deciding my next career!😊

[@Genuinelycuri0us]

wow, i feel like your dad was speaking directly to me. I’d love to know people’s take on becoming an LMFT vs an LCSW. What’s the training difference and which does anyone prefer?

[@SteveBurksMusic]

1:12:55, “…now I trust people more with their own suffering.” 🎯🎯🎯

[@sibusiso3909]

This was BRILLIANT!!! Thank you.

[@kairise-win]

Thank you,this really helped me in making decisions and considering to pursue it

[@beatsg]

I really liked the Terry Real interview, very insightful.

[@kassmoe1822]

What an insightful video. I feel thankful and energised to go on my own not so linear path towards professional psychotherapy journey

[@Jenny-nz8fb]

20 minutes in to this and it’s fabulous.

[@andreab1153]

I got so much value from this! Thank you so much!

[@saritarodriquez2250]

WOW!!! Amazing interview and insight!! Thank you soooo much🙏🏻

[@kelanihendricks100]

Thank you so much for this! Particularly the part when your dad said that a lot of therapist a well meaning but the don’t hit the nail on the head a lot of the times felt so helpful for me as someone who felt so frustrated with the practice of therapy because I felt like I wasn’t getting the help I needed I felt seen by your dads statement ! I also got insight into how I could be a better therapist in pursuing this career path. Thank you so much!😊

[@gretajank]

What a great episode with so many interesting guests! Thank you for doing this work. One thing I wonder whether you would consider touching on in the future is the path of PhDs in psychology. This path is very different than Masters-level or PsyD providers, but nonetheless, many PhD s do therapy work (including private practice). Thanks!

[@We.will.all.be_fine]

Also your channel is amazing so happy I found it

[@ebonytoilesechandler7679]

This is amazing thank you for this

[@frances8397]

Amazing video as always! I was wondering, can therapists talk openely about their clients when going to therapy themselves? I hear a lot of therapists are clients in therapy too, and I imagine it could be a safe space to air out work related burdens and worries. But is that ok with confidentiality?

[@natgreen5903]

It is very helpful and interesting. Thank you so much. ❤❤❤

[@india6039]

Absolutely temperament and ability not to wear it and bring it home. These two seem to have good mix of logic and empathy if your over emotional or to analytical just not your field. Funny I feel the same about masseuse’s. I feel like there are really good ones that have the right hands, strength. Some just go through motions and you leave no better. Not sure why compare them.

[@ellenfisher3792]

This is the best convo!!!!!!

[@bestany5517]

The box… what is Rick Hanson talking about with this? Is that a specific thing? The old exam? How do you get it?

[@Bluespacealien]

Great video, thank you so much!!🙏🏼

[@AustinBoiiii]

Just a wonderful podcast

[@bonnieniebel5185]

Very helpful! Thank You! 💗

[@tooljack4439]

Excellent podcast Forrest! First time on your channel. Glad I found it.

[@aNicole404]

What is the box he recommends you buy to help with the exam?

[@JeffEmmersonSocialWork]

*Close to my heart.* 💜

[@gwendolynmurphy9563]

It would be helpful for therapists to recognize when someone on the autism spectrum is sitting in front of them!

[@aisha-ye3mp]

Thank you this video is so helpful !!

[@Mscursed2]

Can you do part 2

[@livimurray]

Only 20 minutes in and this is so helpful!

