Episode: 26: Finding your Therapist Identity

In this episode of the Unmasked Therapist podcast, Clinical Supervisors ⁠Kim Rippy⁠ and ⁠Kaitlyn Steele⁠ begin a new series focused on one of the most foundational — and often overlooked — parts of clinical development: discovering who you are as a therapist.While graduate programs emphasize theory, diagnosis, and skills, many new clinicians enter the therapy room still asking the same question: What do I actually do — and who am I in this role? Kim and Kaitlyn explore the concept of the “person of the therapist” as a guiding framework for answering that question, emphasizing that clinical growth is not just about learning interventions, but about understanding yourself.Through conversation and real-world examples, they unpack how your personal experiences, values, and natural instincts shape the way you conceptualize clients — and how that awareness can begin to guide you toward a therapeutic orientation that genuinely fits. Rather than rushing to “pick a model,” this episode invites you to slow down, get curious, and start noticing your own patterns of thinking as a clinician.This episode also introduces a key reflection practice — your “clinical hypothesis” — as a starting point for identifying what naturally stands out to you in sessions and how that can inform your long-term development.This is the first step in building a therapist identity that feels grounded, authentic, and sustainable.• Why many therapists feel lost after grad school — and why that’s normal• What the “person of the therapist” model actually means in practice• How your personal experiences shape your clinical instincts• Understanding your “clinical hypothesis” and what it reveals about you• Why you shouldn’t rush to choose a theoretical orientation• How curiosity and self-awareness create a stronger foundation than technique aloneConnect with us:Supervision: ⁠www.keystonetherapygroup.com/supervision/⁠Instagram: @TheUnmaskedTherapistEmail: ⁠[email protected]⁠If this episode resonated with you, leave a five-star review and subscribe for more conversations about authentic, grounded, human-centered therapy.Disclaimer:This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical supervision. All information shared represents our own opinions and should not be taken as legal or clinical direction.#TheUnmaskedTherapist #UnmaskedTherapist #TherapistPodcast #MentalHealthPodcast #TherapistConversations