From Psychological Therapies to Tech: My Journey Into the World of Full Stack Development
Published: 2023-12-10 15:19:47

**Background in Therapy:**
As an IAPT practitioner, my days were deeply rooted in empathy, communication, and problem-solving. Every session was a unique journey into an individual's life, requiring me to listen intently, understand their perspectives, and collaboratively develop pathways for improvement. This role honed my ability to connect with people, to see beyond the surface of a problem, and to find creative, tailored solutions to complex emotional challenges.

In the realm of technology and software development, these skills translated in ways I had not anticipated. Empathy, a core component of therapy, became my tool for understanding user experience. Just as I used to listen to my clients to understand their needs, I now approach software development with a user-centric mindset, anticipating and addressing the needs of those who will interact with the applications I build.

Communication, which was crucial in building rapport and trust with my clients, now aids me in collaborating with cross-functional teams. In tech projects, clear and effective communication is just as vital, whether it's translating technical jargon into understandable language for stakeholders or collaborating with fellow developers to debug a complex piece of code.

Problem-solving in therapy was often about navigating through a maze of emotions and circumstances to find the best path forward. In software development, problem-solving takes on a more technical nature but requires the same analytical thinking and creativity. Writing code, especially in a full-stack role, involves constant problem-solving - from fixing bugs to designing scalable features.

Moreover, the therapy field taught me the importance of continuous learning and adapting. In therapy, as in technology, no two cases (or projects) are the same. This environment nurtured in me a mindset of growth and adaptability, perfectly suited for the ever-evolving world of technology where one must continually learn new languages, frameworks, and tools.

**The Shift to Computer Science:**
The decision to shift to tech came from a deep-seated curiosity about how technology shapes our lives and the potential to use it for meaningful change. My fascination was piqued by the way digital solutions could simplify complex problems, how a few lines of code could connect people across continents, and how technology was steadily becoming an integral part of our daily existence. I realized that my desire to help and impact people's lives could take a new form through technology. This revelation was the catalyst for a bold move — transitioning from therapy to the world of computers and coding.

**Challenges and Learning:**
Transitioning from therapy to tech was like learning a new language, a new way of thinking. I enrolled in a conversion master's in computer science to bridge the gap between my past experience and my future ambitions. The journey was challenging yet exhilarating. I grappled with complex algorithms, learned to think algorithmically, and immersed myself in coding. Each module in my course was a step closer to understanding the vast landscape of computer science, from the nuances of different programming languages to the intricacies of software development. It was a journey marked by late nights, steep learning curves, and the joy of countless 'aha!' moments.

**Developing the Student Activity Booking App:**
One of my proudest achievements during my master's was developing a React Native app from scratch. This project was not just an academic requirement; it was a testament to my growing skills and a chance to create something tangible and impactful. The app, designed to streamline the process of booking student activities, presented numerous challenges — from ensuring a seamless user experience to integrating a reliable backend. It was a solo endeavor that tested my newfound knowledge in full-stack development, demanding not just technical proficiency but also project management and creative problem-solving. The successful completion of this app was a significant milestone, marking my transition from a novice to a confident developer.

**Landing a Role as a Junior Full Stack Developer:**
Landing my first role as a Junior Full Stack Developer was exhilarating and a validation of my career transition. I now work on developing and optimising web applications, a role that allows me to contribute to both front-end and back-end development. Each day is a new learning experience, filled with opportunities to apply my skills in a real-world setting. I find joy in collaborating with experienced developers, bringing ideas to life, and continuously improving the products we build. It is a role that perfectly marries my past experiences with my passion for technology, allowing me to grow and contribute in ways I had never imagined.

**Conclusion:**
My journey from therapy to tech has taught me that it's never too late to pursue your passions. 

**Call to Action:**
Have you ever considered a career change or have taken a leap into a new field? I'd love to hear about your experiences. Feel free to share in the comments or reach out. Follow my Dev.to for more stories and insights from my journey in tech!