Before the confidence settles

Stepping into therapy, in some cases for the first time, can feel so novel, unfamiliar, and uneasy. Part of that uneasiness may be a result of concerns about being seen or scrutinized. Questions press in quietly: “Will they understand me? What should I share? Will they know what to do with all of it?” When the person across from you is still learning their craft, that uncertainty can feel even heavier. You are not only trusting them with your story but also trusting that their growing skill is enough to hold it. It can be an unpleasant place to begin; A place where doubt and fear reside. It's this place where some decide it's not worth trying, or they simply need to wait for someone more experienced.

Who Are “Therapists in Training?”

Therapists in training – sometimes called interns or counselor trainees – are qualified students at an advanced stage of their education or recent graduates who are dependently licensed (meaning an independently licensed therapist must supervise them). Typically, they have completed their graduate coursework and are now accumulating supervised clinical hours required for full licensure. For example, in many places, new therapists must log between 2,000 and 3,000 hours of supervised experience before they can become independently licensed. During this period, they work directly with clients but under the oversight of licensed supervisors.

Importantly, a therapist-in-training is not practicing therapy casually or by accident, but rather working within a structured program designed to build their skills while protecting clients. By the time a trainee begins seeing clients, they have usually:

• Completed extensive coursework in therapy techniques, ethics, diagnosis, and treatment planning.

• Participated in initial supervised practicums or clinical rotations.

• Learned and follow strict ethical guidelines, including confidentiality and professional standards.

• Operate under licensed supervision with regular oversight of their cases.

  
  

Rigorous Training and Ethical Oversight

Therapy training programs take client welfare very seriously. Having trainees see clients is never done lightly or without safeguards. Supervision is the cornerstone of these safeguards. Clinical supervision is a structured process that promotes the trainee’s growth while ensuring ethical practice and client safety.

In supervision, a seasoned clinician meets regularly with the trainee to discuss their cases in depth. They review the trainee’s assessment of the client, any relevant diagnoses and conceptualizations, the therapy plan, and specific interactions that happened in session. Trainees will often bring session notes, and in some settings, they might review recordings of sessions together (This is more uncommon; clients must be made aware and must consent in writing). This means a client essentially gets two professionals for the price of one: the therapist-in-training who directly provides care, and the supervisor who is consulting behind the scenes to make sure everything stays on track.

Supervisors act as gatekeepers of the profession, only allowing competent, ethical practitioners to advance. If a trainee is not meeting standards or if a situation exceeds their skill level, the supervisor intervenes to ensure the client receives the necessary help.

You might wonder what this means for your privacy or the therapy relationship. Rest assured, confidentiality still applies. The trainee will typically explain that they discuss cases with a supervisor, but those supervisors are equally bound by confidentiality. Any consultation is done for your benefit, and details stay within the professional circle dedicated to helping you. It is absolutely okay to ask your trainee therapist about how supervision works.

What the Research Says About Therapy with Trainees

Does working with a therapist in training affect the quality of care? Research suggests that clients are in good hands. Studies comparing outcomes between trainee therapists and licensed therapists show that overall outcomes are comparable. Only in the most severe cases do experienced therapists have a clear advantage, which is exactly why supervision is in place. Broader reviews echo this theme. Therapist experience has only a modest effect on treatment outcomes. What matters most, consistently across studies, is the therapeutic alliance: the trust, safety, and mutual understanding between client and therapist. A well-trained intern can help a client as effectively as a veteran therapist when the relationship is strong.

From Trainee to Professional

Although you will never be a trainee’s first case without preparation, it is true that they are early in their career. This often means they are very attentive and invested in your progress. Many experienced therapists recall their years as a trainee as a time of intense focus and learning.

Imagine a therapy intern greeting their first client. There may be some nervous excitement, but also a deep desire to do everything right. The intern has likely spent hours preparing for that session, planning questions, and rehearsing techniques. Afterward, they will sit down with their supervisor to review what happened, highlight the areas that went well, and identify what needs to be adjusted next time. By the time you return, your therapist has refined their approach based on this guidance. In this way, you benefit from two minds working on your concerns: the fresh insights and up-to-date knowledge of the trainee, and the seasoned wisdom of the supervisor.

Fledgling therapists come to sessions with passion and empathy. They have chosen this profession out of a genuine desire to help and are finally getting to do the work they have trained for. Their enthusiasm will translate into patience, non-judgment, and a willingness to go the extra mile to understand you. Clients often describe working with interns as surprisingly supportive because these therapists-in-training are so focused on them. In fact, many professionals report that clients they worked with during their training later return to them, hoping to continue the therapeutic work because the relationship felt meaningful and impactful. It can feel scary, and that’s real. Still, try to remain open to the experience. The word “trainee” does not limit the possibility for change, healing, or growth.

Benefits of Working with a Therapist in Training

There are unique benefits to working with a therapist in training:

• Supervised support: You benefit from both the trainee and their licensed supervisor thinking about your care.

  
  

• Enthusiasm and time: Trainees sometimes have more room in their schedules and carry lighter case loads, which can make it easier to meet more regularly when needed. This added flexibility can support steadier progress early on.

  
  

• Affordability and access: Therapy with trainees is often offered at reduced fees, making it more accessible.

  
  

• Focus and awareness: Therapists in training are often deeply focused and observant, reflecting the learning stage. Their awareness that they are still developing sharpens their attention to detail and strengthens their instinct to listen closely, reflect carefully, and proceed with intention. This vigilance, while different from the intuitive ease that develops with years of experience, creates a unique form of presence. It allows them to be finely attuned, thoughtful, and responsive, meeting you where you are, especially if therapy itself is new to you. Even in the early stages, there are mechanisms in play that allow them to be present for you in ways that match those of a seasoned professional.

  
  

Embracing the Experience

If you are unsure about working with a therapist in training, remember that therapy with an intern is a collaborative,* well-supervised process. You have every right to ask your therapist questions about their supervision or approach, and a good trainee will answer openly. Don't be discouraged if they don't have all the answers, as no professional does. Seeing a therapist in training shouldn't be considered second-rate care. You are helping a new professional grow while receiving quality support for yourself.

What matters most in therapy is the human connection and the feeling of being understood. Trainees, just like veteran therapists, are there to listen, support, and guide you toward healing. All things considered, you may find that working with a therapist in training is not only comfortable but deeply rewarding.

There is a reason people say the first step is the hardest. Starting something new asks us to move toward the unfamiliar, and that can evoke feelings of fear, hesitation, or doubt. Working with a therapist in training may feel like an additional unknown, yet it can be a profoundly rewarding beginning. Their learning is held and guided by experienced clinicians, and their attention is often deliberate and focused. The work you do in that room is not held by one person alone, but by a thoughtful process built to protect and nurture your growth.

*An important note: Any therapy you receive should be collaborative.