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i became a LCSW - here's EVERYTHING i LEARNED & *wish i knew*
Lauren, Honestly
Overview
This video offers a transparent look at the experiences and lessons learned after becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) over the past decade. The speaker shares insights into the challenging yet rewarding nature of therapy, the process of accumulating clinical hours under supervision, and the often-unsettling feeling of starting with clients. It demystifies the LCSW exam, emphasizes the importance of choosing a supervisor wisely, and discusses the value of the LCSW credential, particularly in roles like school-based therapy. The speaker also advises against rushing into private practice and encourages aspiring LCSWs to start the process even if they don't feel fully ready.
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Chapters
- Becoming an LCSW is a challenging but ultimately rewarding journey that requires significant clinical hours and supervision.
- Therapy itself is difficult, requiring the development of a personal style and comfort in disclosing personal struggles and mistakes to a supervisor.
- The initial feeling of not being ready or feeling like an imposter with the first client is a normal and common experience.
Understanding these initial challenges helps normalize the experience for new clinicians and sets realistic expectations for the path ahead.
The speaker describes the feeling of wearing a 'costume' when meeting the first client, highlighting the initial disconnect and unfamiliarity.
- The LCSW clinical exam is often perceived as less difficult than the initial LMSW exam, with success depending more on test-taking strategies than content mastery.
- Effective supervision is crucial, and it's vital to choose a supervisor you trust and feel comfortable with, as you'll need to be vulnerable about your weaknesses.
- Supervision is a blend of therapeutic support and professional consultation, requiring honesty and self-reflection to truly benefit from the process.
This section provides practical advice on exam preparation and highlights the critical role of a supportive and challenging supervisor in professional development.
The speaker advises treating the exam like a computer, going with the first gut response to avoid overthinking, which can lead to confusion.
- Individual supervision is often more expensive but can be more beneficial for those who struggle with admitting faults or appearing incompetent.
- Honest self-disclosure during supervision is essential for growth; pretending to know everything or telling the supervisor what they want to hear is a disservice to oneself.
- Supervisors play a dual role of encouragement and challenge, akin to a coach, helping the supervisee elevate their skills.
This emphasizes that supervision is an investment in oneself, and the quality of the relationship with the supervisor directly impacts learning and development.
The speaker, a self-proclaimed recovering perfectionist, found individual supervision necessary to shed the need to appear knowledgeable and work through personal barriers.
- Don't feel pressured to immediately jump into private practice or work for large virtual therapy platforms upon licensure.
- The LCSW credential opens doors to higher-paying jobs and leadership opportunities, even within established systems like schools.
- School social work can be a fulfilling path for LCSWs, with growing opportunities for providing mental health services within educational settings.
This challenges the common assumption that LCSWs must pursue private practice, highlighting alternative and equally valid career trajectories.
The speaker found their dream job as a school-based therapist after obtaining their LCSW, demonstrating that the license can enhance roles within existing systems.
- The letters 'LCSW' carry significant weight and recognition, particularly in states like Texas, signaling a high level of clinical expertise.
- While the credential may require explanation to those outside the field, it unlocks better job opportunities and the potential for self-employment.
- It's better to start accumulating clinical hours immediately, as you will likely never feel completely 'ready,' and time will pass regardless.
This encourages aspiring clinicians to begin their journey without delay, emphasizing that the credential itself is valuable and time is a finite resource.
The speaker notes that even within schools, where the term 'LCSW' might not be common, the license qualifies them for roles like school-based therapist, which they might not have accessed otherwise.
- School social work experience can count towards clinical hours, a fact that is sometimes misunderstood.
- As clinicians gain experience, they may become 'training snobs,' finding it harder to engage with basic or case-management-focused workshops.
- Finding relevant, in-depth clinical training requires proactive searching beyond standard offerings.
This addresses practical concerns about logging hours and the evolving learning needs of experienced clinicians, encouraging continued specialized development.
The speaker mentions having to 'fake smile' through some trainings that feel too surface-level, illustrating the challenge of finding advanced clinical content.
Key takeaways
- The journey to becoming an LCSW is demanding, but the feeling of not being ready initially is a shared and normal experience.
- Choosing a supervisor requires prioritizing trust and comfort, as honest self-disclosure is paramount for effective learning.
- The LCSW exam tests test-taking skills more than deep content knowledge; focus on strategy and avoid second-guessing.
- Don't feel rushed to pursue private practice; the LCSW license enhances many career paths, including roles within school systems.
- The LCSW credential is a powerful asset that opens doors to better opportunities and recognition within the field.
- Start accumulating clinical hours as soon as possible, as the feeling of being perfectly ready is unlikely to ever arrive.
- Clinical social work involves continuous self-reflection and inner work, often making supervision feel like a form of therapy.
Key terms
LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)Clinical HoursSupervisionLMSW (Licensed Master Social Work)TransferenceCountertransferencePrivate PracticeSchool Social WorkSuperviseeInterventions
Test your understanding
- What is the primary challenge new clinicians face when starting with their first clients, and why is this feeling considered normal?
- How does the speaker suggest approaching the LCSW clinical exam, and what is the rationale behind this approach?
- Why is selecting a supervisor based on trust and comfort more important than whether supervision is free?
- What alternative career paths does the speaker suggest for LCSWs besides immediate private practice, and why are these viable options?
- What advice does the speaker give to individuals who are hesitant to start accumulating clinical hours, and what is the underlying reason for this advice?