First Year Counselor Essentials
A 5-month training fellowship to address the unique needs of new counselors in NC | August - December 2025
Congrats on becoming an LCMHCA!
Wondering if you're ready for the next step? We've got you...
Imagine getting all the CEs required for your first renewal period, board-approved group supervision from experienced supervisors and counselor educators, along with specialized training designed to prepare you for getting started in the counseling field in North Carolina.
First Year Counselor Essentials Fellowship will address topics such as...
- working with natural ups and downs in confidence and imposter syndrome
- how to decide which specialties or certifications to pursue
- managing your caseload to reduce the risk of burnout
- the ins and outs of insurance-based counseling practice
It's hard to transition from the camaraderie of grad school to the isolation of clinical practice. In addition to filling the gaps between training and practice, you'll be gaining one of the most critical resources for a successful counseling career: a supportive community of peers.
How we will support you in your first year of practice
Each month will include:
Virtual, Board-Approved Group Supervision
Virtual on the 1st Wednesday of each month
2-hour exclusive CE event
Each event will include instruction on a topic specifically and exclusively for our FYCE Fellows
Weekly discussion and reflection prompts
Explore new content and connect with your cohort in our community discussion space
Resources for reading and practice
Build your library and toolbox with expert- recommended reading.
1 | Caseload Management
- Challenges starting from scratch
- Scheduling for success: Managing time & emotional energy
- Maintaining a full caseload
2 | Working with Systems
- Insurance & the medical model
- Subpoenas & court orders
- Working with Child Protective Services
- Involuntary commitment - Client & counselor perspectives
3 | Relational Challenges
- Client resistance/stuckness
- Boundary setting & maintenance
- When clients fire you
- Self disclosure - practical guidance
4 | Leveling Up
- Honing your craft - certification & specialization
- Unpacking patterns - recognizing subconscious beliefs you bring to the work
- Higher levels of care - what to expect
- Terminating with clients
5 | Special Topics
- Diagnosis deep dive - trauma, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder
- Private practice goal setting
- Psychology Today - creating a standout profile
- Planning your next 5 years
Get a head start with these upcoming free webinars
April 7th and May 13th, 2025
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New counselor Q & A
CourseJoin our experts for a Q & A designed to prepare you for your move into the counseling field.
Free
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Between Graduation & Your First Session: An LCMHCA Primer
CourseWe’ll cover how to market themselves, build a caseload, and handle key logistics like NPIs, CAQH, and Psychology Today profiles, and more!
Free
Who should apply
The FYCE Fellowship has 12 openings for counselors in their first year of practice who meet the following criteria
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Hold an active North Carolina LCMHCA license by August 1, 2025
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Completed a CACREP-accredited Masters program in Clinical Mental Health or Rehabilitation Counseling
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Have an individual supervisor
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Employed as a counselor providing direct clinical care
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Demonstrated commitment to cultural humility, advocacy, and personal growth
Fellows will also get access to bonus content
25 on-demand, podcast-based CEs
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Stigma, peer support, and suicide intervention
CourseBeing a counselor and consumer of mental health care offers a unique perspective. Dr. Dana Cea discusses stigma and suicide prevention.
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When Clients Cross Boundaries: Managing Sexual Behavior in the Counseling Relationship
CourseWhether subtle or overt, client sexual behavior can be a major concern regardless of counseling setting. Learn how to handle it in this episode with Psychologist Amber Margaretten.
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Embodied: Addressing the Counseling Needs of People of Size
CourseWeight stigma can negatively impact wellness, attachment, and mental health - learn more in this conversation with Brit Guerin.
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Beyond multiculturalism: The need for anti-racist counselor education
CourseA discussion of deconstructing counselor education to better align our professional goals to embody multiculturalism, social justice, problem-based inquiry and creativity for counselors in training.
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Inclusive work environments for counselors from marginalized groups
CourseJoin Dr. Mona Nour, group practice owner to learn about the impact of creating diverse and (actually) inclusive workplaces for counselors.
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Dismantling White Supremacy in Counseling Practice: A Personal Journey
CourseThe field of counseling has an unexamined white supremacy problem that continues to be perpetuated despite recent efforts to align practice with multicultural and social justice values. Explore the scope of the issue and approaches to deconstruction.
Fellowship cost- $1100 one time or $240 a month
Save up to $1400 on first year expenses
We know the first year out of grad school can be financially challenging. With monthly and all-inclusive pricing options, you get content curated for your needs at a significantly lower price. We also have two sliding scale spaces.
Applications will open in May
Add your email to the mailing list to get a reminder and resources for licensure and job searching while you wait.
Meet your supervisors
Executive Director Candice Creasman Mowrey, PhD, LCMHCS
Dr. Candice Creasman Mowrey received a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling and Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2008, and a Doctorate in Counseling and Counselor Education from North Carolina State University in 2015. She has worked in psychosocial rehabilitation, in-patient, community agency, disability services, and intensive outpatient settings. She founded Creasman Counseling, PLLC, a single-person private practice, in 2011, which has grown to a team of over 30 culturally and professionally diverse clinicians. Dr. Creasman Mowrey has been adjunct faculty at NCSU and Northwestern University and has provided clinical supervision since 2014.
Clinical Director Beth Vincent, PhD, LCMHC
Dr. Beth Vincent received a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from East Carolina University in 2013 and a Doctorate in Counseling and Counselor Education from NC State University in 2017. She has worked in university, public school, private practice, and outpatient mental health settings. She spent seven years working as a core faculty member and clinical coordinator in counselor education training programs to support counseling students in their internship and job search processes. She has been supervising counselors since 2015 and currently serves as the Director of Clinical Training at Creasman Counseling, PLLC.
Former supervisees share their experiences
Truly transformative
My experience working with Candice was truly transformative. She is an incredibly kind, supportive, and caring supervisor who goes above and beyond to address concerns and offer guidance. Her wealth of knowledge and expertise were invaluable to me, especially as I transitioned from a school counselor to a private practice therapist. Candice was always quick to respond to challenges, providing thoughtful and practical solutions that left me feeling confident and empowered. She not only supported my professional growth but also helped me navigate my own feelings and personal journey, fostering both self-awareness and skill development. Under her supervision, I felt fully equipped to excel in my new role, and her compassionate approach made all the difference in my success as a clinical mental health therapist.
Build confidence as a clinician
Candice is an incredible supervisor and I feel I'm a stronger therapist as a result of her supervision. I learned how to meet my clients where they're at, how to discern risk and identify the appropriate steps to take to protect my clients and myself, and how to maintain my own mental health as a person and a therapist. Candice's supervision approach offers understanding and acceptance as well as guidance and support, which helps build confidence as a clinician.
Integrative approach
I have felt incredibly supported working under both Beth and Candice. I have been equipped with thorough training, resources, space, and clients. Integrating mindfulness and ACT principles into the training made the approach feel unique and aligned with my developmental goals.