Years ago, I found myself trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I had a dead-end job, but not a career. I was working, but it was not my life’s work. I did not expect to find my path and cure diseases or solve the world’s problems, but to find where I belonged, my niche, my “why”.
So what do I mean by my “why”?
Your “why” is the reason why you do what you do. People have asked me many times “Why do you do what you do?” When I first started my journey towards becoming a therapist, I struggled with answering this question. I often asked myself “why do I want to be a therapist?” And even being able to answer it for myself was difficult.
I knew that I was good at listening. I could empathize with others. I was often the friend that fielded phone calls to come to the aide of others. I always found it in myself to want to help people. So when someone suggested I consider becoming a therapist (specifically an art therapist), I did my research and learned how this person saw that I may find my niche, my “why”, as a mental health professional.
I learned about therapists, art therapists, occupational therapists, music therapists, behavioral therapists, and the list goes on and on. However, it was suggested that I consider becoming an art therapist. Someone who utilizes the mind for not just thoughts and emotions, but also to create and process those thoughts and emotions. I found my “why.”
“Because I like to help others.”
I find that helping others to work through their problems, find solutions, and overcome challenges is what keeps me doing what I do. I am no Mother Teresa, I am not a world renowned doctor, but I participate in other’s journeys to improve their mental health.
It is not that it makes me feel better to help others. It is that I appreciate being part of my client’s journeys towards learning, developing, and growing as individuals. I do not want to feel fulfilled or rewarded for helping others. I want, at its simplest, just to help. If I can offer guidance, advice, or an alternative perspective, that will provide my clients even an ounce of support, that is good enough for me.
