So You Want to Be a Therapist? Insights From the Journey

For many, the idea of becoming a therapist carries both curiosity and weight. What does the path look like? How do clinicians balance the privilege of guiding others with the challenge of holding their pain? And what keeps them returning, session after session, to that vulnerable space where healing begins?

At Advanced Client Care, we know therapy is more than a profession. It is a calling. It requires empathy, resilience, and the ability to see the whole human, not just symptoms. The road is demanding, yet the rewards are profound.

Three voices, one calling: guiding clients toward healing.

To share what this work truly feels like, three of our clinicians, Mark Novak, LMHC, Jill Stellaccio, MS, CAC, and Tiffany Graham, LCSW, MCAP, QS, Clinical Director, opened up about their inspirations, their lessons from clients, and their advice for future therapists. Their words remind us that therapy is not only about helping others change. It is about being changed by the work as well.

The Spark: What Inspires a Therapist

Every therapist’s path begins with a moment, or sometimes a series of moments, that lights the way forward. For some, it’s a personal struggle. For others, it’s a fascination with the human mind. Often, it’s both.

Mark Novak remembers being captivated by psychology in high school. “I loved learning about different theories and schools of thought,” he recalls. “It helped me understand people in a new way.” That early curiosity grew into something deeper when he began working at a state psychiatric facility.

“What struck me most,” Mark shares, “was not who people were with a diagnosis, but who they were as individuals; their stories of success, heartbreak, and resilience. That experience propelled me to return to school for my Master’s degree, and it continues to shape how I meet clients today.”

For Jill Stellaccio, the inspiration came from the other side of the therapy chair. “I was first inspired to become a therapist while seeking help for my own struggles with mental health and addiction recovery,” she says. “The therapists who worked with me were incredibly knowledgeable, and I wanted to be a part of that. While working with clients today, I take what I learned in my own journey and apply it. I try to meet my clients where they are initially and challenge them as we continue working together in order to get them results.”

Every therapist’s journey begins with a spark of inspiration.

Tiffany Graham’s calling was rooted in witnessing the absence of care. “I was inspired to become a therapist because of my personal experiences witnessing the impact of grief, neglect, and abandonment, and seeing the importance of emotional support,” she shares. “I realized early on that healing often requires someone to truly listen and guide without judgment, because trying to figure it all out on your own can be overwhelming and extremely challenging.”

This insight continues to guide her work as ACC’s Clinical Director. “I prioritize creating a safe, empathetic space where clients feel seen, validated, and empowered to navigate their challenges at their own pace,” she adds.

Though each clinician’s path is unique, their stories highlight a shared truth: therapy often begins with personal experiences of pain and resilience. Those experiences become the fuel for helping others.

Lessons From Clients: Therapy as a Two-Way Street

Therapists spend years in school, earn certifications, and undergo supervision. But all three clinicians agree that their deepest lessons haven’t come from classrooms; they’ve come from their clients.

Mark reflects on the power of seeing clients apply what they’ve learned in therapy to real life. “Something that brings me tremendous satisfaction is hearing clients describe moments when things weren’t going as planned and then describe how they applied a strategy, technique, or approach we explored together,” he says. “When they speak of the impact it had, how it helped them navigate a difficult situation or shift their perspective, it is very impactful to me.”

For Jill, the lesson is about listening. “I’ve learned more from my clients than I have in my formal training,” she admits. “If you actively listen to your clients, they will tell you what they need. It is a privilege to be a part of your client’s lives. You are the one person they can count on to provide a sounding board and guidance. It is imperative to maintain that therapeutic relationship and take it very seriously. My clients have taught me patience, tolerance, and compassion.”

Clients often become our greatest teachers.

Tiffany echoes this theme of learning, but focuses on resilience. “One of the most rewarding lessons is witnessing the resilience of the human spirit. Clients continually teach me that even in the midst of struggle, people have the capacity to grow, adapt, and reclaim their lives. Seeing that transformation and knowing I played a role in supporting it is profoundly fulfilling.”

At ACC, we often remind our team that healing begins with connection. These reflections from Mark, Jill, and Tiffany show that connection flows both ways. Clients learn from their therapists, but therapists also learn from their clients, in ways that continually shape their work.

Balancing the Challenges and Rewards

The work is rewarding, but it is not easy. Each clinician spoke about the weight of the role and how they balance it.

Mark acknowledges boundaries. “Like many therapists, I invest deeply in the process, and separating work from personal life takes awareness and intention.”

Jill emphasizes the importance of doing your own work as a therapist. “If you do not take the time to engage in therapy yourself and work on your core issues, those issues will impact your clients,” she cautions. “Therapists experience vicarious trauma from listening to their client’s feelings and experiences every day, so daily self-care is imperative in this industry.”

She also stresses the importance of empathy as a requirement, not an option. “Not everyone has the ability to empathize with clients, and it is important to have that self-awareness. If you can’t empathize and be compassionate, this is not the career for you.”

Self-care and boundaries are essential for sustainable work.

Tiffany adds another layer: feedback and mentorship. “I would advise aspiring therapists to embrace both the challenges and the rewards,” she says. “This work requires emotional stamina, empathy, and strong boundaries, but it also offers unparalleled opportunities to impact lives positively. Learn from your clients and embrace feedback—they are often your greatest teachers, especially when working in an isolated environment. Prioritize self-care, seek supervision or mentorship, and remember that your own growth and well-being are essential for helping others effectively.”

What unites these reflections is honesty. Therapy requires resilience; not just from clients, but from therapists themselves. It’s about setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and making space for your own growth.

Why This Matters at ACC

At Advanced Client Care, we support not only our clients but also our clinicians. Our model is built on the belief that whole-human care includes the well-being of the therapist. We know that when our therapists feel supported, their clients benefit.

This is why we focus on creating a culture of connection between clients and therapists, but also among colleagues. It’s why we emphasize accessibility, ensuring clients can begin care within seven days. It’s why we remain committed to inclusive, holistic therapy that respects every individual’s story and cultural background.

The stories of Mark, Jill, and Tiffany reflect ACC’s mission: therapy that is honest, compassionate, and deeply human. Their insights serve as reminders that therapy isn’t about “fixing” people, it’s about walking beside them as they uncover their strength.

A Message to Aspiring Therapists

If you’re considering a career in therapy, take these words to heart:

• From Mark: Stay grounded, honor your boundaries, and recognize that the work will change you as much as it changes your clients.

• From Jill: Do your own healing, invest in daily self-care, and remember that empathy is non-negotiable.

• From Tiffany: Embrace both the challenges and the rewards, and never stop learning from your clients.

Together, their advice paints a realistic but encouraging picture: therapy is hard work, but the rewards are unlike anything else. Helping people rediscover their worth, heal their pain, and build resilience is a privilege few professions can offer.

Conclusion

We are proud to work alongside therapists who bring such wisdom, compassion, and honesty into their practice. Their stories remind us that while the path to becoming a therapist is not easy, it is profoundly meaningful.

For anyone wondering what it means to step into this field, the answer is simple: it means choosing connection. Connection to your own story. Connection to your clients. Connection to a larger mission of making healing accessible to all.

As Jill beautifully put it: “If you are able to master the challenges and take it seriously, the rewards of helping others is unlike anything else you could ever experience. People rely on you—don’t let them down.”

👉 Are you a clinician looking for a supportive, holistic community? Or someone ready to begin your own journey with therapy? Start Your Journey Today.