April is Counseling Awareness Month
April 4, 2025
Author | Hannah Hill
To celebrate April as Counseling Awareness Month, I decided to share my favorite things about being a therapist. I have the unique privilege of walking with clients as they pursue their deeply personal journeys of self-exploration and growth. Each session, each conversation, and each epiphany are a reminder of why I chose this path and why I’m so passionate about what I do. As I reflect on my experience in this role, I decided to reflect on three of the many reasons I love this work: witnessing change, holding space for overwhelming emotions, and observing the power of reframing thoughts.
Witnessing Change: The Gift of Growth
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a therapist is witnessing the profound transformation that can occur over time. Change is not linear, and it often happens in small, subtle ways that accumulate into something beautiful. Changes we make as humans are often small and imperceptible to others. But as a therapist, I get to see the nuance of these changes. Whether it’s a client who initially struggled to communicate with their partner but gradually learns to articulate their needs, or someone who once felt governed by their guilt in decision making--these moments are what make my work deeply meaningful and rewarding.
What I find so powerful is how therapy helps people tap into their inner strength and resilience. It's not about fixing or curing; it’s about empowering people to discover their own ability to grow and transform. My favorite clients to work with are the ones who come to me with the desire to change and the recognition that it’s their responsibility to do the work. The progress may be gradual, but when clients share small wins from their lives, it fills me with immense gratitude for the role I play in their lives. It is an honor to work with people in such an intimate way and I never take for granted the responsibility I have for making sure their trust is in the right place—with me.
Holding Space for Overwhelming Emotions: A Safe Haven for Vulnerability
Another reason I love being a therapist is that I get to hold space for people’s deepest, most overwhelming emotions. Sometimes those feelings can be deeply painful or shameful. The human experience is complex and we have an immense amount of feelings on any given day—sometimes in any given moment. I have the privilege of offering a safe and non-judgmental environment where my clients can express themselves freely, without fear of rejection or judgment. Do I agree with your choices? Sometimes. Do I judge them? Absolutely not. Being a therapist means understanding that each person has the autonomy to choose what works for them, not what works for the therapist.
Sometimes, the mere act of sitting with someone while they experience these emotions can be a powerful act of healing. It’s not about rushing to fix or change their emotional state, but rather, offering a space where they can feel heard and validated. In those moments, I often witness clients begin to make sense of their emotions and how those emotions have impacted their story. Holding space for someone’s vulnerability is an incredibly humbling and sacred aspect of my work, and it’s one of the reasons why I’m deeply grateful for the trust that clients place in me.
The Power of Reframing Thoughts: Shifting Perspective to Find Peace
Finally, one of the most transformative elements of therapy is observing the power of reframing. As a therapist who operates from a cognitive behavioral framework, I believe that the way we think about our experiences shapes how we feel and behave. When clients start to shift their perspective about their challenges, it can have a profound impact on their emotional state and how they view themselves.
Whether it’s recognizing negative self-talk, challenging irrational beliefs, or reframing difficult situations in a more empowering way, this process can bring about real change. For example, a client who once saw themselves as a failure for not handling a situation perfectly might see that as an opportunity to learn rather than an opportunity to engage in negative self-talk. By shifting the narrative they tell themselves, they can reduce feelings of shame, increase self-compassion, and foster a healthier relationship with themselves.
The beauty of reframing is that it offers a sense of agency and control—which those of us with anxiety absolutely love! It allows people to challenge the stories they’ve been telling themselves and take a kinder, more objective view of their lives. I’m continually amazed by the strength people demonstrate as they begin to recognize that their thoughts are not set in stone—they have the power to change them, and in doing so, they change their emotional experience.
A Reminder That Mental Health Matters
As I reflect on these aspects of my work, I am reminded of the deep privilege I have to be a therapist. Counseling Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate the transformative power of therapy and the positive impact it can have on mental health and well-being. For those who are considering therapy or who are already in the process of healing, I want to remind you that change is possible, that your emotions are valid, and that your thoughts do not define you. Let’s continue to break the stigma around mental health, celebrate the power of therapy, and honor the individuals who seek help. Thank you to all the brave souls who step into therapy—your stories are inspiring, and I am so grateful to be a part of it.