A Therapist’s Leap of Faith: Embracing the Next Chapter

Dear Fellow Therapists

This may be one of the most personal blogs I have ever written. Recently, I made one of the hardest and scariest decisions of my professional life: leaving my full-time employment of almost six years to fully pursue my private practice. There was comfort in the familiar, stability in the routine, and safety in the known. Yet I felt a pull I could no longer ignore. Deep down, I knew I was being disobedient to the call God had placed on my heart.

Sometimes we confuse being nice with being kind. Niceness often comes from people-pleasing, while kindness requires honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable. I realized I had stayed longer than I should have because I didn’t want to disappoint others. Yet God, in His wisdom, made the transition clear and undeniable.

I will admit that I am still a little scared. But I also know that God’s plan and purpose for my life are good. I’ve been building my private practice with faith that what lies ahead is far greater than what I’ve left behind. At the Woman Evolve Conference, Sarah Jakes Roberts said, “There is a version of me that God has been waiting for me to meet.” Those words pierced my spirit and confirmed that it was time to step forward.

This decision did not happen in isolation. Not long ago, I spent ten days in Africa at a retreat with Ubuntu Wellness Journey, where I faced imposter syndrome head-on. The experience (physical, spiritual, and emotional) helped me shed layers of fear and step more fully into who I am becoming.

In my clinical work, I’ve also been leaning into Internal Family Systems (IFS), which has helped me recognize and honor the different “parts” of myself. There is a fearful part, a doubtful part, and a courageous part that refuses to stay small. Instead of silencing them, I am learning to listen to each one. They are not in conflict—they are all pieces of the whole God is shaping.

Questions still echo in my mind: Did I make the right choice? Am I ready? What if I fail? The naysayers, both internal and external, can be loud. But so is the quiet assurance that His plan for my life is good.

There was a time when I didn’t know my worth. Now, I’m holding on to the truth that God has been patiently waiting for me to meet the woman He created me to be. That reminder fills me with expectancy as I move forward in this new chapter.

A Call to Fellow Therapists

I don’t know exactly what my future holds, but I know Who holds it. My story is unfolding, not in a straight line, but in the rhythm of faith and obedience. To my fellow therapists who may be in transition, facing a leap, or questioning your worth: you are not alone. Sometimes God calls us out of our comfort zones so He can introduce us to the version of ourselves we were always meant to be.

So, here I am nervous, grateful, expectant. Choosing kindness over niceness. Choosing courage over comfort. Choosing faith over fear.

This is your reminder: fear can walk beside faith, but it doesn’t have to lead. If you feel that pull, trust it. Sometimes the scariest decisions lead to the most freeing chapters.

Wishing you all wellness and growth,

Jinia