In this milestone 50th episode of the Student Counselor Podcast, I take you through my personal and detailed journey of preparing for and taking the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE).   I share insights into the process of signing up for the exam, my study routine using the Behavioral Health Pocket app and the ‘purple book’ (Encyclopedia of Counseling by Dr. Howard Rosenthal), and the anxiety I faced along the way. I also describe the structure of the exam, my test-taking strategy, my emotional highs and lows, and the results I received. Balancing full-time work, an internship, and studying posed significant challenges, but I offer encouragement and advice for fellow students preparing for the CPCE. Tune in to hear about my CPCE journey—a pivotal moment in our grad school experience. Don't forget to rate and subscribe to the Student Counselor podcast on your preferred platforms and follow me on Instagram @student.counselor.podcast for more insightful content and updates.

In this episode, I delve into the rollercoaster ride of being a counseling intern and provide insight into my current mental health journey. I shed light on the challenges encountered during internships while trying to balance full-time work, academic commitments, and personal life.   Throughout the discussion, I offer personal reflections, sharing updates on my recent promotion and the establishment of my LLC, and explore how these milestones have impacted my daily life and mental well-being. Amidst the hustle, I emphasize the crucial importance of self-care and effective time management strategies to maintain sanity amidst the chaos.   Tune in to this episode for a candid discussion on the challenges and triumphs of being a counseling intern, and discover firsthand what the mental health of a student intern entails. Plus, I’m excited to announce that I’m now offering Therapy for Therapy Students in FL through my internship! Send me a DM on Instagram for more info! Don't forget to rate and subscribe to the Student Counselor podcast on your preferred platforms and follow me on Instagram @student.counselor.podcast for more insightful content and updates.

In this episode, I discuss the ups and downs of my practicum experience, highlighting the roller coaster of emotions from self-doubt to personal growth. From the excitement of "sitting in the therapist's chair" for the first time to having to find another site halfway through the semester, practicum brought valuable lessons and resilience. The challenges I faced during the practicum emphasize the importance of finding placements that align with our values for professional and personal growth but also a place that understands your requirements and will be able to fulfill them.   In addition, I want to emphasize the importance of community in navigating the challenges of practicum experiences. Throughout my journey, I've been fortunate to have a supportive community on Instagram who have been there to offer guidance, encouragement, and solidarity. Countless counseling students reached out to share their own struggles during internships, highlighting the pervasive issues student therapists face. It's crucial for our voices to be heard, and for us as counseling students to unite, advocate for change, and support one another through these shared experiences. I am immensely grateful to my community for their unwavering support during times of difficulty, and I believe that by standing together, we can create a more equitable and empowering environment for future generations of counselors!   Don't forget to rate and subscribe to the Student Counselor podcast on your preferred platforms. Follow me on Instagram @student.counselor.podcast for more insightful content and updates.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Maricel Franco, a Clinical Mental Health Counseling student from New York. Maricel shares her practicum experiences, delving into her challenges with a fully telehealth format. She emphasizes the importance of in-person interaction for learning, particularly for hands-on visual learners like herself. We also delve into the topic of balancing work, school, and practicum commitments and explore the various career paths available upon graduation. Tune in to this insightful conversation to gain further insights! Don't forget to rate and subscribe to the Student Counselor podcast on your preferred platforms and follow me on Instagram @student.counselor.podcast for more insightful content and updates.

In this episode, Alissa Martinez discusses her journey through education, licensure, and establishing a private practice. We explore the importance of CACREP accreditation, the process of finding a niche in counseling, the significance of self-disclosure in therapy, and more!   Recorded back in December as I was preparing to start Practicum, this conversation with Alissa left me feeling positive about beginning to see clients. Furthermore, I also found several aspects of her story relatable, particularly how anxiety can sometimes serve as our superpower! Tune in to this engaging discussion to learn more!   Don't forget to rate and subscribe to the Student Counselor podcast on your preferred platforms and follow me on Instagram @student.counselor.podcast for more insightful content and updates.

Join Nikita and Bisola, MFT graduate students, as they discuss transitioning into practicum, building professional relationships, and creating safe spaces for clients in the Asian American community. They share insights on mentorship, challenges in obtaining relational hours, and the benefits of in-person learning. Don't miss their reflections on diversity, support in graduate programs, and navigating client interactions in counseling sessions!

The podcast discusses essential factors to consider when choosing a graduate program, including exploring differences in fields, deciding between in-person and online programs, considering synchronous vs. asynchronous options and GRE exam requirements, and making informed decisions about program costs. The episode provides helpful insights for individuals navigating the process of pursuing a master's degree.

A recent psychology graduate shares a unique journey from engineering to counseling. Topics include choosing a program, GRE exams, asynchronous programs, and AI tools in academia. The podcast explores personal growth, career transitions, and the therapeutic journey towards becoming a therapist.

A recent psychology graduate shares his journey from bachelor's to master's program in mental health counseling, discussing differences between Brazil and the U.S. He talks about challenges faced by international students and emphasizes finding your purpose. Topics include job opportunities for psychology graduates, crisis counseling roles, therapy training, and considerations in choosing a counseling program.

The host returns after a hiatus, sharing stories of getting married, buying a house, and securing a practicum site. They recount Brazilian adventures, navigating the journey to finding a practicum site, and reflect on personal experiences with substance abuse counseling. Excitement for new beginnings in the counseling field is palpable.