As therapists, we have the opportunity to help people from all walks of life. But with so many different populations and symptoms to address, it can be difficult to know where to start building your skills.
In graduate school we study a wide variety of approaches and diagnoses. This is necessary in order to be a well informed therapist, but it doesn’t allow the space for specialization. That is typically done long after our formal schooling is completed.
Many new graduates express feeling like they are “a jack of all trades but a master of none.” This doesn’t exactly instill confidence in a new provider and can lead to some other negative feelings, including imposter syndrome. You may be wondering what to do next to continue your education. That’s where finding your niche can be beneficial.
What is a Niche?
A niche is a specific area of expertise or focus that you can develop as a therapist. It can be based on a particular population, diagnosis, or therapeutic approach. Finding your niche can help you in a variety of ways, including:
- Deepening your knowledge and skill set. By focusing on a particular area, you can learn more and develop the skills you need to be effective in treating your clients.
- Feel more fulfilled in your work. When you’re passionate about the work you do, it shows. This will help you to help others more effectively and can lead to greater satisfaction in your career.
- Become more marketable. When you specialize in a particular area, you are likely to become more effective. Due to this, potential clients and other providers may seek you out specifically due to your specialty skill set.
The Journey to Find Your Niche
Now we have discussed what a niche is and some of the benefits of having one, but how can you find your niche? Here are a few places to start:
Reflect on your interests and values.
Take inventory of what you are passionate about and what brings you excitement. It is difficult to fake enthusiasm when it comes to being a therapist. If you aren’t excited or passionate about what you do, it will show. Consider what you find interesting as a therapist and see how you can incorporate that into your practice.
It can also be helpful to explore your strengths and skills. Leaning into that can help you to find your niche. If you find you are naturally skilled when it comes to skill building and remaining calm when others are on edge, you may find yourself gravitating toward cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or anxiety disorders.
Once you have a good understanding of yourself, you can start to narrow down areas of speciality.
Consider your clients.
Who are you most drawn to working with? What are their needs? What are their challenges? By understanding your clients, you can start to identify areas where you can make a difference. This can also help you to explore where you may want to grow your skill set and specialize. Exploring your current caseload and areas that you feel you have been most effective can lead you toward finding your niche.
If you find that you are drawn to working with clients who have a history of trauma, you may want to explore that topic. Learn more about trauma and determine which approaches that have been found to be effective.
Do your homework.
There are so many different resources available to help you learn more about different client populations, diagnoses, and perspectives. Use them. Talk to other therapists, read books and articles, attend workshops and go to conferences.
By being curious you can expose yourself to approaches and possibilities you never knew existed in the therapy world. Your niche can be as unique as you are. Do your research and stay curious.
Get feedback.
No man is an island, and no therapist is either. Feedback is valuable in therapy just as it is valuable in many other aspects of life. Once you’ve identified a few potential niches, talk to your colleagues and supervisors to get their feedback. They may be able to offer insights that you hadn’t considered.
In our profession we are constantly learning and growing, and you can learn from those around you as well. Reach out and ask those whose opinions you value what they think about your niche options. While it is ultimately your choice, their feedback can make a world of difference.
Some Additional Thoughts
Finding your niche takes time and effort, but it’s worth it, my fellow therapist. When you discover what you’re passionate about, you’ll be able to make an even bigger impact. You’ll find that you are far more effective in fostering healthy change. You’ll also be more satisfied with what you do.
While you may be in a rush to find your niche, try to enjoy the process. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Experiment, try working in different settings. You may not know exactly what your niche is right away, and that is okay! Try working with different populations and diagnoses, and see what you enjoy the most.
Be flexible. Your specialty areas will likely evolve over time. As you learn and grow, you may find that you’re drawn to different areas of work. Be open to change and new possibilities.
Avoid comparison. Everyone’s journey is different. There’s no right or wrong way to find your niche. Focus on what’s right for you.
To Sum It Up
Finding your area of expertise can be an exciting journey. Though you may be in a rush to find it, try to enjoy the process and be open to gaining knowledge and growing along the way.
There are many benefits to finding your niche, though there are also many benefits along the road to it. Be open to the experience and stay curious. Don’t be surprised if your niche finds you. Sounds a lot like what you tell your clients, huh?
Practice what you preach my fellow therapist, and see you next time.
