Ready to Launch – February 27, 2026 – Live/Virtual

DESCRIPTION

Beginning your journey as a therapist can feel both exciting and overwhelming. This training is designed to help new therapists build a solid foundation by developing essential clinical skills, boosting confidence, and gaining clarity on how to navigate the early stages of their career. Through practical guidance, self-reflection, and real-world strategies, participants will learn how to establish effective therapeutic relationships, manage common challenges, and set themselves up for long-term success. Whether you’re fresh out of graduate school or stepping into your first role, this course will equip you to launch your therapy career with confidence and purpose. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Identify key skills and strategies needed for successful early career therapy practice.  
2. Demonstrate techniques to build strong therapeutic rapport with clients.  
3. Recognize common challenges new therapists face and develop practical solutions.  
4. Develop a personalized plan to enhance confidence and clinical effectiveness.  
5. Apply self-care and professional boundaries to maintain wellbeing and prevent burnout.  
6. Clarify ethical considerations and professional responsibilities in early therapy practice.  

VIRTUAL TRAINING INFORMATION

• If you register for the Virtual Classroom training, make sure you have a good WIFI connection.
• Your computer will need a camera for you to be visible throughout the entire training to receive the certificate.
• We will be using Zoom for the training, and I will send you a link by Tuesday evening the week before the training.
• You will need to download the Zoom program to be able to use the link.
• Please note that during the training there will be one 15-minute break.

CRISTINA ALVAREZ

Cristina Alvarez joined the Center for Counseling and Family Relationships in 2018. She earned her Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Cristina became Licensed as a Professional Counselor in 2018. Cristina is EMDR Trained and is an Internationally Credentialed Sandtray Therapist. Her background includes counseling in a private university setting where she helped college students cope and adapt with life transitions and as a crisis counselor for children in schools.