As a professional therapist, I can attest that the road to becoming a therapist is not always easy, but the rewards make it all worth it. My journey to becoming a therapist began in my early twenties when I realised that I wanted to make a difference in people's lives by helping them overcome mental health challenges.

I felt drawn to the field of psychology and began pursuing an interest in understanding the reasons why 'people think they way they do' with the goal of becoming a therapist.

One of the biggest challenges of my journey was navigating the complexities of the variety of therapy based certifications. It was an interesting time, as a father of two, I had to balance demanding coursework with hands-on clinical experience, while also managing my own property business and personal life. It was a difficult time, but looking back, I realise that it was necessary to prepare me for the work I would eventually do as a therapist.

After several professional certifications, I began the process of building my own practice. This was another significant challenge. As a therapist, I was passionate about helping others and providing a safe space for them to heal, but building a practice was a whole other beast. I had to learn how to market myself, network with other professionals, and manage the business side of things. It was overwhelming at first, but with time and persistence, I slowly built a thriving practice in London. 

One of the biggest rewards of being a therapist is seeing the positive impact I can have on my clients' lives. I have had the privilege of helping countless individuals overcome mental health challenges and work towards their goals. Seeing the progress and growth that my clients make is incredibly rewarding and makes all the challenges of the profession worth it.

Another reward of being a therapist is the personal growth and development that comes with the job. In order to be an effective therapist, I had to work on my own personal issues and continue to grow and develop as a person. The job requires self-reflection and introspection, which can be challenging but ultimately leads to personal growth and development.

One of the most challenging aspects of being a therapist is dealing with the emotional toll of the job. Hearing about clients' traumas and struggles can take a toll on a therapist's emotional well-being. It's important to practice self-care and have a support system in place to help manage the emotional weight of the job.

In addition to the emotional toll, therapists also face challenges such as burnout and compassion fatigue. These challenges can lead to a decrease in job satisfaction and even impact the quality of care provided to clients. It's important for therapists to take steps to prevent burnout, such as taking breaks, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed.

Overall, my journey as a professional therapist has been filled with challenges and rewards. Building a thriving practice and helping clients overcome mental health challenges has been incredibly rewarding. However, the emotional toll of the job and the challenges of managing a practice have also been significant. Despite the challenges, I am grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact in people's lives and continue to grow and develop as a person and a therapist.