GOOD news

I did it! I finally got my scores for the NCMHCE back. I passed! I also passed the Utah Professional Counselor Laws, Rules, and Ethics Exam last week. I'm mailing my application to become an LPC tomorrow! Not that anyone cares about my "official" scores, but I'm attaching them because I'm THAT proud!

Here's my scores on the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (I needed a 104 & 130 to pass, I got a 130 & 156, respectively)


Here's my scores on the National Clinical Exam (I needed a 97 to pass, I got a 131)
Here's my scores on the UT Professional Counselor Laws, Rules & Ethics Exam (I needed 75% to pass, I got 85%)

I'm SO close I can taste it! I start working at Beacon FMH on March 2nd, but will be attending the Open House on Feb. 27th & 28th. Hopefully you've received an invitation to the open house?

On another happy note, I heard from my lawyer regarding my lawsuit today for my auto accident in Jan. 2001. The coroner in Idaho stated the police had done a "piss poor investigation" and he was positive I could not have been driving. This is great news and hopefully encourages my insurance company to help me out a bit. I'm getting tired of hurting. Only time will tell...

It's been a GOOD day!

NEW Employment

OK, I was planning on opening a private practice...and I still may. I'm open to seeing people ANY time. I'm registered with the state and everything. And you saw my logo, it's amazing! But, with Chris and I planning to start a family in the near future, and the crappy economy, I'm nervous about taking out a small business loan. So, I decided to interview with a few places for a possible change in employment.

And...

Drum roll...

I've been offered a position with Beacon Family Mental Health in Sandy, UT. It's a new business. I'll participate in the establishment of a business, making opening a successful private practice later MUCH easier. I'll use both of my degrees as well. I'll do individual, couple, family, and group therapy. I'll also have the opportunity to give presentations, teach classes, and offer seminars. In addition, I'll help with marketing, organization development, and design. They even encouraged me to write the book I've been planning for some time now! And my personal favorite, I'd finally be able to see Deaf clients when I want.

The company's mission statement is "Emotional healing, for individuals and families, centered on Christ". I'll post the website when I've helped get it up and running. ;) It's similar to LDS Family Services, but I'll probably make more $. HA! I was quite impressed by this company. They seem to care about their employees, which is something I haven't felt in a LONG time. When explaining their business model to me, it sounds very much like a "private practice" feel, but without having to do the billing, scheduling, etc. I'm very excited!

Now, I have to get back to studying for the NCMHCE I'm taking on Jan. 17th. If I pass, I'm on my way to licensure as an LPC! I've completed my required hours, I've passed the NCE...I'm almost there!

Published

One of my widow friends asked me, and some of the girls I know that have been through similar experiences, if we wanted to submit an essay for a new book, "Alone But Not Lonely." Her friend was the editor for the book and there is a chapter on loss. She wanted us to share our experiences, advice, etc. I decided to submit an essay with my story and they accepted it. It was hard to write something so short when I could have written hundreds of pages about my experience. But I did it. Whew!

The book is only at Deseret Book, but I'm still excited to say I have something published! I don't have a copy yet but they should be mailing me one soon and a small check. If you are interested in checking it out, it's available at: http://deseretbook.com/store/product?sku=4959381