From Stalled to Licensed: Dr. Darreon’s Journey to Conquering the EPPP
For many doctoral graduates, the path to becoming a licensed psychologist is a blur of academic rigor, clinical rotations, and the looming, monolithic presence of the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). For Dr. Darreon, the journey was one of immense pride—earning his PhD from an HBCU and securing a position at a major university—yet he hit a wall that even his extensive training hadn’t prepared him for.
The Weight of the Uncharted Path
As he transitioned into his career, Dr. Darreon found himself in the dark. While he was surrounded by seasoned, brilliant colleagues, he realized that for them, the EPPP was a distant memory. When he reached out for guidance, he was often met with well-meaning but unhelpful advice or, in some cases, a sense of "deflation" from those who had long since moved past the trauma of the exam.
Without a clear roadmap, he felt the heavy sting of not passing on his first attempt. He carried this weight in silence, grappling with the shame of having navigated so many professional barriers only to feel stopped by a test. Between the demands of a new job at The Ohio State University and the pressure of uprooting his family, the burnout was palpable. He recalls, "I’ll eat my humble pie and say I was ashamed enough internally because I’m like, I’ve come this far through all of those barriers and didn't get it."
The Turning Point: Finding Clarity
The turning point didn’t come from buying another expensive practice module or spending more hours in the library; it came from a shift in perspective. As he continued his study prep, often finding solace in local cafes, he began working with a coach who prioritized practicality over perfectionism.
He had a tendency to dive too deep, losing himself in the complexity of the material. His coach intervened with a simple but radical directive: "Stop, Darreon. Just do that." By learning to simplify his study habits and focus on the lowest common denominator of the content, he stopped over-studying areas he had already mastered and began directing his energy where it actually mattered. The guidance helped him reel in his approach, turning a disorganized, anxious grind into a logical, manageable process.
A Transformation in Mindset
The change was transformative. He stopped viewing the EPPP as a mystery to be solved with more books and started treating it as a strategic hurdle to be cleared with clarity. He learned to trust his foundational knowledge rather than spiraling into over-analysis. "I think it was those practical, simplistic pieces that caused me to really not go buy another practice module," he reflects.
This newfound structure, paired with the support of his family—who would catch him studying at 3:00 a.m. and offer encouragement rather than judgment—allowed him to finally cross the finish line.
Beyond the Exam: A New Chapter
Today, Dr. Darreon is not just a licensed clinical psychologist; he is a trailblazer. His victory over the EPPP wasn't just a professional milestone it was the key that unlocked his future. Shortly after licensure, he accepted a role as the first-ever embedded psychologist within the Multicultural Center at The Ohio State University.
In this new position, he is actively breaking down walls, collaborating with administration, and providing cultural care to a diverse student body initiatives he can lead precisely because of the unique experiences he brings to the table. He no longer carries the weight of the exam; instead, he carries the confidence of a man who knows he can overcome whatever challenge stands in his way.
A Note of Hope
To those currently feeling defeated, perhaps staring at their books with the same overwhelm Dr. Darreon once felt, his story offers a simple, powerful reminder: you are not alone in your struggle, and the EPPP does not define your worth as a clinician. "If I’d have known then what I know now," he suggests, "I would have begun to work the modules and the coaching as soon as possible."
The journey to licensure is intense, but it is temporary. With the right structure and a focus on practical, clear strategies, the path to your best life and your most impactful career is waiting on the other side.
Take the Next Step with Crush That Exam
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