Sacramento Licensed Therapist Finds Education Never Stops

Proper connection and communication between loved ones becomes less and less due to changing dynamics unforeseen. The job of marriage family therapist serves as a necessary sounding board for families and couples who seek a third-party to guide them through difficulties and transitions. For Darlene Davis, LMFT, this inspired her to start her own non-profit.

What does your job entail?

"Most days I spend supervising MFT interns that are working towards their license. I mentor, teach, and support their process while they conduct therapy with clients. I also have a private practice of my own as I think it's important to stay current in my skills in order to teach others. I also teach at University of Phoenix, and Alliant University in the Master's Counseling program. I created HOPE Counseling Center, a non-profit organization offering affordable counseling to the community. I keep my creative juices flowing by directing HOPE to be a resource that stands for integrity, support, and guidance for the community at large."

What parts of your job do you enjoy most?

"I love that I have the opportunity to give back to the profession of mental health counseling by teaching and guiding students and interns in becoming the best therapists they can be. Mental health is an integral piece of building a safe and caring community. It's wonderful to see them go through their training and eventually become licensed therapists and go out on their own."

What is your educational history?

"I went to JFK University where I was instructed by professors that worked in the field. I learned so much about the field but the best part of the education was learning who I was and what was important to me in life. My education never ends. I learn every day from those I teach."

Any advice for others looking to start a career as a therapist?

"The field is wide open at this point in time. With the ACA, there's a large need for clinicians to serve the population that now finds themselves with medical coverage. There's more to the profession than one on one therapy, there are opportunities to teach, serve, and to own your own business."

Paulo Acoba is a California native raised in the Bay Area and living in the Central Valley. He enjoys distance running, cycling and grassroots motorsports. He holds a degree in management from the University of California Merced. Paulo has been writing for Examiner.com since 2012 and covering the Fresno area.