Therapists come to their work with a deep sense of purpose, driven by diverse inspirations that fuel their passion for helping others. For clients, understanding what inspires their therapist can provide a deeper connection and insight into the unique therapeutic relationship. It can be reassuring to know that the person guiding them through challenging moments is also moved by their own sources of motivation and growth.
Many therapists find inspiration in witnessing clients’ resilience, personal growth, and self-discovery. Others are driven by the profound connections they form with their clients, by the transformative power of creativity, or by the hope of contributing to collective healing. Here, 14 of our associate therapists answer the question, “what most inspires you about doing this work?” The answers themselves inspire us!
Dani Gotwalt answered:
Witnessing clients get in deeper contact with their inner wisdom, self compassion, and confidence. Getting to see that magical mix of gaining strength in softness.
Read Dani Gotwalt’s complete interview here.
Cynthia Martin answered:
It seems to me that we’re all hesitant to confront reality head-on, opting instead for distractions of every sort. Yet, nothing strikes me as more utterly breathtaking than witnessing someone push through fear to reconnect with their authentic felt experience in the moment. Embracing mindfulness as a regular practice opens up an expansive world of discovery.
Read Cynthia Martin’s complete interview here.
Kaye Reeves answered:
What inspires me most is seeing growth and positive change, both in clients and in myself, on a continual basis.
Read Kaye Reeves’ complete interview here.
Mark Resch answered:
I am inspired by how resourceful and resilient humans are, and how much change is possible through the work.
Read Mark Resch’s complete interview here.
Julie Peters answered:
I am most inspired by the ways clients harness creativity to make change. There is something so powerful and also comforting about learning, time after time, how resilient human beings really are.
Read Julie Peters’ complete interview here.
Brooke Hein answered:
I wake up and feel inspired to do this work because of the resilience, wisdom, and courage of my clients. It’s meaningful work that puts me in touch with the human experience in a way that more often than not leaves me humbled, grateful, and fulfilled.
Read Brooke Hein’s complete interview here.
Chris Doorley answered:
Meeting people who have rebounded from suffering inspires me not only to provide support to them, but also to persevere in my own challenges.
Read Chris Doorley’s complete interview here.
Jordana del Feld answered:
I am always inspired by how much I learn from my clients, by the trust they put in our therapeutic relationship, by their courageousness in exploring unknown realms, and by the tenderness of their human hearts.
Read Jordana del Feld’s complete interview here.
Elizabeth Dausch answered:
Getting to witness someone come home to themselves: reconnecting to their body and authentic emotions, finding their voice, recovering lost parts of themselves, and experiencing the healing force of self-compassion & loving presence.
Read Elizabeth Dausch’s complete interview here.
Ian Silverness answered:
Being with clients as they touch on deep truths is incredibly inspiring. The courage, vulnerability, and honesty that clients show up with makes me feel honored to do this work.
Read Ian Silverness’ complete interview here.
Sabrina Rayner answered:
The constant learning and connection that is co-created in a therapeutic relationship.
Read Sabrina Rayner’s complete interview here.
Erin Boyle says:
I am constantly amazed at humans, and how quickly and brilliantly we adapt to and cope with truly awful circumstances. I marvel at what my clients have overcome in the past and continue to overcome today. I am inspired by both the resilience of my clients and their willingness to keep growing and learning.
Read Erin Boyle’s complete interview here.
Karen Baker answered:
What inspires me most about doing this work is being let into the most vulnerable parts of people, witnessing the growth and healing that happens through therapy and sharing an intimacy with the unknown.
In my ancestral tradition, there is a belief that the world can be repaired (Tikkun Olam) and this has always been a guiding force in my life.
Recently, I feel a sense of urgency around our collective healing. My go-to inspirations outside of work and my people, nature, art, constant learning, travel and the movement of my own body.
Read Karen Baker’s complete interview here.
Caroline Lee answered:
Being in a space where curiosity and presence is key.
Read Caroline Lee’s complete interview here.
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