Why a Therapist?
So it all started when I was in high school. I used to come home after school and my favorite show to watch was Law & Order: SVU. My favorite character ( besides Olivia and Elliot) was BD Wong. He was a forensic psychologist and a criminal profiler. I found his work interesting but he always has such a kind and nurturing aspect to his character. He was the type of person that made you feel like "Yes, I feel safe to talk to you." So I decided I wanted to become a therapist. At first, I wanted to be a criminal psychologist for many years. So I received my first master's in Criminal Justice. Once I graduated I became a mom and I realized the type of population of individuals I would have to work with and potentially going out in the field. I changed my mind. I then stated I just wanted to be a therapist.
I started my journey at Colorado Technical University (CTU) with my bachelor's in General Psychology. I did some research after I graduated. I knew that I would have to get my master's degree to be able to be a therapist. So, I returned to CTU and obtained my first master's in Criminal Justice. Once I graduated I was most certain I could figure out how to become a therapist. Well upon doing research I found out that you could no longer only have a human service degree you had to have a degree specifically in counseling or social work to become a therapist. Now you could be thinking "T, what are you going to do now?" I returned to school and obtained a second master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Becoming a therapist was my dream career. I loved all things psychology, I loved helping people, and the thought of becoming someone that I needed growing up felt like I was not only giving back to my community but to myself as well. So I became a therapist.
Overall, I am proud of the person I have become and encourage you to do the same regardless of the challenges you may face.