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What are some things you wish you knew or would have done in graduate school?

What are some things you wish you knew or would have done when in graduate school (specifically mental health counseling degrees)? I am about to enter a graduate program for mental health counseling and I am stressed about everything that is to come (financial aid, loan repayment, managing time between school or personal life, etc). I eventually want to become an animal-assisted therapist focusing on work with veterans. Any recommendations or tips would be helpful! #Spring25

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Emily’s Answer

Hi Hailey! Your career path is truly inspiring!

One of the best pieces of advice I received at the start of graduate school—and one that stayed with me—is that it's perfectly fine not to be the smartest person in the room. Letting go of some perfectionism that got you here is important. It's okay to feel unsure about what you're doing; just keep pushing forward!

During my graduate program, we had a one-credit class focused on career options and advice. A 3rd-year PhD student, whom I admired, spoke to us. I'll always remember when he said, "I thought they'd kick me out the whole time. I still don't know if I know what I'm doing." Many times, I left classes thinking, "I have no idea what just happened," but I attended TA office hours, teamed up with study buddies, and eventually realized how much I had learned. Higher education really teaches you about continuous learning and how much more there is to discover. The more I learned, the more I understood how much I didn't know!

So, don't give up! It's a tough journey, but it's worth it! It's okay to feel both the smartest and the least smart you've ever been at the same time. Keep going! 😉
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Annah’s Answer

Hailey, Love your goals! I am currently looking into equine assisted therapy training! You will definitely put a significant amount of time and energy into your degree. But it is also a huge personal growth opportunity, and this somewhat balances the academic expectations. I worked around 30 hours while attending my program. It took me a year longer than most of my cohort but that was fine by me. I'm not sure how you program is set up; mine accommodated working students and my job was also very flexible. It helps to have a job that can change with the school schedule; I was on a year-round quarterly schedule. When you intern you will also be expected to put in a certain number of hours; this is when the juggling can get more challenging. Look for internships that accommodate your lifestyle and know it is only temporary! Plan ahead for internships and truly find ones that have solid supervision along with work that feeds your soul. It will pay off in the end. I wish I had spent more time securing my own sites- though you will learn wherever you go- something else to keep in mind. Truly enjoy your school time and take advantage of any special trainings that come along. Know that school is just the beginning; the post-graduate hours can sometimes feel like the hardest part. Do one thing at a time and try not to look ahead too much- you will get there eventually. Don't be shy in pursuing the kind of therapy you want to do and in being the kind of therapist you want to be! There will be a lot of experiential work where you are the patient and therapist (to your peers). This is all a learning experience- you won't be talking about your deepest darkest fears, and you will not be a perfect clinician by far. Lower your expectations and use everything as a platform for more learning and growth. Be in your own treatment as well, especially if you have not been a client previously. And when you graduate, regarding loans (yep- I have mountains) get connected with loan advocacy groups and follow student loan lawyers- they have the best most up to date information. It can feel very overwhelming at times; this is not a field you enter seeking fame and fortune. And yet the work needs to sustain you- financially and otherwise. When you do get around to taking your licensure test- utilize a variety of sources. I studied from two test prep guides, one workbook, and one vlog. I took my time and passed the first time around. I had to memorize a whole lot of names and numbers I never learned in school and will never find useful in real life. The only thing you need to know is that to pass you need to think like the people who created the exam- and this may be in opposition at times to how you provide therapy or case conceptualize. But for now- focus on the task immediately ahead! And have a wonderful graduate school experience! I will forever value my own. Cheers!
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