
About this episode
In this raw, unfiltered conversation, John & Vanessa reveal the emotional, financial, and spiritual journey of entering — and surviving — the mental health world. From burnout and red tape to awakening and purpose, this episode exposes the hidden side of the therapist pipeline and why so many helpers feel lost, exhausted, or misled.
They share:
Their completely different grad-school experiences
The “breadcrumb theory” for finding your path
Why the therapist licensing system burns people out
What no one tells you about the 3,000-hour internship
The dangers of the unregulated coaching world
How Inner Compass Academy was born
A new model for training helpers with soul and depth
If you’re curious about becoming a therapist, coach, or spaceholder — or you’ve been through the fire yourself — this episode will hit home.
🔗 Resources & Links
👉 Apply to Inner Compass Academy HERE
👉 Follow Vanessa on Instagram HERE
📘 Read John’s new book in progress Sh*t Your Therapist Would Never Tell You on John’s SubStack HERE
Order John's new book, Break Up. On Purpose, HERE
Follow John on Instagram HERE
Find out more about John HERE
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