I've been putting off my Licensed Clinical Social Work exam for six months now due to severe personal problems that multiplied, creating the inability to study for the exam.

17 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 31,2025 at 6:17AM UTC

   I think mindset is 80% of success in anything you do. Get a good therapist so that you can develop that healthy mindset. Otherwise you will continue on this spiral and rob yourself of joy an peace which are essential for a life well lived.

2. AnonymousMay 31,2025 at 12:54PM UTC

   I agree with this response. To the OP, you obviously do need outside help to see yourself in a more positive manner. You're self-sabotaging and seems you're letting life circumstances control you rather than you controlling what is in your power to do so. Please seek assistance. You are worthy.

3. AnonymousMay 31,2025 at 1:14PM UTC

   Congratulations on your difficult accomplishment!!!

   I have worked with some amazing LCSWs. The way they can help make difficult lives better is amazing!

   Best of luck to you!

4. AnonymousMay 31,2025 at 2:04PM UTC

   Congratulations! You done good! Read up on the 'imposter syndrome' and give yourself grace. Best of luck to you!

5. AnonymousMay 31,2025 at 2:32PM UTC

   You just need some professional help that's all. It is amazing what psychiatric can do. Congratulations on what may be a great career. You can do this.

6. Coach Nancie Kay ShumanJune 1,2025 at 3:50AM UTC

   First of all, congratulations for passing the exam. Even in the best of circumstances, it's hard, and the entire process is stressful! But you did it!!

   Sounds as though you are dealing with a little bit of imposture syndrome. I know, I have been threre and your story of constant interference sounds in credibly familiar. I came home for Grad School to many a crisis. Take some time and regroup. Reach out for some support. You've got this and you are worthy and deserving of success.

7. AnonymousJune 1,2025 at 11:42AM UTC

   Ask your therapist ways you can improve your situation. It sounds like you are torturing yourself. It's not healthy and could turn into a more severe mental health issue that could really impact your life.

8. AnonymousJune 1,2025 at 4:32PM UTC

   Welcome to the LCSW world ! Your experience will help you become more empathic towards other’s and their suffering . Sounds like you really had to pay your dues to earn your stripes . I went through a lot before I obtained my LCSW . But, I feel the license really paid off and opened up new doors and opportunities. I hope it does for you as well!

9. AnonymousJune 1,2025 at 8:10PM UTC

   Take time off and go get your license any soild organization would understand .

10. AnonymousJune 2,2025 at 1:42PM UTC

    First of all CONGRATS! Nothing worth it in life is easy. We ALL have challenges, but you persevered! Give yourself some grace. I worked full-time and went back to school part-time, and for my last year I was only out of classes maybe a few weeks of that year. I graduated but 2 months later my mother died. I was exhausted and prior to her death she was very sick. But I continued studying, was exhausted, got colds a lot, but wasn't giving up. Days I cried, gave myself a pitty party, thought I failed one of the final exams, but actually did very well. That same year we had a family house fire, and there were a host of other awful situations, but you know what, I ended up getting a new career through all of it and made more money than the previous job while in school. All this to say, our lives take us in different directions, we are exposed to odd situations, and maybe your guardian angel came as a cop to make sure you got to your test okay. You never know. Say grace in what you have, what you accomplished, and how all of your experiences can help others. You are worthy. They need you.

11. Dr. Patty GrossJune 2,2025 at 2:10PM UTC

    Try a different spin on it: You passed a test under the worst of circumstances. That's a winner in my book!! Congratulations, I'm sure you will be a great LCSW. You have the right stuff, or you never would have passed.

12. AnonymousJune 2,2025 at 5:50PM UTC

    Chalk it up to no pain no gain! Congratulations on your big achievement now give yourself some grace and then go do great things...

13. Valerie RiegerJune 6,2025 at 1:36PM UTC

    Congratulations! Celebrate your victory!

    You passed a difficult exam, with little to no study time, during a very difficult time in your life. If that doesn't say "qualified", then I don't know what does. In spite of all that life threw at you, you persevered and overcame.

    Please rest and take care of yourself. You've got this!

14. Elizabeth AbelJune 6,2025 at 4:49PM UTC

    Maybe consider what you would say to a patient presenting this problem. Would you say the patient 'isn't worthy'? I doubt it! I'd guess you advocate for celebrating the wins (pushing thru, passing!) and perhaps suggest setting some boundaries for safe-guarding yourself in times of stress.

    You passed, it was meant to be. Go forth, help people and do great things!

15. maria roseJune 7,2025 at 6:09PM UTC

    No mention of why this OP takes a medication, which is probably a needed medication for a chronic physical condition which doesn’t apply in any way to the OP’s ability to do the job. But the OP’s mental reaction to the “pressure of taking a required exam “ is the topic of this conversation. The OP posted that dispite all the stress reactions they passed the exam needed for the certification so what the OP needs to address in themselves, why having deadlines creates stress in themselves. The OP is capable of doing this job but mentally creates stress reactions to normal live situations that over time are building panic feelings. I am sure that there are many ways available in today’s world that recognizes how important it is to learn to cope effectively with how stress reactions effects our lives, which I hope some of the other commenters can supply. I can only state that this reaction tendency needs to be addressed so that the OP leads a less stressful life going forward.

16. athenanow1June 9,2025 at 7:14PM UTC

    But you've been doing the job for 3yrs, and I'm sure you've gotten feedback from both your job and clients. As far as your knowledge, you just passed the test during difficult times. I would address your fear of failure though. Many people do great professionally but are a mess outside. That can only last so long before you burn out. Take care of yourself so you can take care of everyone else.

17. AnonymousJune 17,2025 at 12:56PM UTC

    CONGRATS on your achievement!

    Sounds to me like you have 'imposter" syndrome. Google Definition: Impostor syndrome, also known as the imposter phenomenon, is a psychological pattern where individuals experience persistent self-doubt and the inability to believe their successes are deserved. Despite evidence of their competence and accomplishments, they may feel like frauds and fear being "found out".

    You need to some serious self love. I would recommend you talk to a therapist about these issues to help you figure out why you feel so unworthy. Finally, as far as your personal issues, they are affecting your work life...you have to develop better coping mechanisms or as others have noted, you will burn out. Please take better care of yourself - mind, body & soul.