Although he graduated decades ago with a degree in chemistry, when his first career was coming to a close and Covid-19 hit, Mitch realized a second career was in his future. Like all of us, he was paying close attention to the impact the pandemic was having on our world, and especially on our mental health. With anxiety and depression on the rise and not enough therapists to help, Mitch had an ‘aha’ moment that led to a decision to embark on a new career. Within a few months of that decision, he was taking his first undergraduate prerequisite course. Once his undergrad requirements were completed, he moved on to pursuing a master’s degree.
With Mitch’s compassion and ability to connect with others, he’s finding this ‘work’ is truly his life calling.
With Mitch’s compassion and ability to connect with others, he’s finding this ‘work’ is truly his life calling.
From chemist to outpatient therapist, Mitch knows that staying open to the possibilities along with way
just may lead you on a path to a career well lived.
just may lead you on a path to a career well lived.
Sevita: That’s an awesome career journey!
Mitch: [smiles] In my Master’s program cohort there are people in every decade of their lives. I’m the oldest, and the youngest are in their 20s, but there are people in every decade.
Mitch: [smiles] In my Master’s program cohort there are people in every decade of their lives. I’m the oldest, and the youngest are in their 20s, but there are people in every decade.
"I think the fact that I've had all these life experiences in the real world--I'm a parent, a grandparent, I've lived in different places, travelled extensively--I think all that life experience helps me relate to people in general."
Sevita: What do you look forward to most about coming to work?
Mitch: I love my interactions with clients. Being in a session with them. There’s not a lot of positive reinforcement in this position, so it’s all about the client. To the extent I see seeing a client make progress over time, even if they don’t specifically express appreciation, that’s what keeps me motivated.
Sevita: Is there a client that’s left a lasting impression?
Mitch: Yes, I have a client, she jumped into therapy with two feet. There are clients who have different reasons for coming to counseling. There are some are mandated who don’t want to be there. There are kids that don’t understand why they’re there. There are some people who just want to be listened to a validated, and they don’t want to change. And then there are some like this client I’m speaking of who want to make a change in their lives or improve. They don’t want to change other people, they really want to focus on themselves. So they’re motivated to get therapy and get help making that change.
Sevita: What are three reasons to do your internship at Sevita?
Mitch:
- The entire recruitment/interview process was so well executed
- Onboarding. Training is important from Sevita’s perspective. They don't just dump you in and expect that you’d know what to do and how to do it
- Supervisors and leadership are great
Sevita: What are some things you’ve learned on the job?
Mitch:
- The extent of people with problems and the extent of the problems they have. I’ve lived my life, had a middle class upbringing, both parents loved me. I’ve been so lucky. I knew about people with mental health concerns only peripherally
- How terribly some people have it, and the problems they have
- I’ve also learned and felt reinforced that this field is a good match for me
"My mantra is 'I live in joy.' It’s all about joy. I surround myself with positive people."
Sevita: What do you do for fun?
Mitch: I don’t have a lot of free time right now, but I kinda do everything in moderation. I
exercise, but not crazy. I eat well, but don’t forbid myself foods. I read, I like self help and biographies. American history, revolutionary war histories are my favorites. Before I did this I was a Boston tour guide!
Mitch: I don’t have a lot of free time right now, but I kinda do everything in moderation. I
exercise, but not crazy. I eat well, but don’t forbid myself foods. I read, I like self help and biographies. American history, revolutionary war histories are my favorites. Before I did this I was a Boston tour guide!
See University and intern jobs here