We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cassandra Cacace a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Cassandra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
Like many, I felt lost during those first years of college and unsure what I should “do with the rest of my life.” It felt like everything was hanging precariously in the balance and one wrong move would tip the scales unfavorably. Despite how much I struggled with science classes (notably chemistry, or as I say chem-mystery), I decided to major in pharmacy. On top of that, I moved a few hours away from home, had a messy break-up, and my parents divorced. I found myself in the client chair at the local therapy office; something I had never done before. I was frequently amazed by how much space I could take up there, without judgment. By sophomore year, I changed my major to psychology. Long story short, I went to therapy and realized I wanted to be a therapist! Since then, these experiences have allowed me to reflect on what’s led me here, as a licensed therapist and Ph.D. candidate.
Cassandra, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
For folks who do not know me, my name is Cassandra (she/her) but usually, I just go by Cassie! I graduated with my Master of Science in Family therapy from Nova Southeastern University in 2019 and am currently a Ph.D. candidate there as well. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Florida and soon will be dually licensed in South Carolina. I work with clients ranging from teenagers, individuals, couples, and families. I also have a passion and niche for working with healthcare professionals. Both of my parents work in the healthcare field, and it’s influenced me considerably. I don’t solve problems for clients, but I do “sit with them in the mud” alongside them while they figure out what might work for them. I am most proud of my ability to continuously learn, whether from the latest research or from my clients. Becoming a therapist made me a better human, no doubt.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Other than training and furthering knowledge, I think the most helpful thing for succeeding in the field of therapy is openness. Therapists are in a unique position to provide non-judgmental, confidential spaces for clients. For me specifically, becoming a therapist challenged many preconceived notions I had about others, and now when I enter into a new therapeutic relationship, my goal is to be curious and open. There’s a certain willingness to sit with people in hardship and to share in our humanity together. If you can tune into that humanity, I would gather you’d make a good therapist!
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
If you asked me this question during the pandemic, I would have likely said yes! Like many therapists and many careers in general, there is a fine line where burnout begins and ends. I have to be very intentional about self-care and managing my own stress, and there are still times when that can get overwhelming with work and Ph.D. responsibilities. HOWEVER, when I am able to slow down and have a balance that works for me, I can confidently say that I love what I do, and no, I would not choose a different profession. There are many times when I am with a client and say, “how did 50 minutes go by already?” The time passes in a blink because I am present in the moment. I also think I’m a better human being as a result of being a therapist, and I wouldn’t change that for anything!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cwcsf.com/staff/cassandra-cacace-m-s/
- Instagram: @plantgrowbloomtherapyllc
- Facebook: Cassandra Cacace, MS
Image Credits
Counseling and Wellness Center of South Florida