309: Becoming a Therapist While Living with OCD & Anxiety

In this solo episode, I share my personal journey of becoming a therapist and a bit of background on what inspired me to go to grad school. I also share what the experience has been like while living with OCD and my own mental health struggles. I also share how I was originally diagnosed with generalized anxiety before understanding my OCD, and what it was like navigating grad school, practicum, and post-grad life with my own anxious and intrusive thoughts.

I normalize being human in the space with clients and share how, while OCD has been incredibly challenging and does not define me, it also makes me the therapist I am in many ways. I reflect on the importance of showing up with tools AND humanity, not underestimating your ability to show up for clients as another human navigating the complexity of life. I also share some advice on what I've learned (even as an intern and associate these last few years) and hopes for when I'm licensed.

If you’re a therapist, trainee, or someone considering entering the field while managing your own mental health, I hope this episode reminds you that you're not alone and to not let them stop you from showing up. Self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and anxiety are all normal parts of becoming a therapist, and are not signs that you shouldn't be doing this work.

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