From Rock Bottom to Purpose: My Journey to Becoming a Therapist

by | Psychotherapy in Ontario

Growing up, I never imagined myself becoming a therapist—at least not in the way I see myself now. I remember being a teenager, picturing therapists as people in tweed jackets with glasses, sitting behind a desk and handing out advice. At the time, it felt like something completely out of reach for me. Therapy seemed like a job for people who had it all figured out, and I certainly didn’t see myself that way.

But looking back, I can see the seeds of this path were planted early in my life. I grew up in a church community where people often shared their struggles openly. My father was a pastor, and while I didn’t want to follow in his footsteps, I was struck by how often people gravitated toward me, even as a kid, to tell me about their lives. I had strangers open up to me in unexpected places—like the time I was sitting on a bench at the mall, staring at my phone, and a man approached me to share a story about his brother who had passed away.

There’s something about being truly seen and heard that people are drawn to. Over time, I came to realize that this was part of my calling—offering people the space to feel seen in a way that maybe they hadn’t before.

Finding My Way to Therapy

Despite those early moments of connection, I didn’t pursue therapy right away. I had a lot of self-limiting beliefs that held me back, including the idea that I wasn’t smart or capable enough. Instead, I explored my curiosity about the human experience through education, earning an undergraduate degree in sociology, anthropology, and religious studies. Spirituality, in particular, was a recurring theme in my studies and remains an important part of how I approach life and work today.

Later, I went on to earn my master’s degree in counseling psychology at Yorkville University, where I was introduced to the frameworks and modalities that now shape my practice. Along the way, I trained in specialized approaches, including ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic therapy, and mindfulness. Each of these tools gives me a way to meet clients where they are and address their unique needs.

Still, this journey wasn’t linear. I had to overcome some of my darkest moments to fully step into this work.

My Lowest Point

During the pandemic, I experienced a period of profound emotional and psychological pain—the lowest point in my life. Overwhelmed by isolation and depression, I ended up being hospitalized for suicidal ideation. It was an experience that broke me open.

The care I received in the hospital was detached and procedural. I felt like I was being treated as a problem to be solved, not as a person who was struggling. While I went to the follow-up appointments that were recommended, I left each one feeling like I was just going through the motions. No one really saw me.

That experience stuck with me. As I reflected on it during a hike a few weeks later, I realized something important: care should feel different. People deserve to feel truly seen, supported, and understood, even in their hardest moments. I thought, I can do better. I can create the kind of space I needed but didn’t receive.

A Person-Centered Approach

That realization has shaped everything about how I practice today. My foundation is person-centered therapy, which means I don’t just look at symptoms or diagnoses. I see people as whole, complex individuals with stories, strengths, and struggles that deserve to be honored.

I don’t believe in forcing people into rigid therapeutic boxes. Healing isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, and what works for one person might not work for another. That’s why I take an eclectic approach, blending modalities like mindfulness, somatic work, IFS, and inner child healing. It allows me to meet each client where they are and create a process that feels true to their needs.

Why This Work Matters to Me

Becoming a therapist feels like coming full circle. It’s a way of combining everything I’ve experienced, studied, and learned into something that helps others. I understand what it’s like to feel stuck, unseen, and disconnected from yourself because I’ve been there. And I know how powerful it can be to have someone look at you and say, I see you. You’re enough.

What I value most in this work is hope. I believe that even in the darkest times, healing is possible. It isn’t always easy, and it isn’t always linear, but I’ve seen clients make incredible transformations—whether that’s reconnecting with parts of themselves they’ve buried or imagining futures they didn’t think were possible.

This work can be challenging, but it’s also deeply fulfilling. I feel grateful every day for the clients who trust me with their stories. Being able to hold space for people, to witness their growth and resilience, feels like exactly where I’m supposed to be.

A Space to Be Seen

At its core, therapy is about creating a space where people can show up exactly as they are. It’s about finding ways to accept yourself, even in your struggles, and building a life that feels meaningful and aligned with who you are.

If you’re feeling unseen, overwhelmed, or stuck, I want you to know that healing is possible. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Together, we can create a space where you feel supported and empowered to take those next steps toward a more hopeful future.

Ready to start your journey? At WellSite, we create spaces where you feel seen, supported, and celebrated as you are. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out today.

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