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THE MUG 10
TEN QUESTIONS THAT UNLOCK REAL STORIES OF SUCCESS.
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AT A GLANCE
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I am able to make my patients feel comfortable and well cared for while using my analytical brain to give them the best dermatologic care possible.
My unique genius is being observant and in tune with my clients. Being sensitive to people's emotions is my superpower.
WHAT IS YOUR
UNIQUE GENIUS?
how did you become interested in this career?
ALWAYS WANTED TO HELP PEOPLE.
I was born knowing I wanted to help people and do something in this career in terms of holding space for people to process hard things. I always had the knowing, but it was more of pairing it with a specific degree program that I needed to look for.
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IN WHAT WAYS IS THIS JOB
A PERFECT FIT FOR YOU?
I am empathetic
I am an advocate
I want to help others
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I don't feel like I can imagine doing something else. I feel like I truly do forget that I'm working because it is so aligned with me and it is my passion.
WHAT SKILLS DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL AT YOUR JOB?
EMPATHY AND STRENGTH
Being empathetic is really important, obviously. But, you do have to be really strong to be a therapist. You have to be really brave and resilient because people come in and share secrets that they have never told anyone before. You can't make that moment about you.
Another skill that people may not consider is really being assertive. People will try to tell you what you're doing isn't working. When parents come into session and you see them using invalidating words, it is your job to step in. You can't be scared to do that because no one else is going to do it.
I am able to make my patients feel comfortable and well cared for while using my analytical brain to give them the best dermatologic care possible.
WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER?
SENSITIVITY IS NOT A FLAW
I wish I knew that being sensitive wasn't a bad thing. I was told in different ways throughout my life that being sensitive was a bad thing and it was a flaw. I identified it that way and I felt like I needed to change this thing about me. I changed that perception and took something that I thought was a flaw and made it into a force. That is what made me so passionate about my purpose in my career, and that is how I connect so well with clients.
I am able to make my patients feel comfortable and well cared for while using my analytical brain to give them the best dermatologic care possible.
IN YOUR BODY OF WORK, WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
UNWAVERING COMMITMENT
I am most proud of my commitment to my dream. I knew what I wanted to do, and I did not give myself another option because there was no other option. I set out to go to college, go right into my masters, open my own practice and eventually expand.
WHAT'S THE COOLEST PART OF YOUR JOB?
IT'S ALWAYS ABOUT THE CLIENT
I think one of the coolest things is that my clients don't know anything about me. Some of my younger kids [ask], 'do you live here?' I think it's cool because it's not about you when you're a therapist — it's about the client. It's cool that they have someone that isn't going to unload on them back.
WHAT'S 1 THING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW OR UNDERSTAND ABOUT YOUR JOB?
THERAPY IS CHALLENGING
People assume that it doesn't really take a lot to be a therapist. I may be wrong on that, but some people think [if they are] good at giving advice, [they] could be a therapist. It's much more than giving advice. I think it's up there with the toughest job in the world. It's just as valuable as a surgeon with an open body on a table — this is someone's brain and body and soul that they are opening up and revealing to you.
WHAT WAS A DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE?
TURNING POOR CHOICES INTO MOTIVATION
The most defining moment in my life was when I went to college. I made some poor choices and I felt this really deep disappointment in myself. I knew that I never wanted to feel that way again. I used that feeling as motivation to succeed.
INDUSTRY STATISTICS
COUNSELING
PROJECTED GROWTH
Projected Growth: 11%
Projected Openings: 43,600
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY RANGE
$37,940 - $80,290
TOP SKILLS FOR THIS JOB
Counseling
Sensitivity
Active Listening
Developing Relationships
Observant
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Social Orientation
Self-Control
Attention to Detail
Concern for Others
Persistence
Dependability
Face-to-Face Discussions
TRAINING + DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Doctoral degree required