BECOMING A LICENSED MARRIAGE THERAPIST // my journey

[@nataschajaffa4358]

Thank you for this! I’m graduating with my BS in psychology, and I feel God has called me to help couples and families return to Him. This is the video I’m going to keep revisiting when that doubt monster comes for me. 🖤

[@ilenerodriguez1115]

The ending was so powerful!! I’m stressing about whether or not I’m making the right decisions when it comes to the right program and school but you are so right! It doesn’t matter, God will make a way. I will keep praying, I know God is with me.

[@aamariamason4562]

you took the words right out of my mouth, thank you 💛

[@Enchanteralle]

I'm an LMFT from CA. Oh those 3000 hours was such a journey. Grad school was a breeze compared to whatever after happens after gradation. I had to take 2 exams and I remember kinda delaying my final exam 'cause life happens. But I'm not a good test taker and anxiety definitely played a role in that delay. But I became licensed 2 yrs ago and life sure is great afterward. Just started part time private practice and working in a med setting at the same time. So much to explore in this field! Thanks for sharing!

[@cocoPABL0]

Enchanteralle Hi, I’m also based in CA and am researching and planning on applying to an MFT program. I can totally relate with you in that I am, also, a horrible test-taker with test-anxiety. Would you mind if I connected with you to ask a few questions about your experience during and post grad school? I would really appreciate it 💖

[@Enchanteralle]

@@cocoPABL0 Hi there! Sure, go ahead and msg me!

[@cocoPABL0]

@@Enchanteralle Thank you so much for being so open! Unfortunately, I am unable to message you through KZbin (unless there's a way that I'm not aware of). If you don't mind, we can share email addresses. Here's mine: [e-mail]

[@Enchanteralle]

@@cocoPABL0 Thanks, I just emailed you.

[@theintuitivelight7854]

Congratulations I’m starting my career in this field 🌞. I’ll update you guys in 4 years

[@ManjuKannan23]

me too :)

[@sergioescalona62]

Nice Video! Excuse me for chiming in, I would appreciate your thoughts. Have you heard about - Taparton Protect Marriage Takeover (do a google search)? It is a great one off guide for saving your marriage without the normal expense. Ive heard some interesting things about it and my GF got great success with it.

[@brandyoutley4062]

Me too

[@MrFancyjohnson1]

Me too 😀

[@marianash5570]

How is it going

[@laestherminator]

The ending made me cry, thank you for the wonderful perspective! I've been experiencing decision paralysis and have been telling myself that I'd find a program to apply to for a couple years now. I always find a reason to push it off because I'm afraid of making the "wrong" decision on a school. I also graduated undergrad 10 years ago, so I'm completely intimidated by school and don't believe I can make it through without crumbling under the pressure. I really want to have faith that everything will be okay, so I loved that you said, as long as we have the intention of serving others, God will guide us to the right place at the right time. Very inspiring!

[@mariakambitakis911]

I’m in my first year of my undergrad in psychology and know with everything in my that couple and family therapy is what I’m meant to do. I’ve been doing a lot of research on the steps I need to take in order to get to where I need to be and this video has given me so much clarity and has been extremely helpful! Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

[@sterlingchanell]

In the best words I can find, this video has been the warm hug that I needed! God placed it upon my heart to go to college for the first time at 22, and ever since I’ve been slowly but surely discovering what career I want to pursue. Therapy never crossed my mind before, but I’ve realized that in my everyday life I’ve been an unlicensed therapist to those around me. 😂 I want to get a B.A. in Psychology, then grad school for MFT, and hopefully Minor in ASL (American Sign Language) to incorporate into my practice. Thank you for your priceless insight. This video has eased some of my anxiety! 💛 p.s. I’m planning on attending a Christian Uni, so that wasn’t a coincidence that you mentioned that :’)

[@sterlingchanell]

@ayo Thanks for your kind reply. I hope all goes amazingly for you as well! 🤍

[@BloodOfObsession]

I'm an MSW and I have to say, getting to practice counseling and getting feedback that way sounds way better than just being thrown in lol. The closest thing I got to that was running some groups during my field work and having the therapists sit in here and there. I've been working post grad in the field for almost two years now, and I have to say I still get anxious and feel like I've got imposter syndrome. I definitely pray for guidance each day. Congratulations on your license!!!

