The Therapist-Maker (#2)
5 Minute Read
In my previous post, I shared about my life before becoming a therapist, and how maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit continues to propel me forward today. Today’s blog is all about the Insight 360 Questionnaire, a wonderfully uncomfortable tool that helped me make the decision to go from Tech to Therapist, while further strengthening some core relationships. Tools like Strengths Finder and Quest are great at offering self-examination, but I particularly appreciate how Insight 360 utilizes a community approach to offer a more well-rounded response.
The Insight 360 Questionnaire consists of the following four questions:
Without thinking too much about it, what are 3-5 keywords or descriptive phrases that come to mind when you describe the person at their best?
(My friend answered: Makes people feel comfortable with any situation or topic. Warm-hearted, Jovial.)
We must consciously develop our strengths to truly succeed in living purposefully. Imagine if this person could double their income by only doing the top 3 things they are best at, which make them feel amazing (even if they are hard or scary). What would those three things be?
Our downfall is anything we do that takes us out of alignment, causing a downward spiral in behavior, attitude, or relationships (even if we’re good at this thing!). What are 3-5 things this person keeps on doing that just aren’t serving them or bringing out their gifts?
Shadow is what we hide, repress, or deny about ourselves – both positive and negative. This is the unconscious in us, so insights from others are particularly valuable. Thank you in advance for your honesty! What are this person’s ways of being (very obvious to you) that they haven’t been able to face or seem to avoid?
Towards the end of my time in San Francisco, I asked three close relationships to respond to these questions. It was a mutual exercise, where I got to give them my input, and they told me their thoughts as well. Even though no one specifically stated that I should become a therapist, their answers pointed to a profession that could utilize my strengths of helping people open up without overstepping their boundaries. It was very important that I sought an outsider’s perspective, because these relationships influenced me and my perspective just as much as I did myself.
During my own interviews, I found myself especially nervous about discussing question 3. I was scared of what they might say about me, and felt like I was burdening them with such an in-depth personal analysis. I was also somewhat embarrassed by the fact that I didn’t really know what I was doing with my life at the time. Thankfully, my friends came through in uplifting ways that not only made me feel safe, but also confirmed that no one was placing judgment on the other person.
As a word of caution, this is a powerful tool that should only be used when you are ready for it! Community input is valuable, but an informed opinion about your life cannot replace your own motivations and self-reflection. If the mere thought of seeking someone out to respond brings you anxiety, then start by allowing your thoughts to exist in a positive headspace. If you notice yourself thinking that there’s no one you would feel comfortable engaging with these conversations, then maybe ask yourself why that is. Is the lack of close relationships an actual fact, or is it something that you tell yourself for some reason?
So, was becoming a therapist the right call? YES. I absolutely believe in the necessity of mental healthcare and it is very rewarding to witness my clients grow in their insights and relationships. I recommend therapy to everyone, and if I have children in the future, I would actually encourage them to undergo a therapy training program for the incredible personal development it offers. While it might seem difficult to see this as a good career choice given the initial financial burden (expensive education, low starting salary), lack of company benefits in private practice, and the high barrier of entry for clients, at the end of the day, this work is emotionally worthwhile. Armed with curiosity and a desire to grow, I look forward to seeing how my career as a therapist evolves moving forward.
