Career Profiles
"It’s a quiet kind of care, but it’s powerful. And for me, it's sacred work. I believe we’re here on this planet to help and serve one another, and I’m grateful every day that I get to do that."
Miranda Backes, M.Ed, LPC, NCC
Counselor & Owner, Rooted Revival Counseling & Wellness
I’ve always been drawn to understanding people — not just their stories, but the deeper layers of how those stories shape who they are and how they move through the world. What led me to a career in health care, and more specifically, mental health, was the realization that so many people are walking through life feeling unseen, unheard or overwhelmed. Sitting with someone in those moments, truly hearing them and holding space for them, can be life-changing.
I own my own counseling practice, which gives me the beautiful freedom to create a schedule that works for both my clients and my family. My mornings start like many others — getting my kids off to school and day care. Once I arrive at my office, I spend a few moments preparing for the day’s sessions. I’ll review notes from previous visits, reflect on where each client left off and think through possible directions for the session ahead. Of course, therapy is fluid — clients bring what’s on their hearts, and the best work happens when we follow that.
After each session, I make clinical notes, handle billing tasks, and — when I can steal a quiet moment — dive into reading current research or scouting out new trainings and conferences. One of the things I love about this field is that there’s always more to learn.
What I love most about this work is the relationships. The real, meaningful, vulnerable ones. Relationships are the foundation of effective counseling, and I never take for granted the trust people place in me.
There is nothing quite like watching someone find their voice, heal from deep pain or learn how to be more present in their life. To be allowed into that space with someone — it’s humbling and incredibly fulfilling.
My path into this field wasn’t traditional. I actually failed out of college during my first semester and lost my A+ scholarship as a result. I spent a few years working full-time in a completely unrelated field before going back to school. I worked full-time while taking evening and online classes, slowly chipping away at both my undergraduate and graduate degrees. It took seven years of constant hustle, but I was lucky to have an amazing support system that carried me through.
One of the turning points was meeting a professor who introduced me to the idea of becoming a therapist. He wrote me a letter of recommendation for grad school, and the rest is history. Funny enough, I often share this story with young clients — especially those who feel like they’ve already messed up their future. I’m living proof that you can fail forward and still build a life you love.
If you’re thinking about a health care career, explore your options and talk to real people doing the work. Textbooks and career fairs only go so far — real-world experience is where the clarity comes from. Shadow someone. Ask hard questions. Find out what the work actually feels like day in and day out.
One misconception I often encounter, especially in the perinatal mental health space, is that therapy is only for those experiencing severe depression or anxiety. The truth is that therapy can benefit anyone navigating the emotional ups and downs of parenthood.
You don’t have to wait until you’re in crisis. Whether you’re grieving your former identity, adjusting to life with a newborn or simply feeling stretched too thin — those feelings matter. That experience is valid, and it’s more than enough reason to seek support.
In fact, I often encourage people to establish a therapeutic relationship before things get really tough. That proactive approach can make a world of difference, and I’ve seen it lead to better outcomes repeatedly.
I’m hopeful that the future of perinatal mental health will be more integrated, accessible and preventive. We’re slowly moving away from the idea that emotional distress during pregnancy or postpartum is just “baby blues” or something parents are supposed to power through.
I envision a future where mental health care is part of standard prenatal and postpartum care — where therapy, support groups, and partner involvement aren’t afterthoughts or emergency responses, but expected and encouraged from the start. We need to treat the whole person, not just the pregnancy.
Technology is helping with this shift — virtual therapy, digital support groups, and online education are making mental health care more accessible to those who might otherwise feel isolated or overwhelmed. But even with all the innovation, we need to stay grounded in relational, human-centered care. The heart of therapy is connection. We can’t lose that.
This work isn’t always easy — but it is always worth it. Being allowed into someone’s healing process, holding space for their pain, their joy, their growth — that’s an incredible privilege. And if you’re someone who’s thinking about stepping into this field, know this: there’s room for your story too.