A list of things to do when you graduate.
Find a supervisor: I would recommend a thorough search but not a long search for a supervisor to help you get to through your 24 months faster. You can always change supervisors or add additional supervisors so in my opinion it is better to get started than to wait for the perfect one.
Find a site: I do encourage people, if possible, to accept a position at your internship site then look for work elsewhere. Many sites want you to have your associate license which you can’t get without a site-its a difficult situation…like with #1, you can always change sites or add a site. You can start counting towards your 24 months when you have BOTH a site and a supervisor so my recommendation is to err on the side of time versus the perfect supervisor or site.
Stay in contact with your cohort. Schedule a time to meet up and check in after graduation. They can be a great source of support, encouragement, networking, referrals, site and supervisor recommendations.
Don’t start working on CEs until you get licensed unless you absolutely love the information provided because it won’t count towards your CEs (in the state of GA). So if you want EMDR, go for it-it jus won’t count as a CE. Another exception might be CEs designed for new clinicians like the New Clinician Expo I host in the summers. It is super low cost, if does have CEs approved for those who may have their associate license but all the material is designed to help clinicians who recently graduated.
Begin to build your referral network, get to know what resources are out there for clients. Get to know local programs that support the community to help assist your clients with their common stressors.
Subscribe to Samantha Newton’s YouTube channel The Keys to Therapy
Celebrate! You’ve just completed a ginormous accomplishment, be sure to celebrate you and all your hard work!
