Why I Love Being a Child and Teen Therapist
I usually use this space as a forum to provide important information on topics related to mental wellness. But this week, I've been paying extra attention to the sparkles in my clients' eyes, the nods of recognition and awareness, and the smilies that come along with accomplishing hard things. So, I'm feeling particularly inspired and would love to share with you some of the reasons I LOVE being a child and adolescent therapist.
As a child and teen therapist, my days are filled with moments of discovery, growth, and connection. Working with kiddos and teens is not just a job for me; it's a passion. And it brings me indescribable joy and fulfillment. Here are my top 5 reasons for loving what I do.
1. Court-side Seats
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is witnessing the incredible transformations that occur in my young clients. Seeing a child who once struggled with anxiety learn to manage their fears, or a teen who felt lost find their sense of purpose, is truly remarkable. And I have the best seat in the house. I get to watch those changes and moments of growth in real time, from right up close. These moments remind me of the magic and strength that lie within each child I cross paths with.
2. Unleashing Potential
Every child and teen has unique talents, interests, and abilities. Part of my role is to help them discover and unleash their potential. Regardless of the modality I use, there is nothing in the world like watching a child emerge from their cocoon, learn that they have the most exquisite wings and then stand by as they use them to fly!
3. Fostering Connection
Before I became a therapist, I spent over two decades as an educator--first as a middle school teacher, then as an administrator. And while I wouldn't trade those years and experiences for anything, building connection with 20+ students at once is HARD. It's even harder when there's curriculum to cover. I gave it my very best, but there were days I was more successful, and days I wish I had done better.
As a therapist, the 'connection' and the 'therapy' are one and the same. Building meaningful connections with my clients is at the heart of what I do. Creating a safe and trusting environment allows them to open up to the possibility of growth, doing things a new way, thinking about thinks from a different perspective and sharing themselves with another human. These connections not only facilitate healing and growth but also remind me of why I switched careers in the first place!
4. Promoting Self-Discovery
Working with children and teens is a journey of self-discovery, both for them and for me. As they explore their emotions, behaviors, and relationships, I too learn more about human nature and the complexities of the mind. My clients have taught me to stretch myself as a clinician to understand things in new ways. They have taught me to dig deeper to find new and different ways of facilitating growth. And through this process, I too, have grown.
5. Embracing Creativity and Play
Working with children and teens 1:1 or in small groups allows me to use creativity and play in a way that I never could before. Often, play and creativity are part and parcel of the therapeutic process.
As I encourage kids and teens to explore and discover new ways of thinking, being and doing. While not all therapy involves play and not all play is therapeutic, allowing for playfulness sets the stage for curiosity, discovery, authenticity and resilience as children try, make mistakes, try again and grow through the process.
For me, being a child and teen therapist is not just a job; it's a passion. Every day offers new opportunities to make a meaningful difference, to foster growth, and to celebrate the incredible potential of the amazing young individuals I am blessed to be working with.