[@april_eacape77]

I really appreciated this video. Your detail in the process and what worked for you and didn't made me realized things long the way. THANK YOU

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

Aw, so glad to be helpful to you!

[@clarisabuenrostro7052]

I just graduated with a B.S in mathematics but I'm deciding to pursue a masters in the humanities (hopefully I can get into a MFT program). Watching this video from start to finish was extremely helpful and has given me clarity and optimism as to what this career change will and can entail. Thank you so much!

[@ashtynjones8446]

This was SO helpful for me! I’m graduating with my BS in Psych and I’m praying about what my next steps are. By far the most helpful video for me so far! ❤️

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

I am SO glad!! Thank you so much! All the best to you!

[@Tia-bd3ps]

I've been indecisive about grad school for the longest time despite knowing I am meant to be a therapist. Last year I spoke to a psychic who told me to consider pursuing marriage & family therapy, and that it could be my calling. I kinda took it with a grain of salt, as I trust in God more than psychics, but did wonder in the back of my mind if God spoke through her to me. And for haha's I ended up looking into MFT programs and found the field interesting. For some reason I've just felt pulled to keep looking into marriage and family therapy. Relationship psychology also always fascinated me. I think the biggest intimidating factor for me is how successful I'd be at counseling groups of two or more people, being the introvert I am. And that "pigeon holed" feeling people mentioned to you. But I also feel like it'd be rewarding to help bring harmony and connection to couples and families... and I've always been family oriented. I'm always the friend people approach for relational advice. I know God is making a way for me and will bring clarity soon. I don't understand why I feel this pull to MFT after never considering that as my licensure route before, but I'm trusting that God's plan has more purpose than the one I originally had. Reading these comments and seeing God's name mentioned multiple times, I feel like I'm getting signs. Time to let go and trust... I don't think we ever 100% know what we're doing! 28 here and feel like I'm winging it

[@siletablu3905]

Congrats! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾 I’m currently completing my Masters in MFT. I’m excited about a future career in this field.

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

Yay!! How exciting!

[@meshiab5983]

Your video literally was the light bulb that I’ve been looking for all week ! I knew that I wanted to do work in psychology just didn’t know what . Thank you you much for the great information and insight . I wish you the best .

[@iTzZJaSoNxX]

I love how you practice an awareness of gratitude even when being critical of your experiences. Currently two years into graduate school for social work and I found this motivational!

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

Always always grateful! I am so glad you found this helpful!

[@Justin-rw5db]

Thanks for sharing your journey! I am currently in my MFT program at a seminary, and I've been questioning whether it is something that I should continue doing. Your story really shed light on the realities of the job. It helps to know what the job actually looks like as a student. I think God is definitely calling me to this profession, but there are just so many daunting aspects of it. But I am leaning towards seeing it through and making the most out of it. Thanks so much again for sharing!

[@suziellington8100]

You are such a gift to me. I am discerning big steps late in my life. I stumbled across your video and it spoke to me. I wish I could talk to you for a few minutes. :) Thanks for taking the time to make the video.

[@lydiatheglimmermaid]

I'm planning to become an LPC and SO MANY people told me to go for social work so I would have more options--but I don't want any of those other options. Thank you for sharing that! I feel encouraged that I'm not making a mistake.

[@lindseyperez6920]

Wow! I am so glad I found your channel 😭 I’m passionate about our Catholic faith, marriage, children & therapy. I’m currently awaiting a response from my last graduate school. Please pray for me & may God’s will be done. ❤️🙏

[@AlterYourEgos]

Thank you for this video! I sit for the exam June 2023. Please keep me lifted in prayer. Thank you

[@alpp_shots]

you are a gift! Thank you for this

[@veronicamaynard5821]

Thank you so much for the clarity on how and what degrees you actually pursued and also on the clinical stuff this gives me and idea of what to expect. I want to become a marriage therapist, and I want to be able to incorporate my faith freely to help others. thank you again for being clear on what bachelors degree you took because I was stuck on which bachelors degree to achieve. May God bless you on your journey!

