First, BREATH.

You just got licensed, now what?

A series for newly licensed mental health counselors with a focus on navigating the personal aspects of this profession.

by Kristy Harrington, LMHC

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First, BREATH. In... and out. Deeply. Slowly. Again. 

Becoming a licensed mental health counselor (or social worker, or any other licensed helper) is no easy feat!

On one hand, getting the license feels like the end of a long and arduous uphill battle, and on the other hand it's just the beginning.

You might feel like you should know EVERYTHING now that you're licensed and at the same time wonder if you will ever know enough to feel confident. 

You might be eager for a change while also feeling desperate to coast for a little while. 

When I got that email from the licensing board with my license approval, I sobbed. I was both relieved and totally overwhelmed. I was proud of myself, for sure. I had worked so long and hard. Because it had been such a challenging few years, I realized I started to lose sight of why I chose this career path to begin with. It took longer than I thought it would, it was harder than I thought it would be, and I was grappling with the realities of a career in the mental health field. I was ready for a change but also had very little left in the tank. Plus I felt stuck, with so many unanswered questions!

How do I make more money?
How do I have more control over who I work with?
How do I not take things so personally?
How do I avoid burn out?
How do I keep working once I realize I AM burnt out?
What do I want to specialize in?
How do I afford specialty training?
What setting do I want to work in?
How do I be a person in the world AND be a therapist? 
Who can I talk to about my work, and how much can I share?
How do I know if I'm doing a good job? 
How do I know if I'm doing a bad job? 
What if I'm already questioning if this is the right career for me? 

If you're asking yourself any or all of these questions, I get it. I STILL ask myself many of these questions. That's why I started this series - because I am on this journey with you. 

So first, BREATH. Seriously. You are over one huge hurdle, and now it's time to settle in to the marathon pace (i.e. slow and steady over the long haul) of life as a licensed mental health counselor. 

Second, take pride in this accomplishment. You set a goal and you achieved it. Own it. Celebrate it. Seek out at least one person who gets it and connect with them. If you don't have anyone - reach out to me! 

Consider this a place to start. Lots more support to come. 

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