6 Great Reasons to Become a Professional Healer
From my group therapy sessions to couples counseling to individual therapy, I use tools like improv, roleplay, makeup, and puppets to help people get to the heart of what they're coping with. Drama Therapy is an immensely rewarding career, and I highly encourage anyone interested to look into it.
But therapists, counselors, and healers come in many forms. And I believe that today, we need healers now more than ever. Here are six reasons you should consider becoming one.
1. We Need You Now More Than Ever
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth rate for therapists is 22%, which is "much faster than average." If you've ever had trouble landing a therapist, you're not alone – HBO's Last Week Tonight with John Oliver did a whole episode about how the demand for therapy is far higher than the number of therapists.
The jobs are there. The people are searching for someone like you. It just takes the jump.
2. You Have Several Paths to Certification and Licensure
To become a Registered Drama Therapist, you can attend an accredited Master's Degree program or receive a mentorship from a Board Certified Trainer. Which one makes the most sense depends on you.
But the different specialties around mental health create a wide spectrum of paths to becoming a healer. In some cases, you can take most (or all) of the classes online.
3. You'll Have a More Rewarding Career
Maybe I'm biased, but it's hard to imagine a more satisfying career. When you actively save lives, make people feel better and more empowered, and help people on their journey to their best selves, it's easy to wake up in the morning and get to "work."
4. You'll Heal Yourself Along the Way
Opening yourself up to the nuances of mental health can help you on your own journey – in significant ways beyond starting a new career. When we have insights into how people tick, we can more confidently better ourselves.
5. Just Considering It Can Get You to a Deeper Truth
Take your foot off the accelerator for a moment. Don't focus on staying motivated or goal-oriented. Stop and get really clear about why you're doing what you're doing. Is it for you?
When we get to our own truth, we can let that be our guide. If you're considering a new, more rewarding path, becoming a professional healer can be a great route. But it's important to really get grounded and see what it is about your current stasis that demands change.
Somewhat ironically, a great way to do that is to consult with a therapist or life coach!
6. You Have a Big Heart
I'll say it again: you have a big heart. It's why you're intrigued by the idea of healing others. So that big heart is what you should follow. That way, whatever your new path becomes, you know it's guided by your goodness and your passion.
And remember: don't let anybody else dictate what should be important to you. What do you want? What's true to your heart? Those are the questions that lead to a more fulfilled you.
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Haruki Murakami: “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.”
This complicated life that we lead is incredibly painful. Loss, grief, anger, transition…all things that cause us to stretch and grow also cause emotional discomfort. In fact, even the most beautiful experiences can feel bittersweet at times. Yet, when we try to avoid pain, we find ourselves experiencing a different type of discomfort: the sadness of a life not fully lived. As the quote says: “pain is inevitable” and that means there is no way around it. The only way is THROUGH.