[@mdfootballl1]

This was helpful

[@aisha-ye3mp]

So informative !!❤

[@BlessingMahlaba-o1q]

Hello Mr.Forrest Hanson .... I just started this podcast and I'm 10 minutes in I'm a grade 9 learner who is really interested in therapy and ways to help people by talking to them... giving advice on how to challenge some situations... but I've tried to do some research about therapy but still haven't found the correct therapeutic occupation that I want.... your father's occupation is exactly what I'm looking for to pursue a therapeutic career I just wanna know what is the specific name of the kind of therapist he is ... because I've been looking at the wrong places........ I hope you'll find time to help a little boy who wants to pursue his goals Kind regards:Me.❤

[@ForrestHanson]

Hey! The names of the different licenses, titles, and careers are going to vary a bit by where you live. These are for the United States, and California in particular. My dad has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, and his title is "psychologist." If he were going to school these days he would probably get a Psy.D., which stands for "Doctor of Psychology." People often get Ph.D.’s because they want to do academic work or research things like human behavior and personality, while a Psy.D. is a doctoral level degree that focuses on working with people clinically. Rick works in private practice, which means people come to him directly. He doesn’t work in a hospital, clinic, or other institution, but many other therapists and psychologists do work in those settings. If you want to do clinical work but aren’t interested in getting a doctorate (for a whole bunch of understandable reasons), the most common degree in the field is a masters-level degree in psychology. This then connects to licenses like licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) and licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). I’m sure that there are similar licenses in other countries, but I don’t know much about them. Boiling all of this down, if you lived in California I’d probably recommend you major in psychology or a related field for your undergraduate degree, and then get either an MA in psychology with a focus on clinical work or a Psy.D. Best of luck!

[@mtngrace123]

What about a LCsW.

[@We.will.all.be_fine]

MAYBE YOU SHOULD TALK TO SOMEONE! THAT BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE

[@L5biszz]

TB seems fun

[@feathersplumage777]

[@roribun]

awesome!

[@popocici]

Omg Dr mark is your father isn’t he! You guys look so alike.

[@vickilynn9514]

That has been my experience of therapists, most are not that good. And I was training to be a therapist so I have some inside knowledge. Supervision is very often not great, you are very isolated with little input from good therapists to learn from, and too many ppl enter the profession with significant mental health issues themselves.

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

33:03 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@Sampoochy]

Laying on the couch is a body based work. Standard therapy is done face to face sitting down. Laying on the couch is actually an advanced technique, it’s far from the first thing that happens. Psychoanalysis has an awareness on the body of both the therapist and patient because of how the frame is kept. Laying on the couch and not looking at the therapist releases the patient from standard social norms and ways of being. It can bring about transference in a new way. You should really have an actual psychoanalyst on your podcast to dispel some of these misconceptions and myths about it. I think you’ll find what psychoanalysts ‘do’ is a lot more similar to other therapists than you realize. Also laying on the couch has nothing to do with psychology like you formulated. Psychoanalysis ≠ psychology. Two different fields. Also I like Terry, but his revelation that family therapy takes into account the context of a person is a little confusing. What did he think transference was? That’s exactly what transference teaches us. Attachment theory is born of psychoanalysis… Edit: the talk with your partner about your own material.. again that’s countertransference, It’s an active part of psychoanalytic training. And of course it comes for any therapist regardless of training but it was deemphasized by mainstream modalities, psychology and psychiatry. I just find it interesting how you started the conversation implying psychoanalysis has nothing to offer and then ended talking about one of its core tenets. There are reasons you need to be in your own analysis to become a psychoanalyst.

[@mindcache5650]

My faith in Therapists dissipated when , after 22 years in therapy, the counsellor of Woody Allen departed. When asked what they discussed about Allen’s affair and consequent marriage to his Korean adopted stepdaughter of his former wife, Mia Farrow, the Counsellor quickly responded: “ That didn’t come up”.

[@Raphaelfa]

but would you stop going to restaurants if you had encountered just one you didn’t like the quality off

[@apureenergyme8573]

It is not smart to make a person get those years of learning to become a therapist if this student is not be able to heal him/ herself at the first place. Too many sick dysfunctional doctors and therapists are actually broken and unhealed themselves. Then the got this degree to trying to heal others. That is messed up.

[@joshua_finch]

Counselors aren't saints.

[@SteveBurksMusic]

Y’all, 57:25 took me OUT. 😂😂😂