I am proud to have two MFT Interns in my Mission Valley practice, both of whom offer week day and weekend appointments for individuals and couples. Want to get to know them better before you book a session? That's understandable! Here is an interview with Susan Buckley, one of my interns.
When did you decide to go into Marriage and Family Therapy?
I decided to begin my journey into Marriage and Family Therapy after volunteering with children at a domestic violence shelter. Seeing first-hand the courage, hope, and motivation of the residents, as well their desire to implement positive changes in their lives, made me want to become a therapist and contribute in some way to that process.
Do you have advice for someone who is considering becoming an MFT?
My Advice to someone who is considering becoming an MFT is to be patient with the long process, be prepared for a good deal of self-reflection and growth, and finally, remember the reasons you started your journey. The path to becoming an MFT can be strenuous, but the reward for following your passion far outweighs the obstacles to getting there.
What would you say to someone who is nervous about setting up their first counseling session?
If someone expressed nervousness about setting up their first counseling session, I would let them know that most people feel uneasy meeting someone for the first time, let alone meeting someone who is supposed to listen to their innermost thoughts and feelings. That is why it is important to me that the client feels at ease in the session before we begin to explore any personal or difficult topics. My goal is to provide a positive experience for clients.
Read the rest of Susan's interview here.
Jennine Estes is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFC#47653) in San Diego, Ca. Visit her main website Estes Therapy or her relationship column Relationships In The Raw.
