My Therapist Origin Story

Months later, she reached out to see if we could start English lessons up again. I told her I had moved back home to my parent’s house near Boston to take psychology classes and start applying to graduate school programs in counseling psychology.

“Congratulations, Emily!! Colleague!! From what I’ve seen of you, I am most certain that you will be an excellent therapist. Sending you lots of love, and when you come back to Chile let me know so we can have another coffee together.”

I wrote back “Gracias, Carolina!” and told her that talking about her work had inspired me and helped me with the decision to change careers. Since then, we’ve lost touch. If I had the chance to speak with her again, I’d tell her thank you — for everything.

As a therapist, she did what we’re often told not to do: she gave advice, she told me what she thought I should do, and she was unapologetically honest in her lack of sympathy. But also became the first person in my life to witness a passion in me that no one else — not even I — had recognized. After all those long conversations, if she had never pointed it out, I might never have found it.

It took time for her wisdom to sink in, but her honesty set me on my path — and for that, I am forever grateful.

So yes, the story of how I became a therapist starts off with rejection, confusion, heartbreak, low self-worth, uncertainty, self-doubt, and moments of darkness where I wasn’t sure how I could keep going. If that sounds familiar, please know this: there’s so much ahead of you. So much of your story has yet to be written. There could be a mentor you haven’t met yet, or a passion you don’t yet know you have. There is someone out there who will see your light — because what is meant for you will find you and won’t pass you by. What may feel like the darkest moment in your life could actually be the nutrient rich soil your seed needs for growth.

Each week, I asked questions about her cases, psychodynamic theories, life as a therapist, and how therapy worked. She always welcomed my questions and was happy to share her insights. Without realizing it, twice a week I was receiving something akin to clinical supervision before ever taking a Psychology 101 course. I know now, of course, that Carolina saw something in me that I did not: genuine interest and passion for a career that I had not yet considered.

When you are called to do something, the the pieces start falling into place. On that day in Carolina’s office, I could not yet see how rejection was protecting me from paths that were not meant for me. I laugh now when I think about how disappointed I was when she could not contain her excitement for my bad news, exclaiming, “This is exactly how its supposed to happen!”

She told me she had a feeling the universe had different plans for me — to become a therapist — and that I just had to lean in to the path of least resistance.

Since then, the path of least resistance has led me to some pretty wonderful places. I created my dream job: I provide therapy in nature, walking alongside my clients in the woods of the Sebago Lakes Region. I live in my dream state — Maine, where I always longed to be as a little girl. I opened my dream business and a charming little office space, developed group therapy programs I only once imagined, and now work with my dream clients.

Without Carolina’s mentorship, I’m not sure who I would be today. Of all people, she chose me as her English tutor because what’s meant for you will find you and won’t pass you by. I remember leaving her office that day feeling overwhelmed, unsupported, confused, and hurt as to why she seemed so happy when I felt so dejected. It was one of the last days we saw each other.