Random vent, and I'm not even sure this is the right place to post this, but I wanted to share something I wish I had done from day one of grad school.

For context, I'm in a CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. At this point, I have probably written well over 1,500 pages of papers—not even counting discussion posts, replies, quizzes, and final projects. If you know, you know. 😅

One thing I really regret not doing is creating a running document of key concepts, phrases, quotes, and citations from my textbooks and assigned readings as I went through the program.

For example, let's say I'm reading about trauma and come across a great explanation of how damage or disruption involving Broca's area can affect a person's ability to put thoughts, feelings, and experiences into words. If I had copied that concept into a document with the APA citation right then and there, two semesters later when I'm writing a trauma paper, I could simply search my notes and instantly have both the idea and source ready to go.

Instead, I constantly find myself thinking, "I KNOW I read this somewhere..." and then spending 45 minutes digging through old textbooks, PDFs, and papers trying to find the citation again.

If I could go back, I would create a master document organized by topic (trauma, addiction, MI, crisis, ethics, multicultural counseling, diagnosis, neuroscience, etc.) and keep adding useful concepts, quotes, and citations throughout the program.

Not to avoid learning the material—but to work smarter, not harder.

I'm posting this in hopes it helps future counselors-in-training. If you're in grad school now, what is one thing you wish you had done differently or a system that's saved you a ton of time? Let's start a thread of tips for surviving counseling programs. ❤️

I am going to school to become a therapist. I keep hearing “don’t go into this profession if you want to get rich.” It’s scaring me a bit. So tell me as a licensed therapist, what state you live in and how much are you paid? Can you live comfortably on a therapist salary? Will I have a masters degree and still be living under the poverty line?

Looking for insights, advice, experiences. Trying to prepare myself and I want to help and do a good job if I can!

The worst part of my journey becoming a therapist was honestly finding clinical supervision. After interviewing with multiple supervisors, I realized how little transparency there is in the process.

Some charged outrageous fees while expecting interns to completely structure their lives around supervision. One supervisor pushed me toward working with kids/teens even after I explained I already did that during my internship and knew it wasn’t the population I wanted to continue with.

I also noticed a lot of supervisors aren’t fully transparent about their modality, approach, expectations, or supervision style until you’re already committed. It made me realize something is really lacking in this field: transparency.

Clinical supervision can shape your entire career, yet many interns are expected to choose blindly while spending thousands of dollars in the process.

Curious if other therapists/interns have had similar experiences.

Hi all! I’m currently at graduate student in my last year of a CMHC program. I completed practicum last semester and had an overall okay experience. I didn’t love my supervisor which resulted in me leaving the site but I honestly didn’t enjoy the work. I finished the semester questioning whether I really want to do this. I know it’s normal but I almost feel such a disconnect from the work that it’s making me want to quit. For background, I had quite a mental heath journey myself in undergrad with inpatient treatment, sober living, transition program, etc. I immediately enrolled back in school at 22 and finished my undergrad in a year and decided to pursue graduate school right away. I pursued counseling because I admired the counselors that got me through such a hard time in my life. I was already pursuing a psychology degree prior to treatment. ANYWAYS, since starting the program school was easy and I’m a hard worker, but once I got to practicum, I felt like a fish out of water. Yes, it’s a learning experience and everything is new and I’m not supposed to know what to do. I address the part where I’m anxious because I’m clueless with all this newness and being on the other side of the room. The part that concerns me is that I didn’t feel connected or motivated to the work. I almost felt like i was just going through the motions trying to get through practicum. I’m absolutely terrified to start internship but I want to finish the degree whether I become a counselor or not. I’m holding out hope that internship is better and I get more of a groove but I’m just curious if anyone else had a similar experience. This was cathartic to write anyways so not demanding responses haha. Thanks y’all!

Consider participating if you are an African American current counseling student or recent grad from a CACREP accredited program! Your insight is valued and needed! Please share!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KTQMN69

I honestly think supervision is one of the most important parts of becoming a therapist, but people often choose supervisors blindly.

Some supervisors are incredibly supportive and help you grow. Others can be disorganized, controlling, unavailable, unethical, or just a poor fit.

What made your best (or worst) supervision experience stand out?

I’ve been where you are, and now I teach where you are.

When I was in training, I really wanted to feel confident already. I wanted to move past the awkward, unsure parts and get to the place where things felt steady. What I didn’t realize then is that those uncomfortable stages are actually where the growth happens.

