Sometimes it’s best to hear it from someone who’s actually living it. Here are some quotes from people in the field, working with clients currently.
Barb LoFrisco, Ph.D. Couples and Individual Counselor: "My job isn’t always easy, but it’s always interesting. I never wake up in the morning and dread going in. I love the fact that I never really know on any given day what will happen. So far, no matter how much experience I gain, there is always a new skill to learn, a new way to grow, or a new problem to tackle. Each day, my clients surprise, and therefore challenge, me all of the time."
Frewin Hermer, MA, LMFT: "I like to offer walk and talk therapy for those who wish to take therapy off the couch. Movement propels people forward - literally and figuratively. Many clients prefer to take their sessions out of the office and into the outdoors. Somehow, the simple act of walking while talking out life’s issues creates change through forward movement. Through the rhythm of walking and talking, there is a sync between the therapist and client. At a moderate pace, healing and breakthroughs occur!"
Clair Fish, LPC: "I love being a counselor because in some ways it is like being a doctor but instead of taking part in the physical healing of the person, I get to take part in the emotional healing. Both of them affect the other--which is really cool. I love the privilege of having the opportunity to join people on their journey in a vulnerable way and take part in their joy and in their sorrow. Nobody should be alone in grieving or in celebration. I learn way more from them than they probably do from me, and that's a gift to be treasured."
Raelyn Koop, LPC: "Counseling is one of the most intimate and mysterious endeavors I've ever taken on, both as the therapist and also as a patient. I believe that our "insides" are constantly attempting to heal, grow, and expand whether a person is conscious of it or not. I sometimes see myself as just helping people get in and stay in that space where movement happens. You know when you're sitting on your couch between activities and your mind starts racing with things to be done or relationship concerns or thoughts about yourself, that's "the space." And tolerance for whatever comes up right here IS the work. I see it over and over again. Relationally speaking, I have people say to me often, "No one gets it like you do" or "I've never told anyone this." When a therapist commits all of his/her attention, thoughts, and humanity to a person for 50 minutes on a regular basis, the human spirit responds to that. It is what we long for and holds the potential to be corrective of our deepest sources of repetitive hurt."