Auto-translated

A therapist who had a blessed upbringin'

Assalamu alaykum, I just need to vent a bit and didn’t know where else to put this. I work as a CBT therapist, and whenever I tell people that, they often jump to the conclusion that I must’ve had a rough life to choose this path. They assume I went through childhood trauma or family problems - which is actually not true at all. Alhamdulillah, I’ve had a really blessed life. I had a lovely childhood, my parents are wonderful, my teenage years were good, and I genuinely love my life. Nothing traumatic ever happened to me. I’ve never suffered major mental health issues, and I always remind fellow Muslims to turn to prayer and trust Allah when they’re struggling. Sometimes I feel awkward when people ask what I do, because I worry they’ll immediately think something negative about my background. The truth is I became a therapist because I needed work after university and I’ve always been naturally empathetic. When I was younger I didn’t have a clear plan, so I picked psychology since it felt doable at the time. I’ve even thought about leaving the job because of burnout and feeling embarrassed by the assumptions people make. I mention all this because I notice a lot of people - especially in some South Asian circles - complain about parents and assume everyone has trauma. That’s not the case for everyone. On social media there’s a lot of airing grievances, and I don’t like how people automatically assume I went through the same things or speak poorly of my family. What really upsets me is the thought of people thinking badly of my parents, when they’re amazing and gave me a beautiful life, alhamdulillah.

+186

Comments

Share your perspective with the community.

Auto-translated

Sending support. It’s weird how social media pushes one story for every job. Your gratitude for your parents is so heartwarming, alhamdulillah.

+4
Auto-translated

As a therapist myself I get the stereotype. Some of us just love helping. Don’t quit just because of others’ assumptions. Take it slow.

+4
Auto-translated

Totally relate. I also chose a caring profession without a dramatic backstory. Burnout is real though - take breaks and protect your peace.

+3
Auto-translated

I hear you, sister. People love to jump to conclusions. Glad you’ve got such a supportive family - that’s rare and beautiful, alhamdulillah.

+5
Auto-translated

This hits home. Being empathetic doesn’t mean broken. Proud of you for being honest and for reminding people prayer helps too.

+6
Auto-translated

Omg yes! People always assume the worst. Your family sounds lovely - don’t let strangers’ opinions make you ashamed of your path.

+10

Add a new comment

Log in to leave a comment