[@pgcayalo]

thank you for sharing your experience! it was a big blessing! I just finished my third semester of my counseling graduate school and it was pretty hard. You have encouraged me to keep on going!

[@calvins5739]

hello! I’m in my undergrad and as an aspiring mft specialized in bringing faith into therapy, this was so affirming! Feeling so seen. Thank you for this video.

[@ImKnotMyHair]

This was very informative....thank you so much for sharing...i know God is calling me into becoming a marriage and family therapist. I start graduate school August 24

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

Congratulations!! All the best to you!

[@krystalparker8295]

That’s interesting because I am a LMSW and many of my classes was clinical therapy classes because I was on the clinical track in my social work program. So I’m not sure if it was the programs you applied to but I went to Columbia School of Social work. Maybe it’s about what specific programs your applying to. Just wanted to add this in case others may be wondering. But thank you for your video and process! I am also a therapist and I love it! I enjoy individual and couple counseling! ❤🙏🏼

[@ilenerodriguez1115]

Thank you so much for this!!! Where you said what you would do differently really got to me. I’m stuck between two cross roads right now. I just finished undergrad and this pandemic has me stressing whether it’s worth to go straight to grad school right now. Not sure if to attend a Christian university or wait a year and apply to a Cal state university. Your story actually opened my eyes to what God may be calling me to do!!❤️❤️

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

I'm so glad it was helpful for you! Ilene, I tried to email you back but for some reason it looks like the email is not able to be delivered. You can find my work phone number on my website (melissagracetablada.com) and give me a call so we can chat some more! Xx

[@sarbinenoel2642]

I always wanted to be a marriage therapist but I didn’t know the steps and how to become one . I’m going to college this year and I’m in Florida your video help me a lot I don’t have word to thank you ! I know the journey gonna be hard but with god near me I know it will be great 🙏🏾 even if I’m late but congratulations. If i have any problems I hope that I can talk to you for some help and that’s not going to be a matter for you 😩

[@christy_tice]

wonderful! thanks so much. very helpful. ❤

[@tlcswrld2009]

I’m a senior in high school rn I’m planning on getting my bachelors in psychology and then my masters in clinical Counseling to become a therapist and maybe one day open my own practice! I’ve been thew a lot of trauma at just 18 years old plus I help so many family members and friends out and I’ve always been told I’ll be an amazing counselor even my my teachers and own therapist so this video helped me a lot

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

That's great! If you haven't already, I encourage you to seek out counseling for yourself to make sure you have gone through a process of healing so that you can more freely serve your clients one day!

[@tlcswrld2009]

Melissa Tablada yes I had a therapist before and she wasn’t a good fit for me so I’m in the search of finding a new one !

[@tlcswrld2009]

Melissa Tablada sorry if this is bothering you but I was wondering if I could get my bachelors degree in education and a minor in psychology and then go to my master program in clinical counseling and if that path will make me able to become a therapist or did I need a full blown bachelors to become a therapist

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

@@tlcswrld2009 Off the top of my head I do believe you would be able to do that, but you'll just have to check with the masters program requirements to be sure! You don't need it for your license as a therapist but I don't remember what type of degree you may need for the masters.

[@jaz0188]

@@tlcswrld2009 Yes! You can minor in psychology and still go to grad school to be a therapist. I know plenty who majored if something not even social science related and are therapists. I am currently getting my MFT. I do have a bachelors in psychology but I wish I would have done something else.

[@psychology.garden]

Congratulations 🍾🎈🎉 so happy for you! I’m also going for my B.S in psychology pre- counseling for Marriage Therapy so excited 😆 just to listen to your story just subscribed! You are So helpful and inspiring! Thank you for all your information! I really appreciate it!

