Why I Became a Therapist....and What I Believe about Healing & Growth

I didn't always know I'd become a therapist.

My path became clearer when I really listened....to my heart & I put it out there to the universe, "what should I do?"

In my twenties, I worked as a bank teller at PNC Bank. I loved that job! It was the first job that demanded a big responsibility.... balancing a cash drawer of thousands of dollars everyday AND taking care of peoples money! I loved the customers, I would learn about their lives and all kinds of random things. So when it was time to pick my major at UC (university of Cincinnati) I naturally chose a Business major. I thought I might become a Bank Manager.

But something unusual kept happening at my teller window...people would wait in my line just to talk to me. Not about money, but their lives. Their heartbreaks, struggles, and their confusions about what was happening in their lives. As they continued to confine in me they'd tell me things like, "I don't know why I'm telling you this," or "you are so easy to talk to" and "you really listen."

And I did, I "saw" them. Even then, something in me knew how to hold space for another person's truth. I am very grateful that they trusted me with their truths and struggles and also grateful that I trusted my heart and followed the path. Because at that time I had no idea the path that this would led to.

One day someone said, "You should be a Counselor.....you have that soft soothing voice and you are so easy to talk to"...and it hit me like a bolt of truth! I changed my major from business to psychology and I slowly let myself grow into the Therapist I am today.

Becoming a Therapist wasn't a straight line. I had to do alot of healing myself....and I am activiely continuing to heal.

But what I have come to believe is this:

Healing isn't about fixing whats broken...its about remembering who you are!

Its about peeling back layers of survival, shame, silence & numbness and coming home to your own truth...your authentic self.

In my work, I don't see people as problems to solve (although we all have problems) I see them as stories waiting to be honored and explored to find the deeper truth and healing.

Whether in 1:1 session, workshops, bookclub, creative expression, or writing here on this blog, that's what I want to offer you...

A reminder that you're not alone....that your wounds don't make you weak, that healing can be both sacred, messy, and you don't and won't do it perfectly.

What to expect here

This blog will be a space for reflection, encouragement, and gentle insight. Posts will be about:

• Healing through experiences, and insights

• Navigating anxiety, shame, grief, and self-doubt through creative expression

• Stories from my own journey, and the wisdom they've taught me

• Practices to support your growth and self-compassion

• practicing the power of NOW

Whether you are in therapy, thinking about starting, or just curious about healing...this space is for you!

Want to connect?

If this post speaks to something in you, I'd love to hear from you!

You can reach out to tracyrice4041@gmail.com if you've interested in working together or just want to say Hi or have a question for me.

You deserve to be seen, heard, and supported!

Thanks for being here!

Love & Peace to you!

Tracy