What I Wish I Knew My First Year Licensed as a therapist
That first year after licensure? A blur of impostor syndrome, documentation stress, and saying “yes” way too often. No one really tells you how exhausting it can feel to hold space for others while learning to navigate systems, paperwork, and boundaries. If you're newly licensed or headed that way, this one’s for you.
Becoming fully licensed is a huge milestone and a huge adjustment. You go from having constant supervision and structured guidance to suddenly being "on your own," and while that independence can feel exciting, it can also feel overwhelming and isolating. No longer a “baby therapist”, but a full “adult therapist” with a shiny new license. But if you’re anything like I was, you quickly realize that licensure doesn’t come with a roadmap or a book with answers. Suddenly, you look around and realize that you are the therapist in charge of the room (how did I become the most adult in the room?), and you miss your supervisor. There’s so much I wish I had known that first year about managing my calendar, setting boundaries, and building a sustainable career. If you're just starting or have been practicing for a while, I hope these lessons help you skip some of the unnecessary stress. If anything, I hope you make your own mistakes and learn from mine.
You Don’t Have to Say Yes to Every Opportunity
When you’re newly licensed, every opportunity feels crucial. You are trying to learn as much as possible and feel the pressure of becoming established in your community. With each new client, speaking engagement, or supervision request, you want to prove yourself, build your reputation, and fill your caseload. But not every good opportunity is a good opportunity for YOU. You are allowed to be intentional, selective, and thoughtful about offering your time and energy. Overloading your schedule and capacity out of fear reinforces a scarcity mindset and sets you up to burn out faster.
Supervision Questions Don’t End After Licensure
I thought I would feel fully confident after getting licensed. The truth? Just because you’re licensed doesn't mean you magically know everything or that you should stop seeking consultation and mentorship. I always have a few trusted therapist friends that I can call for a quick consultation. Similarly, having a trusted consultant or peer supervision group was a game-changer. Therapists who continuously seek therapy or consultation are often the ones who thrive longer term, because they know support isn’t a weakness—it’s a career investment. I have found online consultation groups are the most convenient for me and allow me to connect with different kinds of therapists across the US!
Boundaries Are Non-Negotiable
I didn’t realize how quickly boundary creep could happen. A client texting after hours here, a quick email response there, accepting a client that is a bit outside your scope, and offering a session at the end of your already long day. Protecting your time, energy, and mental health is not selfish—it’s ethical. The earlier you build strong boundaries, the easier it will be to maintain a sustainable practice. You are allowed to have policies that you ACTUALLY enforce. You are allowed to say no. You can take a sick day. If you don't proactively take care of yourself, your work and your well-being will suffer. This means real self-care, not just bubble baths and aesthetic workout sets, but sustainable habits like regular sleep, healthy nutrition, joyful movement, meaningful connection, and mental health support for yourself.
Additionally, as a therapist, you model appropriate boundaries to your clients! We teach other people how we want to be treated, and what are we communicating when we respond to emails at all hours and work when we’re ill?
Your Ideal Caseload Takes Time
At the beginning of my career and in my practice, I was impatient (shocking to anyone who knows me). I wanted a full caseload immediately, and not having one meant I was failing. Building a caseload takes strategy, patience, and networking. Reframe empty hours as an opportunity to read new articles, finish those pesky CE requirements, take a nap, or practice self-care. It’s normal for it to be slow at first. Panicking is part of the process, but the panic does not mean you are doing anything wrong. Accept this gift of time while it lasts.
You’re Allowed to Build a Life, Not Just a Career
Work-life balance isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. I wish I had prioritized rest, hobbies, and my relationships from day one. And, how I define balance may not match another clinician’s needs. Working three longer days works beautifully for my life, but I know a therapist who works a few hours each day because that feels more manageable. Whatever works for you is the right path! Make sure that you are also building a fulfilling and energizing life outside of work with hobbies, loved ones, and whatever else you love!
You’re Also Allowed to Build the Career Path You Want
You don't have to copy someone else's path! Maybe you want to work full-time in private practice. Maybe you want a more diverse career with therapy, teaching, and consulting. Maybe you want part-time clinical work and part-time insurance work. It's your license, your career, and your life. Design it intentionally.
When I first started in the mental health space, I thought I wanted to work in hospitals forever. I never imagined myself working in any sort of private practice! But as I entered and left different seasons of life, I needed different things from my career. Now, I couldn’t imagine working for anyone else again. Luckily, therapists have the flexibility to pivot as needed! Change your mind as many times as you need throughout your career span.
If You’re Feeling Lost, You’re Not Alone
Your first year licensed will have amazing moments and moments where you wonder if you’re cut out for this. That’s normal. Every therapist has felt that way, and if they deny that fact, they are lying. Finding community, mentorship, and possibly your own therapy (therapy for therapists is totally normal, and I offer it in Texas) can help you stay grounded through the ups and downs. Your confidence, clinical skills, and professional identity will deepen with experience, mistakes, supervision, reflection, and time. You don't have to be perfect to be effective. You just have to keep showing up, learning, and caring.
There will be cases that challenge you, theories you haven’t mastered, and moments where you feel totally out of your depth. That doesn’t mean you're a bad therapist. It means you’re a human who makes mistakes. Get comfortable saying, "Let me think about that and get back to you” or “I don’t know”. Your clients (and your peers) will appreciate your honesty far more than a rushed or half-informed answer.
Your first year licensed can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. But it’s also full of opportunities for growth, discovery, and joy. Be gentle with yourself. Find your people. Remember why you started.
If you're looking for a therapist who understands the highs and lows of this work, I offer therapy for therapists in Texas with a focus on sustainable healing. You deserve support as much as the clients you serve. Schedule a consultation HERE, email me directly at Aubrey@sageholisticcounseling.com, or follow me on Instagram at @sage_holistic_counseling.