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Let’s take a walk down memory lane. Whether it’s many years ago or just recently for you, think back to graduate school—when you first decided to enter the field. Maybe you had an idea of your specialty, or maybe you were searching for it. Either way, there’s a common misconception that we need to have our niche figured out right away. The truth is, finding your specialty doesn’t need to be etched in stone, and it can evolve over time.
The Early Days: Feeling Like a Fish Out of Water
In the early years of practice, it’s easy to feel like a fish out of water if you don’t have your niche figured out. You might feel lost when talking to colleagues or going into interviews because everyone seems to have their “thing” already. But one piece of advice I heard often when I first started—and it’s something I hold onto—is that your client population will come to you.
Many of us graduate with one idea of what we want to specialize in. For instance, I thought family therapy was my calling. Then, as I started working with clients, I found myself gravitating toward trauma therapy because of the population I was serving. Sometimes, our niche finds us, and often it changes as we grow in our careers. This evolution is natural, and it’s important to embrace it.
Your Niche Will Evolve
As the years go by, your interests and specialties may shift. This change could be driven by the clients you’re working with or by events in your own personal life. Maybe you find yourself drawn to a new population or issue because it resonates with something you or your loved ones have experienced. Or, perhaps a training you attend sparks your interest in a new area.
The point is, your niche doesn’t have to be static. It can be fluid and ever-changing, and that’s okay. What matters most is that you continue to be curious, explore new areas of practice, and be open to where your career might lead. Keep learning and growing, and trust that your specialty will develop in ways that best serve both you and your clients.
It’s Okay Not to Know Right Now
If you haven’t found your niche yet, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and it’s perfectly fine to take your time. There’s no rush to settle on a specialty, and there’s no need to feel pressured to define yourself too early. Be patient with yourself, enjoy the journey, and keep exploring. Your future self may surprise you, and that’s part of the beauty of being in this ever-evolving field.
