A Day in the Life of a Therapist (Me)
Laura Longville
April 24th, 2024
7:00 AM: Sunrise snuck in a sliver of light through the blinds, painting a hopeful pink stripe across the potted succulent on my windowsill. A good sign for a busy day. Strong coffee brewing, the scent filling our home like a silent pep talk. I listened to Pray as You Go ( an app combining Scripture, music, and reflection ), enjoyed my oatmeal, and a quick yoga routine; I'm ready to face the day.
9:00 AM: First session; Sarah, a young woman grappling with crippling social anxiety. Her voice trembled as she described feeling like a bug under a magnifying glass everywhere she went. We talked about mindfulness techniques and reframing negative self-talk. There were moments of vulnerability and a flicker of hope when she acknowledged the possibility of small steps forward and that God cared about her struggles.
10:00 AM: Follow-up session with David, a middle-aged man struggling with grief after his wife's passing. Today, it wasn't just tears but a glimmer of acceptance. He talked about his dream, a sweet memory rather than a haunting one. We explored the idea of grief as a journey, not a destination, and the importance of letting yourself feel all the emotions, even the messy ones.
12:00 PM: Lunch break with Maya, a fellow therapist friend. We dissect client stories (with all due confidentiality) and seek consultation about the occasional challenging case. Maya reminds me why this work is so important - the tiny victories, the moments of breakthroughs, the privilege of witnessing someone's resilience and dusting for the fingerprints of God in their life.
2:00 PM: New client intake. John is a college student burdened by the pressure to excel. We talked about academic anxiety, the fear of failure, and the importance of self-compassion. It's always interesting to work with young adults whose worlds are so different yet full of the same fundamental struggles.
4:00 PM: Paperwork. The dreaded but necessary part of the job. Progress notes and treatment plans. I return phone calls and plan and pray for the next day.
5:00 PM: This was the last session of the day. A married couple was struggling to communicate. We navigated passive-aggressive barbs and unearthed some hidden resentments. It wasn't easy, but I helped them see their own communication patterns and the possibility of healthier interaction, leaving them with communication exercises and a sense of tentative hope.
6:30 PM: Exhausted but strangely energized. A walk in the woods helps me decompress. Sun setting, casting long shadows, a metaphor for the emotional shadows I encounter daily.
8:00 PM: A late dinner with friends. Conversation flows freely, a welcome escape from the intensity of the day. Laughter feels like a balm on weary empathy muscles.
10:00 PM: Curled up on the couch with a good book. Tonight, a heartwarming novel about second chances.
10:30 PM: Lights out. Tomorrow will bring a new set of stories, new challenges and opportunities to make a difference, one conversation at a time. And maybe, just maybe, another sunrise with a hopeful pink glow.
