On 100 Sessions and Being a Counselor

Recently, a client and I hit 100 sessions together. While this is far from the average number of sessions I have with my clients, it has me thinking about how grateful and humbled I am to sit in the role of therapist. About what a true privilege it is to walk through the valley with my clients, to hold their stories, to hear their deepest hopes and fears, and to be allowed to witness the tremendous growth and change that results from the intensely hard work that I ask of them every time they step into the office.

At just a handful of years into practice and only a few more years into life, I'm painfully aware of how little I know and how much more I will learn over time. And my goodness do I know how little I, counselor Katie, have to do with people's experiencing redemption and restoration. Truly, this therapy process is one of entering into sacred and holy ground. I'm reminded of a C.S. Lewis essay where he writes "The load, or weight, or burden of my neighbor’s glory should be laid daily on my back, a load so heavy that only humility can carry it, and the backs of the proud will be broken." I'm dually (and appropriately) disquieted and thankful for the role I'm allowed to fill by my clients. In short, I really love my job. I'm humbled by these 100 sessions, the hundreds more with others, and the opportunity to witness the true author of change at work.