What Brings You Here?—A Qualitative Study on Why Therapists Become and Remain Therapists

Therapists are prone to many occupational hazards, such as compassion fatigue and burnout. Despite much speculation, only a little is known about why therapists choose their profession and what drives them to keep practicing. In a job where the therapist is the main instrument, insight into what makes them tick is paramount to nurture durable therapeutic careers. In this qualitative study, 15 experienced Dutch therapists were interviewed about career choice motivations and how initial—and new—motivations continue to influence them in their daily professional practice. Interview transcripts were subjected to thematic analysis, consensus discussions, and member checks. Ten key career choice motivations emerged, ranging from an empathetic predisposition and interest in humanity to personal experience with symptoms and treatment, inspirational sources, desire for growth, life phase, and coincidental or (partially) subconscious motives. Seven themes that influenced therapists in their daily practice were identified. These included four initial motivations as well as three new themes: a knack for building bridges, going from surviving to thriving, and resilience. The insights gained from this study are a starting point for creating interventions that (re)ignite the spark and improve therapist resilience through regular maintenance, thereby promoting durable careers and mental health among (future) therapists themselves.