Why I Became a Therapist
I was drawn to therapy because I’ve always been captivated by people’s stories. Every person carries a beautiful, nuanced narrative, full of moments that shape who they are and who they long to become. As a therapist, I have the privilege of stepping into someone’s story, not to rewrite it for them, but to help them grow as the main character and move toward the kind of ending they want for themselves.
My Early Days in Practice
When I first began practicing, I remember feeling deeply humbled. People were entrusting me with the most intimate, vulnerable chapters of their lives, and that trust felt sacred. My greatest hope back then, and still today, was simple: that clients would feel their decision to open up to a stranger was worth it. That sharing their story would help them feel lighter, safer, and more grounded.
Curiosity, Questions, and Human Behaviour
Long before becoming a therapist, I was always the person who wanted to understand why people make the choices they do. That curiosity shows up everywhere in my life, and as a therapist, it helps me dive deeper with clients. As a person, it sometimes leads to me asking far too many questions at the dinner table, but it’s part of who I am, and I love it. Understanding people has always been my compass, and I’m continuing that journey through my practice.
What I’ve Learned Along the Way
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that people carry far more wisdom than they realize. My job isn’t to give answers, it’s to help clients discover the answers already inside them. Over time, my understanding of therapy has expanded, especially as I’ve leaned more into the ways our biology and neuropsychology shape behaviour. Helping clients explore not just what they feel but why they feel it has become deeply meaningful in my work.
Moments That Stay With Me
Some of the most rewarding moments in therapy happen when a client says, “Something feels different.” Maybe they’re approaching relationships in a new way, feeling more confident at work, or allowing themselves to explore opportunities they used to avoid. These moments of recognition, when someone sees their own growth, are the ones that often stay with me, and they’re proof that change is happening, even if it’s happening quietly.
How This Work Has Changed Me
This work has made me profoundly aware of how hard people try every single day. No matter someone’s struggles or resources, most people are doing the best they can to give their life a chance. Seeing that effort up close has shaped me both personally and professionally, and it’s given me a deep respect for human resilience.
If You’re Thinking About Starting Therapy
If you feel unsure about starting therapy, I want you to know this: therapy is yours to shape. You decide how deep you want to go and how quickly you want to move. It’s not about meeting someone else’s expectations, it’s about empowering yourself and giving your story the attention it deserves.
What Excites Me About the Work Ahead
Looking forward, I’m most excited about helping clients create the life they deserve, especially the dreams they whisper quietly, the ones they tell no one else about. Supporting people as they turn those private hopes into lived reality is one of the most meaningful parts of my work.
Being Part of the Layla Community
Since joining Layla, I’ve felt genuinely supported. Helping clients can be emotionally demanding, and it makes a difference to feel held by an organization that cares about the therapist as much as the client. Meeting other therapists through Layla has also helped build a sense of community that I really value.
What Clients Can Expect From Layla
Layla offers a truly customized approach to therapy. Instead of clients having to guess or hope they find the right therapist, Layla removes that pressure by doing thoughtful, intentional matching. It gives clients a safer starting point, and a better chance of finding a therapist who truly fits their needs.