[@shirleyd7278]

There are different specialities within MSW programs. For those people seeking to become a therapist with a social work degree (e.g. LCSW), find a graduate program with a clinical social work specialization. Those programs offer courses in therapy. Also students attending programs with a clinical social work specialization have to gain internshp experiences in clinical settings (e.g, therapy office, inpatient or outpatient clinics).

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

Thank you for sharing that!

[@alyssarichards5356]

This was so very helpful. I loved how you added your testimony of God, you definitely said some things I needed to hear 🙏

[@matthiasdusablon1914]

Very interesting video, quite helpful. Also, congratulations! I am also planning on getting a degree in Marriage and family therapy. I found this video as the top result for my search. I was surprised and happy to hear you mention your faith, as I am also a Catholic. Your inclination of DMU was good, though it should be mentioned that it does not have a LMFT program. I know because I applied there over Christmas brake and interviewed there in February. Though I did not get in I would still say it’s a very good school and I also recommend it for whom ever wants a Psy. D. Now, my background is in History especially cultural and social history and a minor in psychology, leaving me with good idea of how important the family is to society. Your point about healthy families being good for society is exactly right! Thank you for your service to the sacred institution of the family, the sacrament of marriage, and may Cupertino continue to bless you and watch over you. I will be praying for you.

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

Oh, thank you for sharing that about DMU! and thank you for the encouraging words!

[@raymondchang4428]

Thank you so much! I am studying for the GRE right now, and I am thinking about becoming a MFT, I just wanted more insight and this video definitely gave me more clarity on the field and the process it takes to get there. Thanks again! (=

[@lmm-op7em]

Melissa, thanks so much for this video. I’m actually looking at nova for the MFT masters, so this was super helpful!

[@anac2099]

I was deciding between getting my MBA for a quicker income or following my heart and becoming a Marriage & Family Therapist. I know God put it in my heart to help others so I couldn’t accept settling for a degree for money rather than what I really was called to do. I know I will earn money by being a therapist, it’ll just take a little longer to get where I want to be. I trust God will continue to guide me.

[@ashtonkeaton]

Wow god has really brought me to this video! I’m an undergrad at the University of Tampa right now and I am stressing grad school so hard!! So amazing that we are so similar!! Thank you so much for this video, it has brought me a lot of peace and clarity! Xo

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

Aw I love that! UT was such an amazing four years for me, I hope you have an incredible experience there!

[@shay8727]

This was very helpful! Can you do an update on how things are going? Do you feel your career is as fulfilling as you expected? How has your life changed since you’ve become licensed? Etc

[@xgetbackupx]

Thank you. I feel called into consouling. Im 35 and just applied to school. The road ahead seems long but worth it. Thank you for sharing your experience

[@carolineconeal]

Congratulations! So proud of you Melissa! :)

[@couples_cleanse]

Thankyou so much for sharing ! im currently getting my human services degree then im going for my marriage/family degree !

[@kiggidykayla1356]

Thank you! This video was very helpful!

[@wandalee6639]

great video

[@Vincenza8907]

The lack of counseling classes is why I left the University of Tampa and went to Saint Leo University. Both colleges heavily pushed doctorate and research (sounds boring to me), but at least Saint Leo brought the possibility of counseling.

[@sweetdrama21]

Thank you so much for this video ... and congratulations. I am so happy your very clear because everyone tells me to be a social worker, but I knew and I felt an amazing call from GOD that I wanted to become a LFMT thank you so much for this amazing video.

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

I'm so glad you found it so helpful! Xx

[@debraperez7341]

Thanks so much your insight was so helpful and Congrats

[@sarasmith2590]

On behalf of Miami Rescue Mission/ Broward Outreach Centers: we are so proud of you beautiful. Keep Shinning

[@Kayleee214]

Thank you for posting this! So helpful!

[@williammcfarland4547]

Very helpful...thank you!

[@isisamarafunez4497]

I really loved your video gave me a lot of hope and faith to God that he will guide me to right path and help me during my journey into my marriage and family therapy. I will just pray and put all my faith into God when I take the license exam! 😖🙏🏼 I live in Florida and hope to go through a easy yet challenge ride that will benefit and humble along the way just as you did.

