Therapists Don't Have to Know Everything. Seriously.

Therapists learn the theories, memorize the interventions, collect the certifications, and walk into sessions hoping we know what we're doing. And then a client says something completely unexpected. Suddenly, our carefully constructed plan goes right out the window. Sound familiar?

In this episode of The Art of Being a Therapist, Ashley Charbonneau and Morgen Villegas welcome Maria Jensen, an LCSW and trauma therapist who took an unconventional path into the field: she started her career as an industrial engineer. Together, they explore nervous system awareness, neurodivergence, attunement, and why being a good therapist might have less to do with knowing the right intervention and more to do with knowing when to get out of the way.

From Engineering Systems to Nervous Systems

Maria's journey into therapy began with burnout. Working as an industrial engineer, she became increasingly aware of the disconnect between productivity, workplace expectations, and employee well-being. Her curiosity about those systems eventually led her toward social work. Today, she still thinks like an engineer. She's just working with nervous systems, family systems, and human relationships instead of manufacturing processes. But there's one big difference: People don't always follow a predictable process. Maria discusses learning to balance her analytical tendencies with the uncertainty of clinical work. Sometimes, the most effective intervention isn't solving a problem. It's helping someone feel safe enough to explore it.

WAIT = Why am I talking?

One of Maria's favorite reminders in session is the acronym WAIT: Why Am I Talking? For therapists who love to fill silence, ask questions, and offer insights, it's a particularly useful reminder. Maria describes sitting quietly with clients during brainspotting or EMDR, sometimes for extended periods, while they process their experiences. The challenge isn't always knowing what to say. Sometimes, it's recognizing that our urge to speak comes from our own anxiety, perfectionism, or desire to be helpful. But, not every silence needs to be filled and not every problem needs to be solved. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is stop talking.

There is No Perfect Answer

Maria also discusses working with neurodivergent clients and how her own experiences help her build meaningful connections. Her approach emphasizes curiosity, self-awareness, and helping clients feel genuinely understood. Ashley, Morgen, and Maria reflect on how therapists learn through their own personal experiences, not just graduate school or professional training. They also acknowledge something newer clinicians don't always hear enough: it's okay not to know. You can tell a client you'll look something up. You can revisit a question next session. You can acknowledge that you don't have the perfect response. Because good therapy isn't about having every answer. It's about being present, remaining curious, and building a relationship where clients feel safe enough to do difficult work. 

Hear the Full Conversation

Join Ashley, Morgen, and Maria for a conversation about unconventional career paths, trauma treatment, neurodivergence, and the art of attunement. Listen to the full episode here.