From Psychotherapy to Management: A Journey in the Mental Health Field
Before embarking on my career as a writer, I had the privilege of working as a psychotherapist. It was a fulfilling and rewarding profession that allowed me to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals struggling with mental health issues. However, as time went on, I found myself drawn to different aspects of the mental health field, leading me to explore management roles and eventually transitioning into teaching at the college level.
The Beginnings of a Psychotherapist
My journey in the mental health field started with a deep desire to help others. I was fascinated by the complexities of the human mind and wanted to make a difference in people's lives. After completing my education and obtaining the necessary certifications, I began my practice as a psychotherapist.
Working as a psychotherapist allowed me to develop a strong foundation in understanding various mental health conditions and providing effective treatments. I worked with individuals from all walks of life, helping them navigate through their challenges and providing support during their healing process. It was a deeply rewarding experience, knowing that I was making a difference in the lives of my clients.
Transitioning into Management
As I gained experience in the mental health field, I became increasingly interested in the administrative side of things. I realized that in order to create a broader impact, I needed to explore opportunities that would allow me to influence policies and procedures that affected the mental health community as a whole.
This led me to transition into management roles within the mental health field. I took on positions that involved overseeing the operations of mental health facilities, managing teams of clinicians, and collaborating with other professionals to improve the quality of care provided to patients. It was a challenging but fulfilling experience that allowed me to contribute to the growth and development of the mental health field on a larger scale.
A Return to College Teaching
After several years in management, I felt a strong pull towards education. I wanted to share my knowledge and experience with the next generation of mental health professionals, and what better way to do that than through teaching at the college level?
I made the decision to return to college and pursue a career in teaching. It was a significant transition, but one that I embraced wholeheartedly. I completed my advanced degrees and began teaching courses related to mental health, psychology, and counseling.
Teaching allowed me to combine my passion for mental health with my love for learning and sharing knowledge. I found immense joy in guiding and mentoring students, helping them develop the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their future careers. It was incredibly rewarding to witness their growth and to know that I was playing a part in shaping the future of the mental health field.
Reflections on the Journey
Looking back on my journey from psychotherapy to management and teaching, I am grateful for the diverse experiences and opportunities that have shaped my career. Each step along the way has provided me with valuable insights and skills that have enriched my understanding of the mental health field.
While my path may have taken unexpected turns, I believe that each transition has been a stepping stone towards personal and professional growth. The combination of my experiences as a psychotherapist, manager, and teacher has allowed me to approach mental health from multiple perspectives, enhancing my ability to contribute positively to the field.
Conclusion
Transitioning from a psychotherapist to management roles and eventually into teaching has been a transformative journey in the mental health field. Each phase has brought its own set of challenges and rewards, allowing me to continually grow and evolve as a professional.
As I continue to explore new opportunities and expand my knowledge in the mental health field, I am excited to see where this journey takes me next. Whether it's through writing, teaching, or further exploration of management roles, I am committed to making a positive impact and contributing to the growth and development of the mental health community.
After UCLA College of Letters where I obtained PhD is Philosophy, Psychology and Religion I got a teaching job at the University. I felt uneasy teaching. I applied for a job in the mental health field; I got many offers and within two years was running the mental health center where I worked, supervising psychologists and psychiatrists who have been in that field for many decades.
Eventually, I felt bored by the job (of been executive director...I was barely thirty two years old when I was the executive director of the largest mental health agency in the city where I lived) and quit and tried doing other things.
Nothing I tried worked out for me. So, I did other executive director jobs but eventually wound up quitting and returning to college teaching until I felt that teaching is too easy for me; I felt unchallenged being a college professor (I filled my time writing on assorted subjects that interested me).
Eventually, I realized that I have a destiny and fate. My normal routine is to read until I go to sleep (although there is a huge TV in the house, I seldom watch it) and get up around 5 AM, think for a while, and then go to my computer and type the thoughts that I just had in my sleep.