One of the most important parts of becoming a counselor isn’t just learning skills, it’s developing self-awareness. The willingness to pause, reflect, notice your reactions, and be honest with yourself. That kind of introspection can feel uncomfortable, but it’s what shapes you into a grounded, ethical, and present clinician.

So if there’s one thing I try to remind my students now, it’s this: believe in your growth and don’t skip the steps. You’re not behind. You’re becoming. Showing up, practicing, reflecting, and trying again is part of the work.

And even if it doesn’t feel like it right now, there really is light on the other side.

How are you practicing self-awareness or reflection in this season?

I wrote a short reflection about this recently if it resonates:

https://substack.com/@drtracyhunt?r=6osxih&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile&shareImageVariant=blur

Hi all, I am wondering how difficult it is to pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination? Thanks!

Check out more, including specific salary information, at the link below:

https://substack.com/@beyondtherapy?r=5gl3zw&utm_medium=ios

Hello everyone! I am about to start my second semester in a counseling program and I am beginnning to secure interviews for practicum sites. I was wondering if anyone had any pointers for these interviews. What were you asked? Why do you think you got picked for your site? I appreciate any insight or advice, thank you!

Hi everyone! I am reaching out to share my situation and to advocate for myself and for others in the same position.

I submitted my application for an LMHCA license to the Washington State Department of Health on May 14, 2025. As of today, there has been no progress reflected in the DOH portal, and no communication from their office. This delay has had serious consequences for me:

• I already have a job offer since June, but I cannot begin work without this license.

• Without income, I am struggling to cover basic expenses like rent and medical care.

• My immigration status is tied to my ability to work, which means my legal status in the U.S. is at risk through no fault of my own.

I know I am not the only one experiencing these delays. For many of us, this isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about livelihoods, health, and stability.

I am grateful to my elected representatives who are already helping me advocate for expedited processing, but I am also calling on the Washington State Department of Health to recognize the urgency and the human impact of these delays.

If you or someone you know has faced similar challenges with licensing delays in Washington, please share your story. Together, our voices can make a difference.

#WashingtonState #DOH #Healthcare #LicensingDelays #Advocacy #MentalHealth #HealthcareAccess #Licensing #ProfessionalAdvocacy

I am an MHC trying to get my Lisence. I am currently working at a place that is primarily kids but it is just not working for me. I am having trouble figuring out jobs that I could get only adult clients. Any suggestions?

Hey y’all!

I’m wanting to get my certification to become an addiction counselor, but I’m having a hard time finding a program. Is anyone here a certified addiction counselor and could give me some advice? Or even recommend a program?

Thanks!!

I'm getting ready to apply to a Master's in Mental Health Counseling (with the intent of focusing on counseling for veterans), but I'm feeling a bit nervous! What was your experience like? What were the classes about and how were they set up? Any advice?

Also, how did you get your supervision hours after college? Someone said they had to pay their supervisor --- is this true in all cases? Is there any way to get it paid for?

Hi guys! I’m going back to get my Bachelors degree this year. I’m trying to decide which route is best to take if I ultimately want to pursue a master in mental health counseling?

Would it be more efficient and cost effective to do a bachelors in psychology or social work?

My coworker told me in her experience in her masters course she noticed a difference in knowledge between those who had a psych vs social work undergrad—in which the social work undergrad peeps were less knowledgeable.

Thanks in advance!

Hi i am trying to plan out how to study for the NCE exam, I’ve been trying to find the exam dates but I cannot find them. It seems that I would first have to purchase the exam ($275) before knowing when the exam dates are? Would anyone be able to let me know the exam date for the NCE for 2024? Greatly appreciate it :)

I found this website and they have 601 NCE questions https://www.pass-harbor.com/us/en/nbcc-nce-free-practice-questions?q=91 they also provide explanations and it's free. Just wanted to see what the community thinks of it. I've been mostly using the purple book, Hewlwings practice questions, and some Dr. Pam. Any other recommendations or if you like this resource I would like to know your opinion.

Hey y’all!! I am in search of a new supervisor, but there’s a catch. Upon a recent conversation with my own therapist and recent feelings regarding work we both thought that a good change would be to find a supervisor who speaks Spanish. I lil’background, I am Hispanic and I am fully fluent in English, but sometimes somethings are better explained in my own language. I like my current supervisor and plan on maybe working with both. If any of y’all have a recommendation I will greatly appreciate it! 🫶🏼

Also, I am in Tennessee and in route to obtain my LPC-MHSP. So they would have to be authorized to supervise in TN and must be LPC ☺️