What I’ve learned in 5 years of being a psychotherapist.

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-To help, you must be competent in your field and able to explain complexity to a child.

-Your accolades don’t matter.

Transference and countertransference are excellent tools. Feelings go back and forth between the client and me, so why not use them in the session?

-Don’t be pretentious; no one cares.

-Don’t be afraid to be wrong. It is important to show humility to the client, for they are the experts themselves.

-Admit when you lose focus. It does not hurt to say, “Can you repeat? I drifted off.”

You must be willing to get fired. My job is to inspire. If I do so and you get angry, that's good, but at least you see the areas of contention in your personality and life.

-You must be authentic for yourself and your clients.

These perspectives have changed my view on my career and approach to my clients.

Travis Knowlton LCSW