Quick Answer Becoming a therapist requires realistic expectations about gradually building trust with clients (typically 4-6 months for significant breakthroughs), maintaining your own emotional health, and understanding your role as a facilitator rather than a “fixer.” The pre-licensure period involves 2,000-4,000 supervised clinical hours, depending on your state. Median salaries are around $53,710 for mental health counselors (BLS May 2024), … Continue reading 12 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Became a Therapist