Why I Became a Therapist: My Journey into Counselling and the Power of Self-Discovery

Published on: 4th October 2025

Why I Became a Therapist

When did you first become interested in therapy?

If you’d told me a decade ago that I’d one day become a psychotherapist, I’m not sure I would’ve believed you. But all of that changed in 2016, when I nervously walked into my very first therapy session — and left completely hooked.

I’d always thought I was someone who knew myself fairly well. Then I started therapy and quickly realised… I really didn’t.

What followed was a complete shift in how I saw myself, how I processed life, and how I made sense of my emotions. Therapy gave me language for things I’d never fully understood, and those “light bulb moments”, the ones that stop you in your tracks, sparked something inside me. I didn’t just want to experience them for myself. I wanted to help other people reach that kind of clarity and relief too.

What types of therapy have you had yourself?

I’ve experienced quite a range, from individual therapy, group therapy, and a number of different modalities. Every version of it brought something different to the table — a fresh insight, a new tool, or a deeper understanding of myself. It also helped me appreciate that no single approach works for everyone, which ended up shaping how I work as a therapist now.

What led you to train as a therapist?

Even though my initial interest was sparked in 2016, it was a long time before I acted on it.

It started quite quietly. I signed up for an evening counselling course at my local college — just one evening a week. It felt like something worth exploring. Within a few weeks, I had this overwhelming feeling of, This is it. I’d found what I wanted to do.

From there, I followed my instincts and committed to a full Master’s degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. That decision shaped my life in more ways than I expected.

Did training to be a therapist change you?

Definitely. Before starting, I’d heard therapists say that training is life-changing. I wasn’t totally convinced. I’d already had plenty of therapy myself — I assumed I’d covered most of the ground.

But once again, therapy had more to teach me. Training brought out new layers of self-awareness and growth I didn’t even know I needed. It also connected me with some truly phenomenal people who made the experience even more rewarding. It wasn’t always easy, but it was incredibly fulfilling — and deeply transformative on both a personal and professional level.

Why integrative therapy?

I chose an integrative approach because I don’t believe one size fits all. Some people thrive with structured tools like CBT. Others want a space to reflect and feel seen, without worksheets or agendas. Being trained integratively means I can tailor therapy to you, rather than trying to squeeze your experience into a pre-defined box.

It’s therapy with flexibility, nuance, and real respect for the fact that every client is different.

What do you love most about being a therapist?

Getting to know my clients. Sitting beside them through the tough stuff. Watching them find clarity, relief, confidence — whatever it is they came for. It’s a privilege. There’s something incredible about seeing someone soften towards themselves after years of being their own worst critic.

I’m especially passionate about working with self-esteem and self-worth. So many of us carry harsh inner voices and heavy expectations. Helping clients learn to be kinder to themselves, to set boundaries. There’s something incredibly moving about watching someone begin to believe they deserve to take up space in the world.

How do you take care of your own mental health?

For me, it’s all about connection. I have a brilliant support network of friends and family, and on those low-energy days, a phone call or a simple dinner with someone I love can work wonders. I think we all need that sense of being held by our people — especially when we spend our days holding space for others. Social connection really helps top me back up when my own battery’s running low.

What do people often get wrong about therapy/therapists?

First, there’s the idea that therapy is always serious, intense, and slightly intimidating. While yes, it can sometimes be deep or emotional, it often feels more like a really good conversation. One that leaves you feeling clearer and lighter than when you arrived.

Second, I think people think therapists are constantly analysing everyone. In reality, when I’m off the clock, I’m far more likely to be thinking about what to cook for tea than trying to interpret your relationship with your dad. I promise.

What’s one thing you wish more people knew?

That therapy is your space. We move at your pace, on your terms. I’m never going to push you to share something before you’re ready. You don’t have to be in crisis, and you certainly don’t have to meet some invisible threshold of “struggle” to deserve support.

Whether you want to work on your confidence, manage anxiety, or just feel more like you, therapy is a place where you can take your time — and be fully yourself. Therapy doesn’t have to be scary. It can be warm, empowering, and even enjoyable.

If you’re curious about therapy, that’s already a good enough reason to give it a go. You don’t need to be in crisis — just ready to explore.

And if I sound like someone you’d like to talk to, you’re very welcome to get in touch.

Warmly,
Sarah

Integrative Psychotherapist offering online therapy across the UK