2 answers
Eden
Student
Kalamazoo, Michigan
1
Question
Updated
215 views
What experiences and skills are most important to develop as an undergraduate psychology student if I want to become an effective therapist working with both children and adults?#Spring26
I am currently a undergraduate student studying psychology with a minor in social work. I am pursuing a career as a counselor and plan to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Michigan.
Login to comment
2 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1376
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Eden,
You’re already building a strong foundation with psychology and social work; that combination is very aligned with becoming an LMFT. At this stage, your focus should be on developing a well-rounded skill stack + real-world exposure, not just academic knowledge. In terms of your abilities, you will be successful in the long run in the following key areas:
The first is communication and active listening. This involves more than just listening to individuals; it also involves understanding their feelings, asking appropriate questions, and establishing a comfortable environment for clients. Peer support roles, group projects, or simply deliberate practice in regular talks are ways to start developing this.
The second is self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Understanding your own responses, biases, and triggers is just as important to therapists as it is for others. Reflective techniques, journaling, and supervision can help you develop this early.
Understanding human development over the course of a lifetime comes in third. Courses or experiences in developmental psychology, family systems, and child/adolescent behaviour will be very helpful because you want to work with both adults and children.
This is when a lot of students either catch up or lag behind in terms of experience. You should give priority to hands-on, people-centered settings like:
Volunteering or working with children (schools, camps, youth programs)
Roles in community mental health settings or support services
Crisis lines or peer support programs (when eligible)
These experiences build your confidence in real interactions, which is critical.
Participating in research or internships, particularly those centred on family systems, relationships, or mental health interventions, is another high-impact action. This improves your understanding and your graduate school profile. Additionally, start building professional connections early with mentors, supervisors, or instructors who can help you with your graduate school applications. One important mindset change is that becoming a successful therapist requires practice, reflection, and gradual growth instead of simply just studying.
You'll be in a great position to succeed in the profession as well as get into graduate school if you continue to develop both your experience (where you use those talents) and your skills (how you relate to others). You're already headed in the correct direction; all you need to do now is make every move intentional.
Best wishes!
You’re already building a strong foundation with psychology and social work; that combination is very aligned with becoming an LMFT. At this stage, your focus should be on developing a well-rounded skill stack + real-world exposure, not just academic knowledge. In terms of your abilities, you will be successful in the long run in the following key areas:
The first is communication and active listening. This involves more than just listening to individuals; it also involves understanding their feelings, asking appropriate questions, and establishing a comfortable environment for clients. Peer support roles, group projects, or simply deliberate practice in regular talks are ways to start developing this.
The second is self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Understanding your own responses, biases, and triggers is just as important to therapists as it is for others. Reflective techniques, journaling, and supervision can help you develop this early.
Understanding human development over the course of a lifetime comes in third. Courses or experiences in developmental psychology, family systems, and child/adolescent behaviour will be very helpful because you want to work with both adults and children.
This is when a lot of students either catch up or lag behind in terms of experience. You should give priority to hands-on, people-centered settings like:
Volunteering or working with children (schools, camps, youth programs)
Roles in community mental health settings or support services
Crisis lines or peer support programs (when eligible)
These experiences build your confidence in real interactions, which is critical.
Participating in research or internships, particularly those centred on family systems, relationships, or mental health interventions, is another high-impact action. This improves your understanding and your graduate school profile. Additionally, start building professional connections early with mentors, supervisors, or instructors who can help you with your graduate school applications. One important mindset change is that becoming a successful therapist requires practice, reflection, and gradual growth instead of simply just studying.
You'll be in a great position to succeed in the profession as well as get into graduate school if you continue to develop both your experience (where you use those talents) and your skills (how you relate to others). You're already headed in the correct direction; all you need to do now is make every move intentional.
Best wishes!
Sean Alexander
Retired
37
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Sean’s Answer
Listening to others with empathy and without judgment can make a big difference.