Brenna M. Hicks is a licensed mental health counselor from Palm Harbor, Fla., who worked as a child therapist in private practice in Tampa Bay until 2009, when she became the mother of her first son and closed her practice. Hicks is working toward her doctorate in mental health counseling education at the University of South Florida, and has a master's degree in community and mental health counseling, as well as a bachelor's degree in psychology. Hicks is also working on writing a number of books and blogging. The Kid Counselor blog focuses on numerous topics related to children's mental health and well-being. Some of the topics Hicks has explored in her blog include self-esteem, whether or not to spank children and the benefits of play therapy. She also explores matters of current interest, such as the controversy over the book "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother." 

Why did you decide to pursue this career field?
I realized that there would be less of a need for adult therapists if children were given the tools they need to overcome challenges in childhood, specifically via play therapy.

What type of preparation did you do to get into this field, such as educational experience and work experience?
I got a B.A. in psychology, a M.A. in counseling, a graduate certificate in play therapy (one year post master's in specialized field), and am currently getting a Ph.D. I began working as an associate in a private practice right after graduate school, worked at another private practice after that and then opened my own.

If your education was directly related to your career, what types of classes and projects did you have to do?
Classes: theories, mental health disorders, basic counseling skills, multicultural, group, substance abuse, human sexuality. Projects: internship, practicum, portfolios, papers, case studies, personal theory.

How did your education help you in your career?
I was able to get a job right after graduate school, while an intern working toward professional licensure.

What was your career path like in this field? For example, did you begin in one position and advance through others to reach where you are now?
I started out interested in working with the elderly and saw a need for child therapists while working in the school system. I have always worked in private practice, but was able to open my own and work for myself after a few years.

What types of skills is someone required to have to work in your position?
Self-management, compassion, acceptance, patience, strong work ethic, training.

What do you do on a typical workday?
I am free to do whatever I want until I have an appointment scheduled. I make my own hours and live very close to my office, so I have a lot of freedom with my day.

Do you plan to advance to another position within your career field? If so, to what position and why?
I am working toward opening multiple centers and overseeing them as an administrator. I would like there to be more play-based child therapy available to families and children.

What type of person do you think is best suited for a job in your field?
Those who have a heart for helping people, are willing to take care of themselves, are able to separate work from home, those who are not choosing a career necessarily to make a lot of money.

Do you have any advice for those who are looking to launch a career in your field?
Get into a good school that is accredited, and take as many classes as you can to expose yourself to all of the options. Then, take additional training in what you want to do to set yourself apart from others in the field. Specialize. Always know that anything you do for a child is never wasted.