The Power of Mentorship in Our Field: Having One, Being One

Dear Fellow Therapists,

In a profession where we give so much of ourselves to others, it’s easy to forget that we too need guidance, encouragement, and support. One of the most transformative elements of my professional journey has been mentorship—both having a mentor and becoming one.

Whether you're a graduate student, a pre-licensed clinician, or a seasoned therapist entering a new leadership role, the right mentor can make all the difference. Likewise, stepping into the role of a mentor allows us to pour into others what was once so generously poured into us. Let’s talk about the power of mentorship in our field and how to find, nurture, and offer it.

Why Having a Mentor Matters

Mentorship is more than supervision or consultation. A good mentor:

• Sees your potential when you’re unsure of it

• Provides wisdom earned through experience

• Offers practical career guidance

• Challenges you with compassion

• Helps you stay grounded during times of transition

• Opens doors through connections, referrals, or new opportunities

I deeply appreciate my mentor for always making space for me to show up as I am—whether I need clinical insight, career direction, or just a moment of honest reflection. Her presence has reminded me that I don’t have to figure it all out alone.

How to Identify the Right Mentor for You

The right mentor for one person might not be the best fit for another. When looking for a mentor, consider:

• Shared values and vision: Do they align with your goals and ethics?

• Relevant experience: Have they walked the path you’re pursuing (e.g., private practice, leadership, supervision)?

• Cultural competence: Can they understand and support your identity, background, or the population you serve?

• Relational style: Do you feel safe, challenged, and respected in their presence?

Sometimes, mentorship emerges organically. Other times, it requires intentional outreach. Don’t be afraid to ask someone you admire for a short meeting or coffee chat to explore the connection. It doesn’t have to be formal right away.

Formal vs. Informal Mentorship

Formal mentorship might include scheduled monthly or biweekly meetings,  clear goals or milestones, and boundaries around topics or duration of the relationship. Informal mentorship may look like: occasional check-ins or calls, emails to share wins or ask for advice, and mutual support over time. There’s no single right way. What matters is consistency, mutual respect, and intentionality. Even one meeting a month can offer incredible value.

The Gift of Being a Mentor

As much as I’ve gained from mentorship, I’ve also learned how powerful it is to mentor others. Whether it’s a student intern, a new clinician, or someone shifting into a new specialty—being a mentor gives us a chance to: share what we’ve learned (and unlearned), guide someone through uncertainty, build a legacy of advocacy, ethics, and excellence, learn from new perspectives, and stay connected to our purpose.

It’s a beautiful way to pay it forward and pour into the next generation of mental health professionals. And if you’re unsure whether you're "ready" to be a mentor, trust me—your lived experience, your authenticity, and your mistakes are just as valuable as your credentials.

Mentorship Is a Lifeline, not a Luxury

Therapists are often so focused on being the helper that we forget the power of being helped. But mentorship is not a sign of weakness, it’s a commitment to growth, relationship, and reciprocity.

Whether you're looking for a mentor or considering becoming one, start by asking: what support do I wish I had? What guidance would have helped me take the next step? Who am I drawn to learn from—or support?

When done with intention and care, mentorship becomes more than a professional tool. It becomes a relationship that sustains us, shapes us, and helps us keep showing up for ourselves and for others.

To my mentor Dr. Danna Demezier: Thank you.For the way you listen, guide, and reflect back the best version of who I’m becoming.And to every therapist reading this: May you find (and become) that kind of guide for someone else.

Wishing you all wellness and growth,

Jinia