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Tips from ECP students

Real advice from people actually in it

These are short, unedited-ish tips from current or recent ECP students. They’re not official program guidance, just things people wish someone had told them earlier.

Use what fits your situation, ignore what doesn’t, and remember that you’re allowed to do grad school in a way that keeps you human.

Submit a Tip 📝

🌱 For new / incoming ECP students

From Abby

On workload, professors, and not isolating yourself while you’re here:

“I think I’d tell someone newly joining that it’s a lot of work but compartmentalize it and you’ll be ok, read what you can and don’t sweat what you can’t, talk to as many people as possible, and your teachers are notttt your opps. Talk to them too because they’re so willing to help you — whether it’s asking for an extension or clarification — they’re going to be part of your professional network too, and things get heavy so get your own mental health help and heavily practice self care!! Also… when people invite you out don’t make excuses, go have fun!!! It’ll lead to great friends :D”

Translation: don’t try to white-knuckle this program alone. Use your people, use your professors, and don’t forget you’re allowed to have a life.

🧠 Thinking about the LMFT/LPCC program

From a fellow Counseling Student

If someone is considering the LMFT/LPCC track, here are the key questions and realities to keep in mind:

  1. Check your commitment: How interested are you in being a therapist, really? This program is three years and pretty expensive, so it’s important to seriously consider if you’re truly committed.
  2. Timeline reality: To be done in three years, you’ll need to take summer classes (at least one summer) and then overload some quarters.
  3. Do your research: If you’re interested in a professor’s work, look them up and read what they’ve published.
  4. Be intentional with classes: Take classes from professors you’re genuinely interested in. Read their bios on the SCU website and choose accordingly.

TL;DR: being a therapist is meaningful work, but it’s a big investment of time, money, and energy. Go in with your eyes open and your research done.

Want to add your own tip?

This page will grow as more ECP students share what’s helped them. If you have something short you’d tell a new student, a practicum tip, or a “no one told me this” moment, you can send it through the same form linked from the Advice hub. We’ll keep it student-to-student and leave out names unless you say it’s okay.