Anonymous asked this question on 4/6/2000:

When I was in college I worked as an exotic dancer, I am now about to start grad school in clinical psychology---Is this going to prevent me from being a psychologist? I know now that this was a mistake, but all I thought about was tuition money at the time.

Imhere2listen_help gave this response on 4/6/2000:

I believe that there is absolutely no reason for that to stop you. In fact, if someone comes to you with a similar situation, you will have insight where others don't. You may be able to help people in a way you would not have, if you hadn't experienced these things yourself. If we all had our pasts scrutinized, how many professionals do you really believe we would have? In my opinion, I believe you ought to continue on and get your degree. Set up your practice, and by your concern with this question only shows to me, someone I would feel comfortable talking to, because you have exhibited concern as to whether your past will damage you becoming a professional. In my opinion, all you have done is moved into a different profession, with a past that may at times help you to become more empathetic at times, and less judgemental, and for me, ( a person who has been having problems for years, would rather go to someone who is strong enough to share, if need be, than not admit that they have ever done anything that later on, they might have changed if they could. Good Luck to you, and I hope this helps. Take Care, and do not beat yourself up over what you've done whatever it is if you have learned from it. That last statement is not a judgement, I believe anything we can learn to make us stronger and better people is a good thing.

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