The Wounded Healer: Why My Own Trauma Led Me to Become a Therapist

In the world of psychology and spirituality, there is a concept known as the "Wounded Healer." It suggests that a healer's own pain and trauma can serve as the source of their strength and empathy for others.

I remember diving deep into this archetype while watching Mystery Teachings by Theresa Bullard. It resonated with me instantly because, like many in this field, I didn't just stumble into psychotherapy. I was drawn to it by the gravity of my own history.

The Pivot: From Law to Healing

My population of interest has always been the same: foster youth. This wasn't an academic choice; it was a personal one. I experienced abuse starting at a very young age and lived in and out of the foster care system from ages 3 to 18.

Upon emancipating from the system, I was determined to serve others like me. Initially, I thought the path was legal advocacy. At 18, I started working toward a career in family law. But while interning at the Children’s Law Center, something shifted. Being in that environment began to trigger the traumas of my own childhood.

It was a wake-up call. I realized that to help others, I first had to help myself. I enrolled in therapy, and shortly after, I knew that this—the work of emotional and spiritual healing—was my true calling.

Healing Is a Forest, Not a Domino Effect

My wounds were physical, emotional, and deeply spiritual—for a long time, I felt betrayed by God for the hardships I endured.

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve realized that healing isn't linear. It’s not a "domino effect" where you heal one wound and the rest simply fall into line. Instead, I describe my healing process as a walk through a forest.

Sometimes, I come across something scary. I have to face it, process it, and move forward. Then, I walk a bit further and find something else. I never quite know when the healing will "end" or when something else from my unconscious mind will present itself. Sometimes, a wound I thought was closed re-opens, and I have to tend to it again.

The Paradox of the Healer

There is a paradox in this work: healers are often great at helping others but struggle to heal themselves.

This has certainly been my experience. Much of my growth has required the help of mentors, close friends, and my own therapists. It is incredibly hard to self-heal because of our proximity to the trauma. It’s like trying to look at your own face without a mirror—you’re too close to see clearly. We need others to reflect our truth back to us, turning our wounds into wisdom.