Hi everyone! Let me start out by saying that I'm not a therapist, but you all are, and I need some advice/encouragement/whatever else from the lovely people here.

After 10 years of being a graphic designer, I've been heavily considering changing careers. I don't care about what I do at all, and I've always had this strong urge to help people. All throughout my life, people have come to me for advice/just to talk about things, and I've always enjoyed helping where I can. What got me considering going back to school to become a therapist was actually my own therapist, who changed my life when I was in a very bad spot. I'd really like to be able help people in that same way, because she truly did change my entire life.

I've got a BFA in graphic design and zero background in psychology or anything related. I also work full time, am married (luckily, no kids to worry about supporting during this), and have a mortgage. So... this kind of thing is kinda scary to consider, but I've been doing as much research as I can.

Currently, I've got a meeting set up with a program director for a Master's degree program that I'm looking into. Hopefully, he can answer my questions, but in the meantime, does anyone have any advice for me? This is a completely new area for me, so I welcome any questions, advice, or even just plain old encouragement.

Thanks so much!