10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Therapist

Becoming a therapist is one of the most rewarding paths in the field of social work. Our training, although holistic, can at times leave us without the clinical depth of neighboring professionals (LMFTs, LPCs, Psychologists) and so we can be left with a few surprises when entering this intimate work. If you’re an LMSW or new grad entering the world of clinical practice, here are ten things I wish someone had told me when I started out.

1. You Won’t Feel Ready And That’s Okay

No matter how much schooling or training you’ve completed, the first time you sit across from a client can feel intimidating. Know that confidence comes with time, supervision, and reflection, not from perfection.

2. You Can’t Be Everything to Everyone

Social work teaches us to approach people holistically, but as a therapist, it’s important to define your scope. The question of whether to be niche or not seems to come up often. In my opinion, being a generalist means we know a little about a lot, and at some point in our career that becomes insufficient. Wherever our strength is, we want to lean into that and learn to refer out when a client’s needs fall outside your lane. That’s ethical care, not failure.

3. Boundaries Are Not Optional

From staying late to answer one more call, to carrying client stories home with you, burnout is real. I remember wanting to do more to be more helpful to my clients and often that “more, more, more” perspective can erode our boundaries. Strong boundaries are a professional skill set you’ll need to maintain your well-being.

4. You’re Always Going to Be Learning

Becoming a therapist means lifelong learning. There is no end point, especially as our field continues to expand in the realm of research and as therapy is becoming a familiar topic in popular culture. New modalities, shifting cultural conversations, and emerging needs means our work will evolve. Stay curious, take CEUs that light you up, and build a toolkit that reflects your growth.

5. Your Own Stuff Will Come Up

Therapy is intimate work. You’ll encounter clients whose stories echo your own. It’s essential to be aware of your triggers, seek consultation when needed, and prioritize your own healing. In school I remember a professor saying how important it was to do our own work if we are choosing this field. This is great advice, not only to understand the intimacy of the process of therapy but also as self-care.

6. Progress Looks Different for Every Client

You may be trained to look for measurable outcomes but therapeutic growth isn’t always linear or easily quantified. Treatment goals are step one in identifying what each specific clients growth will look like. Celebrate the unique wins each client will inevitable come with: setting a boundary when they’ve never set boundaries before, showing up consistently after expressing hesitancy to engage in help, or expressing emotions for the first time.

7. You’ll Spend a Lot of Time on Documentation

Social work often romanticizes the therapeutic connection but progress notes, treatment plans, audits, and ethics reviews are a big part of the job. Use a typing program to get skilled at efficient typing and learn a solid structure for your paperwork so it doesn’t overwhelm you.

8. Not Every Setting Will Value Therapy the Way You Do

Whether you’re in a hospital, VA, school, or community clinic, the systems around you may not fully understand or support the therapeutic process. Advocate for your role and protect your integrity, even in challenging environments.

9. Supervision Is Everything

The right clinical supervisor makes a world of difference. Choose someone who is not only licensed and qualified, but also someone you can trust to challenge, support, and guide your clinical identity. You don’t have to navigate this alone.

10. You Are Your Most Important Tool

No intervention, worksheet, or modality replaces your presence. How you show up matters more than perfect technique. Being grounded, human, attuned are the ultimate tools. Invest in yourself. You are the work.

Final Thought

Becoming a therapist is a journey of self-discovery, service, and growth. Don’t rush it. Stay connected to your “why,” seek community, and give yourself grace. The profession needs more heart-led, reflective social workers like you.

Written for new therapists by someone who’s been there and is still learning.