Talk me into being a therapist 😭

Hi everyone. I know it’s a bit of a silly title, but I’m genuinely at a loss here. I finished my license-eligible MA in mental health counseling three years ago, but instead of getting my LP hours I decided to go into the workforce as a UX researcher. Now I’m looking to pivot, and I hear nothing but horror stories about the other routes I’m considering when it comes to breaking into those fields and job availability and AI taking over, etc.

I would love to use my degree, but I have such a mental block when it comes to actually pursuing my LMHC. I’m so convinced I’ll be bad at it or not like it because of how anxious/nervous it’ll make me. I can confidently present research findings to C-Suite execs, but have a 1-1 counseling session with someone? Absolutely terrifying prospect.

I feel that it could give me a good work life balance, be fulfilling, and eventually pay decent money, but I’m freaking terrified. Exposure therapy… I know… but it’s hard to commit to this. Plus, I’m moving soon, and I’m worried about the availability of supervision in that smaller city. I also don’t know if I’m going to stay there, so getting my hours in a state that may not translate seems scary too.