Finding Your Path in Psychology: The Real Journey

Photo by Emile Young

Finding your path in psychology is harder than anyone tells you, especially when you are an undergraduate trying to figure out where to go next.

Today, a former colleague from when I was transitioning careers messaged me on LinkedIn saying, “I’m really stuck on where to go in psychology.”

And honestly, I get it.

For me, in some ways, it has been easier to see my path. I come from a different career background, and I have more life experience. I am in my mid 40s, and that naturally shapes how I make decisions. But that is not everyone’s situation.

What I did have, though, was intention.

I took slow, conscious steps alongside my academic journey to be where I am today, not only academically, but also mentally and emotionally prepared to support people in living a more fulfilling life, despite the conditions they may face daily.

Behind the Scenes: Our Stories

But today, I do not want to focus on their lives.

I want to talk about ours.

The ones behind the scenes.

The ones trying, every single day after university, to find a place in the psychology field.

The Part No One Talks About

Looking back, when I was in my 20s working in business, life seemed easier. I am sure it was not, but perspective changes with time.

Everything shifted in my mid 30s when chronic pain entered my life. That moment forced me to change careers and follow a completely different path. I had to start again from the very beginning academically. Without that, I would not have been able to gain the accreditation required, or more importantly, the skills.

Because at the end of the day, we are working with people’s lives. That matters far more than paperwork.

Although, yes, standards and accreditation are necessary.

But what no one tells you is how lonely the process can feel.

Even now, I still ask myself:

Am I on the right path?

And the truth is, that question does not disappear.

It is okay to ask it.

And it is important to be compassionate with yourself when you do. We are not meant to have everything figured out.

The Gap Between Education and Real Life

Recently, while on holiday, I overheard a conversation about how newly graduated professionals “do not do enough.”

It frustrated me.

Because I know how difficult it is to be 22, finish university, and still not know what to do with your degree.

You meet academic standards, but what about life skills?

No one really teaches you how to navigate uncertainty, rejection, or direction.

And in healthcare, the reality is even harsher. After an undergraduate degree, many roles are limited to support work, and even then, the competition is intense.

So, when people say, “you are not doing enough,” it misses the point entirely.

Even When You Think You Know

I knew exactly what I wanted during undergrad, which helped me a lot.

But even now, I still question things.

A PhD give me what I think it will?

Is it worth the time, the personal strain, the financial investment?

I am still navigating those questions.

And maybe that is the point.

How I Make Decisions

What helps me is simple.

I write down the pros and cons of each path.

And then, I listen to my gut.

Yes, bills need to be paid. That is reality.

But for me, there is no point in following a path that does not bring daily satisfaction or align with my values.

Because no matter what you choose, it will be hard.

There will be good days and difficult ones.

But one thing remains true:

You will impact people’s lives.

And that matters.

Creating Your Own Path

From the beginning of my undergrad, I knew I wanted to support people through one-to-one therapy, privately, and give back by offering free therapy on my own terms.

I also realised quite early that I did not want to work within the NHS. I attended interviews, and while I respect the work being done, the approach to care and organisational culture did not align with my expectations.

I also volunteered with several charities. They do incredible work, but I often felt there was a lot of paperwork for what seemed like limited direct impact.

So instead of waiting for opportunities, I decided to create my own.

That decision was not easy.

It still is not.

Some days are harder than others.

But I keep going because I am guided by my values and what matters to me.

Right now, I am just about paying the bills, and that is okay. I trust that growth will come with time.

I started Breathe last October. In the beginning, I offered free sessions to people I knew. Slowly, referrals started to come in, including online clients.

Alongside my academic path, I made intentional choices. I invested in training in ACT and EMDR, and supervision. It was not cheap, but it aligned with where I want to go.

Letting Your Experience Guide You

Because of my own experience with chronic pain, I have naturally moved towards working in that area.

Two weeks ago, I started visiting a physio clinic in the city centre. I was originally a client there and shared that I was looking for a place to practise.

They offered me a trial opportunity.

Now, I go two mornings a week and support patients in managing psychological overload and emotional regulation linked to chronic conditions.

This is how paths often unfold.

Not in straight lines, but through small, meaningful steps.

This is just my story.

There have been hard days.

Starting anything is not easy.

But if you are reading this and feel lost, remember this:

You have already started.

You made it through undergrad. That is not small.

Now, the task is not to have everything figured out.

It is to find a path that feels right to you.

The one that gives you a reason to get up in the morning, even on grey days.

If you are feeling stuck, you are not alone.

And if you need it, I am always happy to have a conversation.