Finding Alignment in a Second Career – Special Series Becoming a Therapist: An interview with Iris Wilson-Farley

The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

Finding Alignment in a Second Career – Special Series Becoming a Therapist: An interview with Iris Wilson-Farley

In this new series, Curt and Katie interview graduate students and will follow them on their journey to becoming a therapist. Our second interview is with Iris Wilson-Farley, a 54-year-old trans woman and graduate student pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Iris shares her journey moving from a 32-year corporate career to becoming a therapist, her passion for working with the LGBTQ+ community, and her reflections on safety, technology, and additional training opportunities.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode, we meet Iris Wilson-Farley, an aspiring therapist

We continue our new series on becoming a therapist, with Iris Wilson-Farley, who in her process of self-discovery realized that her career was misaligned. She is now pursuing a degree in counseling.

The motivation to transition careers from HR to Therapy

Iris shares how her personal journey as a transgender woman and her positive counseling experiences inspired her to pursue a more meaningful career in therapy, focusing on giving back to the LGBTQ+ community, particularly older adults.

The challenges and surprises in an online graduate program for therapists

Iris discusses the challenges of adjusting to an asynchronous online program, balancing studies with her HR job, and the valuable multicultural and social justice emphasis in her curriculum.

The perspective gained from entering therapy grad school as a second career clinician

She highlights the wisdom, emotional intelligence, and lived experiences she brings as a second-career student, including her unique insights from being a client herself.

Discussing safety concerns and multicultural awareness in the mental health profession

Iris reflects on addressing safety concerns as a trans therapist, particularly in the face of potential discrimination, and shares her commitment to finding a supportive and affirming work environment.

How is AI and technology addressed in therapist graduate school?

Drawing from her corporate experience, Iris explores the integration of technology and AI in therapy, advocating for its potential to enhance the field while emphasizing the need for ethical considerations.

What additional training can be helpful when starting out as a therapist?

Iris expresses interest in pursuing additional certifications in sex therapy and religious trauma to better serve the LGBTQ+ community and address gaps in her training.

Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined

Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/