04 Psychotherapist
What is it Like Being a Psychotherapist?
On this episode of the Unboxing Careers Podcast, we unbox the career of a psychotherapist.
Guest: Yori Scott is a licensed professional counselor and multifaceted psychotherapist who offers a range of services tailored to the events present in your life.
Find out more about Yori at YoriScott.com
Listen to Yori’s podcast
Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music
What Do Psychotherapists Do?
Psychotherapists help people cope with mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and stress. They provide a safe space for clients to talk about their struggles and use evidence-based approaches to guide healing. A key part of the job involves diagnosing and understanding conditions with the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
Therapists don’t just “give advice”—they help clients build coping skills, improve relationships, and gain new perspectives. Common tasks include:
Meeting with clients in one-on-one or group sessions
Developing treatment plans
Tracking progress through notes and records
Offering coping strategies and mindfulness techniques
A Day in the Life of a Psychotherapist
Every day looks a little different, but therapists usually spend most of their time in sessions with clients. Depending on the setting, they might also collaborate with teachers, doctors, or social workers. If they’re in private practice, they also manage the business side of things, like scheduling and billing.
A typical day might include:
4–6 client sessions spread throughout the day
Writing case notes after each session
Researching therapy approaches or attending training
Handling administrative work (emails, insurance forms, scheduling)
As Yori Scott explained in the podcast, one of the biggest challenges is keeping boundaries—making sure work doesn’t take over your personal life.
How to Prepare for a Career in Psychotherapy
Students who are curious about therapy can start preparing early. High school is the perfect time to explore psychology and practice people skills. In college, choosing the right major and seeking out mentors is key.
Skills and steps to prepare include:
Building empathy and listening skills by volunteering or joining peer-support clubs
Taking psychology, sociology, or health science classes
Shadowing a counselor or interning at a clinic if possible
Practicing communication—learning how to listen without judgment
Finding a mentor or advisor who can guide your career choices
Education and Licensure Requirements of a Psychoterapist
Becoming a licensed psychotherapist takes time and commitment. Most paths require at least a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or social work, followed by supervised clinical hours.
Key steps on the education path:
Earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a related field
Apply to graduate school (master’s in counseling, psychology, or social work)
Complete required supervised clinical hours (can range from 2,000–3,000 hours)
Pass state licensure exams
Continue professional development through workshops and certifications
Yori Scott’s journey shows that there are different routes into the field—she started in school counseling before transitioning into private practice.
Rewards and Challenges of the Profession
Like any career, psychotherapy comes with highs and lows. Many therapists say the most rewarding part is seeing clients grow and heal. But it also requires managing your own well-being.
Rewards include:
Helping clients make breakthroughs and improve their lives
Working in a meaningful and impactful profession
Opportunities to specialize (trauma, family therapy, child counseling)
Flexibility in private practice
Challenges include:
Emotional fatigue from hearing difficult stories
Balancing heavy caseloads
Business and paperwork responsibilities (especially in private practice)
Public misconceptions (people sometimes assume therapists are available 24/7)
Misconceptions About Therapists
Therapists often face myths about their work. One big misconception is that they’re always analyzing people or that they “have it all figured out.” In reality:
Therapists are human and face struggles too
Their role is not to “fix” people but to guide them toward healthier coping tools
Therapy is a collaborative process, not one-sided advice
Final Thoughts on a Career in Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a career built on compassion, patience, and dedication. While the path requires years of study and training, the rewards of helping people heal and grow make it worthwhile for many. If you’re drawn to listening, problem-solving, and supporting others through challenges, this could be a fulfilling career to explore. Whether you’re still in high school or already in college, taking small steps—like learning about mental health, volunteering, or connecting with mentors—can put you on the path toward becoming a therapist.
Key Psychotherapy Career Takeaways:
Psychotherapists help people with various presenting issues and use the DSM to diagnose conditions.
Common issues that psychotherapists work with include depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders.
Yori Scott's career path involved a desire to help people, starting with education and transitioning to private practice.
The day-to-day of a psychotherapist includes consultations, sessions, notes, and research.
In private practice, work-life balance requires structure and the ability to multitask.
High school students interested in therapy should focus on communication skills, empathy, and being nonjudgmental.
College students should connect with advisors to ensure their coursework aligns with their career goals. Self-reflection and seeking guidance from mentors are crucial when entering the counseling field.
It's important to pivot if a career path doesn't align with one's goals.
When entering the workforce as a counselor, ask questions about work-life balance, caseload, and reimbursement rates.
Therapists need to be able to separate their work from their personal lives to avoid burnout.
There is a high demand for therapists, and it's important to provide access to affordable therapy.
Misconceptions about therapists include providing free advice outside of work and having perfect personal lives.
Empathy, understanding, and effective interventions are key components of therapy.
Interested in similar careers? Check out these episodes:
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