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The Therapist Diaries: One Year Later

 Hello and Welcome back to The Therapist Diaries, 


Can you believe it’s been a whole year since I wrote my very first blog post? Honestly, I can’t.


Over the last twelve months, I’ve gone from working as a Crisis Intervention Specialist, to becoming a clinician in a youth residential centre, and finally taking the leap into independent private practice. Along the way, I wrestled with the LCSW exam, figured out the endless learning curve of running my own business, moved countries, moved in with my boyfriend, and continued navigating my own mental and physical health journey. And somehow, amidst all of that, I’ve kept a long list of side projects alive too.

Through every challenge, change, and unexpected turn, one thing has remained constant: gratitude. I’ve never lost sight of how blessed I am, nor how much of this journey would have been impossible without the love, encouragement, and support of the people around me.


Looking back, here are five lessons this year has taught me.


1. Growth rarely feels comfortable


Some of the biggest changes in my life happened all at the same time, and very few of them felt easy. Growth often came with uncertainty, doubt, and more than a few tears. I've learned that being uncomfortable doesn't mean you're on the wrong path, it often means you're stretching into something new and being scared of it, well that’s just the world daring you to get out of your comfort zone. 


2. You don't have to have it all figured out


Starting a business, preparing for the LCSW exam, and building a new life in a different country taught me that nobody really has all the answers. Sometimes you learn by doing, making mistakes, and adjusting along the way. Progress matters more than perfection and the satisfaction of achieving something truly for yourself will always be worth the effort. 


3. Success means nothing without people to share it with


Whether it was family, friends, mentors, or my boyfriend, I've learned that support systems matter. Behind every achievement is a community of people who encouraged me, challenged me, and reminded me who I am when things got difficult. I grew up in England and moved to America when I was 18. I loved my life there  but it was my time to come home and making peace with that decision has made my work as a clinician 100x better. 


4. Taking care of yourself isn't selfish


Working in mental health while navigating my own mental and physical health journey has been a humbling experience. I've learned that rest, boundaries, and self-compassion aren't luxuries, they are necessities. You can't pour from an empty cup, and you don't earn rest by reaching exhaustion first. This is something I’ve always been very quick to tell my clients, but this year I’ve been focusing on implementing it for myself. 


5. Life doesn't have to follow your original plan


If you had told me a year ago that I'd move countries, start a private practice, and create a completely different life than the one I had imagined, I probably wouldn't have believed you. But I've learned that some of the best things happen when we allow ourselves to embrace unexpected opportunities.


As I reflect on this past year, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude. There were moments of stress, uncertainty, and more than a few times when I questioned myself. But there was also joy, growth, love, and countless reminders that’s God has been faithful through every season.


Here's to one year of The Therapist Diaries, and here's to whatever comes next. I have no doubt there will be more lessons, more adventures, and probably a few surprises along the way.


Thank you to everyone who has supported me, cheered me on, read these posts, and been part of this journey. I truly couldn't have done it without you.


Year two, here we come.

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