So I’ve never been in a fraternity (and to clarify, nor have I ever wanted to be in one) but as a friend has pointed out, going through the licensing process is largely like being hazed into the greek system back in college. I guess this isn’t only for psychologists/therapists, but for most professionals who have governing institutions and license procedures. One may argue that there is some level of testing competency involved in the EPPP and CPSE testing process, but from my point of view, its mostly a test of determination, test-taking ability and ego strength, and not so much a test of knowledge and skill. Much of that material I learned through the studying process. I’m grateful for the odd psych-trivia I now have embedded in the depths of my memory reserves, but I’m not sure how useful it is. I’m a big fan of the internet, journals and books as sources of information, and could see clinicians using these resources rather than cramming (and probably not retaining) a bunch of useful (and largely useless) information into their heads when they could be learning about applied clinical psychology best practices.

But, regardless of how both silly and important that test of stamina and determination can be, I’m now in the club. Being in the club gives you access to all sorts of great things – you can practice psychology on your own, you qualify for all those jobs that say “licensed” in the listings, you can ask for higher salary, you can supervise interns (once you take the supervision CE class) and most of all, you are recognized by the elder members as one of the ones who has made it through all the hoops.

It feels really good reaching this milestone and sharing this space with all the other psychologists who have reached this place. Now we’re finally colleagues. Its not like this is close to the end of the road. There are so many more challenges to take on and things to learn and grow from. Now I can take them on with a new sense of pride and sense of belonging.

Now, I’m eagerly waiting to be assigned my license number!