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.

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Nov 2025 update: Check out my new therapy private practice and consulting business, Pro Counselors, where I support individuals in their mental health journey and uplift the next generation of counselors. I offer therapy for young adults, emerging professionals, and therapy students navigating anxiety, identity, relationships, and life transitions. I also provide consulting services to help counseling students gain the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to reach their academic and professional goals.

Learn more about Pro Counselors therapy and consulting services at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.pro-counselors.com⁠⁠⁠

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.

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Nov 2025 update: Check out my new therapy private practice and consulting business, Pro Counselors, where I support individuals in their mental health journey and uplift the next generation of counselors. I offer therapy for young adults, emerging professionals, and therapy students navigating anxiety, identity, relationships, and life transitions. I also provide consulting services to help counseling students gain the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to reach their academic and professional goals.

Learn more about Pro Counselors therapy and consulting services at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.pro-counselors.com⁠⁠⁠

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.

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Nov 2025 update: Check out my new therapy private practice and consulting business, Pro Counselors, where I support individuals in their mental health journey and uplift the next generation of counselors. I offer therapy for young adults, emerging professionals, and therapy students navigating anxiety, identity, relationships, and life transitions. I also provide consulting services to help counseling students gain the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to reach their academic and professional goals.

Learn more about Pro Counselors therapy and consulting services at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.pro-counselors.com⁠⁠⁠

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.

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Nov 2025 update: Check out my new therapy private practice and consulting business, Pro Counselors, where I support individuals in their mental health journey and uplift the next generation of counselors. I offer therapy for young adults, emerging professionals, and therapy students navigating anxiety, identity, relationships, and life transitions. I also provide consulting services to help counseling students gain the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to reach their academic and professional goals.

Learn more about Pro Counselors therapy and consulting services at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.pro-counselors.com⁠⁠⁠

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.

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Nov 2025 update: Check out my new therapy private practice and consulting business, Pro Counselors, where I support individuals in their mental health journey and uplift the next generation of counselors. I offer therapy for young adults, emerging professionals, and therapy students navigating anxiety, identity, relationships, and life transitions. I also provide consulting services to help counseling students gain the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to reach their academic and professional goals.

Learn more about Pro Counselors therapy and consulting services at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.pro-counselors.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, join us as we dive deeper into the journeys of two current graduate students, Nikita and Bisola, who are classmates pursuing their Master's degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy! Nikita and Bisola share insights into their program, discussing the benefits of in-person learning and demonstrating how it often leads to great professional relationships like theirs.

We also discuss the expectations and nerves for practicum/internship, offering valuable advice to fellow students embarking on similar journeys! Furthermore, we discuss selecting a theoretical approach, navigating internship hours, and much more. Get ready for an insightful conversation that sheds light on the challenges and rewards of studying at the graduate level!

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.

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Nov 2025 update: Check out my new therapy private practice and consulting business, Pro Counselors, where I support individuals in their mental health journey and uplift the next generation of counselors. I offer therapy for young adults, emerging professionals, and therapy students navigating anxiety, identity, relationships, and life transitions. I also provide consulting services to help counseling students gain the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to reach their academic and professional goals.

Learn more about Pro Counselors therapy and consulting services at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.pro-counselors.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we discuss the 5 things you should consider when choosing a program. Another must-listen episode for those who will soon pursue a master's, wrapping up a segment that began with insightful conversations with Lucas and Jack on the last two episodes!

Tune in to this episode for essential guidance that will empower you to make informed decisions about choosing the right program for you! 

If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me on Instagram! 

Remember to rate and subscribe to the Student Counselor Podcast on your preferred platforms! 

Connect with me on Instagram - @student.counselor.podcast

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Nov 2025 update: Check out my new therapy private practice and consulting business, Pro Counselors, where I support individuals in their mental health journey and uplift the next generation of counselors. I offer therapy for young adults, emerging professionals, and therapy students navigating anxiety, identity, relationships, and life transitions. I also provide consulting services to help counseling students gain the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to reach their academic and professional goals.

Learn more about Pro Counselors therapy and consulting services at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.pro-counselors.com⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, I speak with Jack Weaverling, a recent psychology graduate who's gearing up for his clinical mental health counseling journey!

Jack shares his unique journey, starting back in 2004 when his original plan to join the Air Force took an unexpected turn due to a hearing issue. Then, Jack worked in engineering and ventured into his own float therapy business, which ultimately led him to pursue a master's to become a therapist. Jack's story is not just about academic pursuits; it's a testament to the value of life experiences in shaping one's professional journey. 

We also discuss choosing a program, the GRE, the differences between synchronous and asynchronous programs, and more! Another must-listen episode for those who will soon pursue a master's program!

Remember to rate and subscribe to the Student Counselor Podcast on your preferred platforms!

Connect with me on Instagram - @student.counselor.podcast. 

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Nov 2025 update: Check out my new therapy private practice and consulting business, Pro Counselors, where I support individuals in their mental health journey and uplift the next generation of counselors. I offer therapy for young adults, emerging professionals, and therapy students navigating anxiety, identity, relationships, and life transitions. I also provide consulting services to help counseling students gain the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to reach their academic and professional goals.

Learn more about Pro Counselors therapy and consulting services at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.pro-counselors.com⁠⁠⁠

In this special episode, I'm joined by Lucas Pezzato, a recent bachelor's psychology graduate ready to dive into the world of Clinical Mental Health Counseling!

We explore the journey from a bachelor's to a master's program and discussed the differences between pursuing a psychology bachelor's in Brazil and the U.S. We also tackle the unique challenges faced by international students. Despite the hurdles, Lucas is an inspiration. His eagerness to learn and his mantra, "find your purpose and go for it," will resonate with anyone on the brink of their master's journey.

This episode is a must-listen for those navigating the path from undergraduate dreams to the challenging yet rewarding pursuit of a master's.

Please rate and subscribe to the Student Counselor Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform!

Thank you!

Connect with me on Instagram - @student.counselor.podcast

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Nov 2025 update: Check out my new therapy private practice and consulting business, Pro Counselors, where I support individuals in their mental health journey and uplift the next generation of counselors. I offer therapy for young adults, emerging professionals, and therapy students navigating anxiety, identity, relationships, and life transitions. I also provide consulting services to help counseling students gain the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to reach their academic and professional goals.

Learn more about Pro Counselors therapy and consulting services at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.pro-counselors.com⁠⁠⁠

Guess who's back? That's right – the Student Counselor Podcast is returning after a whirlwind six months, and oh boy, I have stories to share! 

In this comeback episode, join me as I speak on the incredible journey I've embarked upon during my time away. I finally got married, bought a house, and secured a practicum site!

So, whether you're a loyal listener or joining the podcast family for the first time, don't miss out on this new episode, where we catch up on life, love, and the pursuit of becoming a counselor.

Please rate and subscribe to the Student Counselor Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or your favorite podcast platform!

Thank you!

Connect with me on Instagram - @student.counselor.podcast

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Nov 2025 update: Check out my new therapy private practice and consulting business, Pro Counselors, where I support individuals in their mental health journey and uplift the next generation of counselors. I offer therapy for young adults, emerging professionals, and therapy students navigating anxiety, identity, relationships, and life transitions. I also provide consulting services to help counseling students gain the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to reach their academic and professional goals.

Learn more about Pro Counselors therapy and consulting services at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.pro-counselors.com⁠⁠⁠