I didn't grow up wanting to be a therapist; in fact, from the moment I learned to write complete sentences, I was set on becoming a famous novelist (something like Stephen King, as my imagination went). I even wrote my first scary story around age 7 or 8 titled "Death House." The main character was Jonathan Taylor Thomas -- don't laugh too hard, he was popular back then!

Even when I graduated high school and started at a local 4-year college, I declared my major as English right away. After the first year of required classes, I took my first major class, which was English Literature.

Unfortunately, it turns out that I'm really not a fan of Chaucer, Shakespeare, and the rest!

In my second year, I took my first ever psychology class, Psych 101. I fell in love immediately.

I distinctly remember thinking, "This! This is what I've always wanted to learn! I want to know why people do the things they do!"

I switched my major that same semester.

After graduating with my B.S. of Psychology, I decided that joining the work force was the next step (16 years of school is a lot right in a row). Unfortunately, it seemed that I didn't qualify for any of the work positions I was interested in, which mostly involved counseling and require at graduate degree.

It took me three years to realize that I needed to go back to school, but I was able to apply and got into a program the following autumn.

I actually started out going back to my old University and joining a School Psychology training program. I did very well (4.0 GPA, not to brag or anything) and learned a lot, but quickly realized that it wasn't the direction I wanted for my career, so I switched to a counseling-focused program for the next two years.

I graduated with my M.A. of Clinical Psychology in 2014.

(That's an actual photo of my degree!)

It takes a few years of full-time work, clinical hours, and supervision from another LMHC to get licensed in Massachusetts. It took me a few years, but I was thrilled when I finally received my official license.

Fun fact: Social workers start with an MSW (Master of Social Work) and apply for their initial license of LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), but they actually cannot pratice independently until they receive their LICSW (the I is for Independent). Someone with an LMHC may practice as an independent provider as soon as they are licensed!