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

Thanks so much! Always have hope and faith, God is with you every step of the way!

[@equiroz0921]

Thank you for sharing your experiences! I really appreciate it! Congratulations on all of your accomplishments and good luck on all your future endeavors!

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

Thank you so much!!

[@lydiatheglimmermaid]

Wow this is so helpful. Thank you so much for making this video.

[@sarasmith2590]

Hi Melissa, so nice to see you doing well and shinning in your career. Blessing from Broward Outreach Centers and your Supervisor.

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

Sara! Thank you so much & for all you did to support me in my journey!

[@sarasmith2590]

@@MelissaGraceTablada Keep shinning beautiful ❤🌹💝

[@sarahwawrzyniak]

Congratulations! How exciting! I know how hard that journey is!

[@toybrielle4832]

Super helpful! Also eased my anxiety knowing exams are not your favorite just as they aren't mine, so thank you!

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

You are not alone :)

[@BrittDeveraux]

Great video! Mental health counselors are also called therapists.

[@tonibelovedtv]

Thanks for sharing this video with us. This was just the confirmation that I needed.

[@xDBreanisxD]

Thank you so much for this video , I am currently starting my master program in Fall this year and so anxious of the life after or how to begin hours or how to succeed hours for a license. This video was so so helpful and put my mind at ease :) thank you !

[@xDBreanisxD]

such a weird question but I just want to know for my own timeline about when I would finish steps . How old are you ?

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

I am so glad I could help put your mind at ease! I am 26 years old

[@abigailorabby22]

Thank you so much for suggesting this video to me! I literally was taking notes 📝☺️ I said this before but I have become increasingly interested in an MFT program here in California that is at a Catholic university and is bilingual to train therapists to someday be able to help Spanish speaking clients, too. I think it’s kind of funny that you asked for the intercession of St. Joseph of Cupertino (so did I in my undergrad exams), that your favorite type of client sounds like my current state in life lol, and that your birthday is the same as my sister’s! Happy super belated birthday, by the way! Really thank you for sharing your journey with us viewers. It just so happens that I found your channel in a time where I feel like I need a lot of guidance towards the MFT program. May God bless your work as a Catholic therapist👏🏼 and please keep me in your prayers? 🙏🏼❤️

[@danieltuckercatholic]

Such a cool story about St. Joseph of Cupertino. Congratulations on getting licensed!

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

Isn't it wild how God showed up like that. He is so personal & so good!

[@alldoneup]

Congratulations!! God bless!

[@mariadelcarmennavarro62]

Wow, I really needed to hear this! Thank you for sharing your journey ✨

[@nikkirotundaful]

I am so happy you followed you dreams and your gut!!! Good for you! I am applying to MFT programs now.

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

Yay!!!

[@newgirlLiz]

Wow this really helped me make my decision! Thank you so much

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

So glad I could be helpful! All the best to you!

[@kdcounseling]

I am going into Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My journey is similar to yours I loved taking I/O but there are only a few programs in FL. Thanks for sharing

[@terrencegriffin5953]

Thanks for the information I have been in school 6 months and I am ready for my first residency

[@emelyruiz9962]

I love this-thank you! God bless you :)

[@michaeljordan6628]

Amen! Well said!

[@Joyfulminimalist]

I went to grad school for art therapy so I’m familiar with your experience :). Right now, I’m going more in the direction of sacred art but if I ever came back to my field I’d become a catholic art therapist. God bless.

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

I love that!! Thanks for doing what you do!

[@sophiachin1262]

Good girl. Continue well.

[@jaylaj.5749]

great video, super helpful! thank you and congratulations!!!

[@snoopsie]

Thank you so much for sharing this

[@Tony-vs8fv]

I loved your video such a big help!!

[@downwiththeclique7239]

Thank you!!!

