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.