In this episode of Becoming Anchored, licensed therapist and host Laura Deneen is joined by master’s level intern, Devin Kappie. Together we explore the process of becoming a therapist, and the nuances of the challenges we face and how to give ourselves compassion in the process.  Key Takeaways From This Episode: It Is a Vulnerable Process: Laura and Devin discuss the fact that a counseling graduate program is a lengthy and vulnerable process. It can evoke many emotions as we hold our clients’ mental health and help them live healthier lives. As an intern, Devin shares that there are many aspects in the therapy room to consider, such as being professional, authentic while also giving clients practical and helpful tools to take with them. Growing From Mistakes: We encourage therapists to have compassion for themselves as they are growing and learning. We can lean in, grow from our mistakes, and ask ourselves differently what we can do. Laura and Devin remind us that there is a lot of pressure in the internship phase to have it all together. Devin shares about the pressure to be perfect and ways to move through this. Balancing Professionalism and Authenticity: Together, they discuss the delicate balance of being a human being in the therapeutic space and being professional. Laura shares about having appropriate boundaries and when to use self-disclosure. They emphasize the importance of having a safe space, such as a supervisor, to have open and honest communication and to receive helpful feedback. This episode is full of insightful tips to help not only counseling students but also it can apply to anyone in a professional career.  Join us as we explore topics that we face in graduate school and how to navigate the process with grace and humility. Compassionate Affirmation:  “Progress does not have to equal perfection.” Homework: Remind yourself of all the progress you have achieved and we do not have to be perfect to have meaningful careers.    Friend, we are passionate about offering more support beyond the insights and advice in this podcast.  At Becoming Anchored, we believe that we can all become more anchored in what is truly important to us. Our commitment is to authenticity, living in harmony with our values, and embracing the incredible resilience and adaptability that define the human spirit.  ⚓ The Safe and Connected Masterclass: This free masterclass is your guide to creating environments where your grief is sincerely understood and your feelings are valued. ⚓Why Do I Care So Much What People Think About Me? Letting Go of Fear Masterclass: This free masterclass teaches you how to release doubt and confidently trust yourself. Self acceptance begins here.⚓How To Practice Boundary Setting: This compassionate course teaches you necessary skills for self awareness, improved relationships, and fostering confidence. Let’s embark on a rewarding journey that empowers you to live authentically! ⚓Navigating Friendships as an Adult Woman: Gain the tools to enhance communication, trust, and genuine connection in this educational wellness course. This isn’t just theory; it’s the very foundation Laura used to transform her own relationships, bringing more depth and satisfaction in her own life. ⚓Recovering People Pleaser: This evidence-based mini course will teach you how to advocate for yourself, so you can have healthy relationships and connection with others. You will learn how to advocate for yourself and access your innate self-worth.⚓Pivoting From Perfectionism: This compassionate course will show you that you do not have to be perfect in order to be loved and will give you practical tools to live authentically. This course provides practical insights and tools for tackling perfectionism.