[@psyched4706]

Please pray for me. I am currently struggling between choosing a career as a MFT or being a teacher. I have always felt the calling to work with children, and I feel that where I grew up, in a very small town, could benefit the most if I became a therapist (which has always been my original plan). The struggle mostly comes from the fact that I have been 50/50 between doing therapy/psychology and being a teacher since I was 8 years old. I still struggle with it to this day, and it has caused me plenty of anxiety attacks. I've prayed about it, but just when I feel like I'm being pulled in one direction, I see what I perceive as a sign that pulls me the opposite direction. I'm completely lost and feel like I don't know what to do anymore. 😔

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

Praying for you! May God give you peace with the path He has planned for you!

[@marcihf217]

Congratulations 😊

[@TellSamyra]

Thanks for the info. What study materials did you use? Would you recommend it?

[@tdanielle23]

I got a bachelors in social work and now I’m applying for grad school for marriage and family therapy. It’s strange how we are just lead into different directions even though we think we know what we want.

[@martinalondra]

Thank you for your video. It really did help a lot.

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

I am so glad, thanks for letting me know!

[@melciadsouza8538]

Im so happy for you and i like your videos i just accidentally came across them on KZbin.

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

So glad you're enjoying them! Thanks for following along!

[@sheriemartinez8474]

Im applying to grad scool and read into all the practicum hours. LEGIT feeling exactly how you felt- TERRIFIED! Like how am i supposed to counsel a client when i barely started learning and entering the field

[@curiouslykristina]

Yay,!! Congrats!!!

[@Gaming_With_Elfie]

I'm not religious, but I do want to become a therapist of some sort so it was really interesting to listen to your experiences!

[@Symbu]

Congrats on your licensing, thanks for telling us about your path. How's your 2020 going? Happy birthday month! :)

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

Thank you! 2020 has been the best year for my business even with the pandemic. I am very grateful to be able to continue seeing clients virtually and support them through their challenges!

[@streetwiseguitar5113]

Hi there! I live in South Florida. I have a masters degree in another discipline and in fact I’m a college professor. I was considering becoming an MFT counselor as well. Would you have any idea what I would have to do in terms of undergrad classes in order to be able to start a masters degree? Or would I have to do any undergrad classes at all?? I realize this may be out of your expertise, but if you have any ideas please do let me know.

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

As long as you have a bachelors degree you should be qualified to apply for a MFT masters program!

[@healingbrokenhomes3072]

Thank you so much for your video! I do have a question. When I was a teenager I was really sick so I couldn't get a job working for anyone, it took me about 6-7 years for me to get better. I enrolled in a college and obtained a bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies, and now I want to study MFT. Can you do your practicum/internship without previous work history at all? God bless you!

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

You would need to pursue a masters degree & then would be qualified for an internship from there!

[@djasso12]

I am stuck between deciding on MFT or CSW. All I know is I want to work with children! Which career do you think suites me with that said? And from what I see SW sounds like more paperwork than actual therapy. And MFT sounds like therapy! And when I look at the coursework for CSW I dont see many "therpay" classes like I do for MFT. And I also know CSW have more job flexibility! Please help!

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

CSW will give you more options to work with children in different types of settings/jobs. MFT will give you the background to work with children in a therapy setting, although I'd recommend finding a program that is play therapy focused because I did not feel my MFT program was the best option for working with children specifically, but that wasn't my desired client. We did have an elective for play therapy that would have been very helpful for child focused niche.

[@joyful3358]

Hi Melissa! I'm new to your KZbin Channel and I was wondering if you answered questions regarding TrackYourHours

[@charliceperry]

Hello! I am pretty late but congratulations! I am currently obtaining my bachelors degree in religion with a concentration in Christian Counseling. Do you know if I need to change my major to psychology in order to get into grad school to be a LMFT?

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

No you do not! You will be able to apply for MFT with your background.

[@Tia-bd3ps]

How intimidating was it to counsel more than one person at once? I think that's the main thing that intimidates me if I were to choose to go for an MFT license.

