DiscoverThe Mindful EPPP Journey & Beyond by Ganas & Go!
The Mindful EPPP Journey & Beyond by Ganas & Go!
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The Mindful EPPP Journey & Beyond by Ganas & Go!

Author: Dr. Cheli López (Araceli López-Arenas, PhD, MPH)

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The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is a national standardized exam that is used to assess the knowledge and readiness of license-eligible clinicians to independently practice psychology. Passing the exam with a 500+ score is a life-changing step to calling yourself a Licensed Psychologist. This allows you to serve the populations you are most passionate about helping, a likely reason why you decided to become a psychologist. 

 

But according to recent EPPP data, the number of Black and Latinx clinicians who fail this exam is shockingly high. Despite having a doctoral degree and years of experience, many find themselves stuck in “unlicensed limbo.” After experiencing disheartening exam failures, some clinicians give up on their dreams and plans of becoming a Licensed Psychologist altogether. 

 

It’s time to change this trend with the Mindful EPPP Journey and Beyond podcast. Together, we explore the “ganas” behind overcoming the adversity of becoming a Licensed Psychologist. 

 

You do not have to deal with the difficulties of preparing for the EPPP alone. Hear real-life experiences that raise awareness about the adverse impact of the EPPP. Find connection, validation, and motivation in passing with the help of encouraging psychologists. Let this podcast be your guide to take on the licensing exam with a strong, positive mindset grounded in community.

 

Tune in to the incredible stories of PhDs and PsyDs who demonstrate resilience, persistence, perseverance, grit, and ganas in the face of pain and suffering after being unlicensed for a long time. They give a much-needed push to keep moving forward towards your career goals and offer valuable advice on ways to be accountable, structured, and consistent in your approach to the EPPP. Discover how to draw from the gifts and skills you already possess as a first-generation BIPOC psychologist. Also featured in the podcast are experts who present useful study strategies that make the review process much more efficient, particularly if you experience symptoms of ADHD.

 

Host of the podcast is Dr. Cheli López, (also known as Dr. Araceli López-Arenas), a Licensed Psychologist, entrepreneur, behavioral consultant, and EPPP coach. She specializes in treating adults with co-occurring mental health disorders with a special focus on health equity. It took her six long years and five tries to finally get her license. Knowing the struggles and untold truths of this journey, Dr. Cheli turned her frustrations into a social justice mission to decolonize psychology and increase the number of culturally competent psychologists to meet the mental health needs of the world. 

 

From years of leading a community of first-gen practitioners through the process, Dr. Cheli has developed a methodology that goes beyond the content of EPPP test prep. Dr. Cheli incorporates mindfulness, cultural responsiveness, and evidence-based practices to make a grueling experience manageable, joyful, and increase the likelihood of passing the EPPP. 

 

A lot of people make sacrifices in the process of getting their license. It’s easy to drown in debt, become overworked, be underpaid, and feel underappreciated. Every episode, Dr. Cheli inspires you to pass the EPPP with an 800 growth mindset while enriching and elevating your personal life. She addresses the mental health disparities that many people endure when preparing for this exam. 

 

Put your unlicensed limbo to an end with Dr. Cheli and the wisdom of her supportive community. Claim that license along with the empowerment to serve the communities that brought you to this work. Join us in building a legacy of thriving, BIPOC, first-generation licensed psychologists. 

 

Listen to The Mindful EPPP Journey and Beyond podcast at https://www.mindfulepppjourney.com/blog

4 Episodes
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Becoming a licensed psychologist is a long, challenging journey—but what if the biggest hurdle, the EPPP, could be an empowering experience? In this episode, Dr. Claudia Solorzano, a holistic life coach and a license-eligible clinician with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, joins host Dr. Cheli López to share how she transformed her approach to the exam, shifting from frustration to confidence. She reveals the study methods that worked, the mindset shift that changed everything, and how she now helps others tackle the licensing process with resilience. If you’ve ever felt stuck or discouraged, this conversation is for you. Let’s dive in!
The BIPOC community is at a disadvantage when it comes to standardized testing. How? The systemic issues of racial biases permeate in the way standardized tests are created. So, how do you prepare for this? Dr. Tanya Erazo is here to help guide you and she shares her EPPP journey as a first-time test-taker. Dr. Tanya is a Latina born to immigrant parents and understood the importance of education early on. As a woman of color, there were certain internalized expectations she had to deal with as she pursued higher education to become a psychologist and, ultimately, in taking the EPPP. She shares her story as she chats with host Dr. Cheli López on the struggles of students of color and other marginalized groups. She also speaks on the immigrant weight and the pressures of representing your racial/ethnic/cultural group. Listen in to get tips on how to prep and amend your studying to your learning style and pass on your first take. Stay tuned!
When taking the EPPP, test-takers really need to come up with their own test-taking strategies. If your friend chose one testing program, don't follow them. See what works for you. This is your EPPP journey after all. Other strategies include surrounding yourself with positive affirmations, taking a week's break before the test, and more. Learn all of these strategies from your host Cheli Lopez and her guest Dr. Nichole Vincent. Dr. Nichole is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and is the founder of the group, From Pissed Off to Passing. There she helps multiple test-takers of the EPPP make a comeback so that they can vault over that 500 score. Discover Dr. Nichole's journey and how she failed seven times before passing the EPPP. Find out how she did it from wearing good luck charms to wearing t-shirts with positive designs. And, learn that even if you fail, you're only failing towards success. 
Licensure exams are one of the most nerve-wracking challenges a student needs to conquer. However, life doesn’t always go according to plan. Licensed Psychologist Dr. Melissa E. Muñoz has had her share of life’s trials. She sits with Dr. Cheli Lopez to discuss how she got back on track after failing the exams on her first try. She joins us today to talk about how she went through graduate school as a person of color and how she managed to navigate the system with the help of her academic family. Listen in as Dr. Melissa shares distress tolerance strategies and the things you need to improve on to equip you with the knowledge you need in getting your psychologist license.
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