Written by Alizah Wadri, MSW, LSW
*Cue the infomercial music*
So you’re thinking about starting therapy? But the only therapist you see who works for your schedule is someone in their twenties? Questioning if they will be cut out to support you or not?
Don’t fret, it’s ok to feel this way.
While Gen-Z therapists may be newer to the therapy space, they have plenty to offer as therapists that may actually be beneficial to you. Here is a list of how your Gen-Z therapist could be groundbreaking to your healing journey.
1. We have the most up-to-date training
As Gen-Z therapists, many of us are recent graduates, which means that we had the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in the field, but the material we pulled from, including books, research, modalities, and interventions, was relevant to our work in the field at this time. Not to mention, as therapists, we are required to continue to learn throughout our careers, which means that in addition to what we learned in our graduate programs, many of us are also participating in trainings and certifications to continue to grow our individual practice.
2. Experience
Therapists go through extensive training before beginning their full-time jobs, including participating in a practicum internship where they are required to complete clinical hours in order to graduate with their degree. Not to mention, many therapists even had internships or worked jobs in the mental health world before they went to graduate school, adding another layer of experience working with the community and supporting people.
3. Authentic, different perspectives. We get you!
Gen-Z is breaking the stigma of going to therapy and addressing their mental health more than ever. Gen-Z “have grown up through global crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic. They’ve also had to navigate the pressures of political tension, mass shootings and climate change.” (Meyer, 2024). Therapists are no different from other people when it comes to their experiences through major global events. Our experience, for many of us, is a driving force for why we join this work to support and uplift our communities through these challenging times. Gen-Z offers a different perspective, including a social justice lens, but also normalizes the need for seeking community and addressing our mental health due to the impacts of the world crises (Meyer, 2024).
Not to mention, Gen-Z therapists also have a lot of awareness around technology and the importance of telehealth services, creating an added layer of comfort to attend therapy in an accessible way.
4. Supervision
We are licensed and supervised! The majority of therapists beginning their work after graduate programs have obtained or are in the process of obtaining their first of two licenses. After they have obtained this, many therapists are working towards their clinical license, which takes additional training and clinical hours, as well as passing an exam. In Illinois, social work professionals wanting to get their licensed clinical social work (LCSW) have to collect a minimum of 3000 hours before being able to sit for their exam. While they are collecting hours, they are required to receive supervision from someone with their clinical license. Not only is this another way for Gen-Z therapists to continue to learn, but it also provides an opportunity for consultation and support for the therapist to provide quality care to their clients.
5. Empathy and compassion are at the forefront
While relating to your therapist with things like age and ethnicity can be beneficial, it is important to remember that our similarities are not what makes the therapeutic space thrive. Empathy and compassion are huge components to the therapy space, and can be the make or break for many clients and their care. Many therapists, including younger or new therapists, want to focus on guiding you through your healing journey, even if their story may not be the same as yours.
6. Autonomy in therapy
As a Gen-Z therapist myself, I genuinely believe that therapy is personal. The space should be one that is comfortable to you and provides deep healing over time. Your safety and autonomy are a huge priority. This is your reminder that while Gen-Z therapists are amazing, you are allowed to find a therapist who is your fit and who you find you can work with. Not every therapist is going to be your match, and that is ok. You can always try and begin working with a Gen-Z therapist and see what your experience is like. You never know, they could be a great fit if you give them a chance.
Curious about what working with a Gen Z therapist could look like for you? Learn more about our team and find the right fit.
Reference
Meyer, A. (2024, September). How gen-z is shaping a new era of mental health care. Red. https://red.msudenver.edu/2024/how-gen-z-is-shaping-a-new-era-of-mental-health-care/.