[@LaMuffin-il7ei]

Hello! So after completing your Master’s, you did get paid for those jobs while you accumulated the hours? I thought people didn’t get paid, which was the reason I hadn’t considered doing my Master’s in Counseling, but if there is a possibility I could get paid (enough to survive, ya know) I believe this could be for me!

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

Great question! YES, definitely. So your title after graduation prior to licensure is "registered intern" or in some states "associate" but you definitely get paid for the work you do. These are legitimate full time (or part time) jobs, just pre-license is the only difference!

[@ca147]

I live in Michigan and I'm interested in childhood play therapy. I have a Bachelor's in Elementary Education and have been working with Early Childhood Education programs since 2017. I really enjoy working one on one with students who need extra help and families who need help navigating a child's more intense needs. I was wondering if you could point me in a good direction? Or what advice you might have for me? I would appreciate your help! 🕊️

[@brianhoneycutt5938]

Wondering if you were able to avoid heaps of paperwork as an associate and if so how you did it? Almost all full time jobs here are county paperwork druven. I am considering a couple or three part time jobs instead.

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

It definitely depends on the position. As a school counselor I did not have very much paperwork at all. In private practice when it was private pay, the only paperwork was progress notes & if working with insurance it can be a bit more extensive but still not too bad. I wouldn't say that any of the jobs I experienced were paperwork driven.

[@brianhoneycutt5938]

@@MelissaGraceTablada thanks for the response. Sounds great. Were those full time jobs? Seems real tough to find full time jobs without all the ppwk, at least in san diego.

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

@@brianhoneycutt5938 school counseling was my only "full time" job where I was an employee of a company. All other jobs in private practice I was working as an independent contractor until I went into business for myself!

[@brianhoneycutt5938]

@@MelissaGraceTablada ok great thanks. Planning to do the part time things so can get put of county mental health with the avalanche of paperwork. It's brutal

[@Arialexis98]

I’m thinking about becoming a Marriage Therapist. Is it very open with options as far as working at inpatient hospitals, substance abuse clients, and a range of different places?

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

Yes absolutely! You can work with any type of population with this degree, it is not only focused on couples (the title of the degree is a bit deceiving in that way)!

[@margotaudley6343]

Hi Melissa, thank you for sharing your insights and advice. I am currently in undergrad considering a career in MFT. I have heard however that, as a young therapist working with married couples, I may lack the life experience in order to relate and effectively help married couples who may be older than me. I am just wondering if you have found this to be an issue or if you have any guidance pertaining to this issue of age gap etc. Thank you!!

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

Thanks for asking! This is a wildly common question I am asked, and I just don't find it to be the case. Of course, my personal experience within marriage is helpful for relating to the client and connecting with them on a personal level, however it's not necessary at all. Trust your educational & clinical experience. You will learn how best to work with those clients. Even if you were married, you will have a different experience from them and so it's definitely not necessary to have the same relationship status in order to be helpful. I've had clients from age 5 to age 75, from single, married & engaged, from atheist, Jewish, Catholic, agnostic, etc. There will always be similarities and differences but you can absolutely be an amazing an effective marriage therapist without being married yourself!

[@Didyoudrinkwatertoday]

Very helpful video! I am looking to return to my home state (Florida) and study Marriage & Family Therapy. Would you be open to questions about Nova and your experience within the program?

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

I'm glad you found it helpful. Yes you are welcome to email me specific questions about Nova at [e-mail] and I'll help as much as I can!

[@Didyoudrinkwatertoday]

@@MelissaGraceTablada Thank you! I'm still very early in the info-gathering phase, so it may take me a couple months to get questions to you. Appreciate the response

[@angelanavarro3593]

What is your opinion on COAMFT and WASC accreditation??

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

I am not familiar with WASC. I would recommend looking into a COAMFT accredited program.

[@MrsMac-qm3jr]

New Subbie Here! Thank you posting this video! This is my dream job :)

[@MelissaGraceTablada]

Thank you! You got this, girl!

[@cpb0589]

MSW is primarily clinical idk where you got that from? There are different specializations...so if you are into policy then yes you will not have a clinical emphasis.