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The Melanated Woman Behind the Mission: My Journey. My Faith. The Purpose Behind Failing Is Not an Option.

Hi, I’m Kerry Hurt, MA, LMFT—the founder of Failing Is Not an Option.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with more than 10 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Throughout my career, I have worked in therapeutic and educational settings, providing counseling, crisis support, case management, family collaboration, and social-emotional guidance. My work has strengthened my passion for helping people recognize their abilities, overcome challenges, and reach goals they once thought were out of reach.

After passing the National MFT Examination in January 2025, I created Failing Is Not an Option to support future LMFTs on their journey toward licensure. My own experience taught me that successful preparation is not only about memorizing information—it requires clarity, consistency, confidence, and a study routine that works for you.

I prepared by selecting two to three theories or concepts to focus on each week and following a quiz–read–quiz method. This approach helped me slow down, deepen my understanding, and recognize how important concepts appear in exam-style questions.

I created my study guide and educational resources to share the strategies that helped me succeed. My mission is to encourage future LMFTs—especially those preparing to retake the examination—to release anxiety, trust their preparation, and continue moving forward.

You are capable. You are prepared. Keep going—because failing is not an option!

💜 The Heart Behind Failing Is Not an Option 💜

Why I Do This

If I'm being completely honest, there was a time when I wasn't sure I would ever see the words "congratulations" on my screen.

I know what it feels like to leave the testing center replaying every question in your mind. I know what it's like to wonder if you're studying the right way, to question your abilities, and to feel the weight of an exam that seems to stand between you and the career you've worked so hard for.

There were days I felt overwhelmed. Days I doubted myself. Days I wanted to give up. But I didn't.

Instead, I changed my approach. I stopped believing that passing was about studying harder and started focusing on studying smarter. I learned to slow down, think systemically, understand what the exam was really asking, and trust my clinical reasoning instead of fear. More importantly, I learned to protect my mindset.

Prayer became part of my journey. Music became part of my journey. Encouragement became part of my journey. I discovered that preparing for this exam wasn't only about gaining knowledge, it was also about building confidence, resilience, and believing that I was capable of becoming the therapist I had always dreamed of being.

When I finally passed the National MFT Exam, I knew it was more than just an accomplishment, it was an answered prayer. During that season, God began speaking to my heart and placing a burden on me for future therapists who were walking through the same fear, anxiety, and uncertainty I had experienced.

In that moment, I made a promise to both God and myself: if I ever made it to the other side of this exam, I wouldn't keep what I had learned to myself. I would encourage others, share the strategies that helped me, and remind future LMFTs that they are capable of accomplishing the very thing they may feel is impossible today.

That promise became the foundation of Failing Is Not an Option. What started as my personal journey has grown into a mission to help others prepare with confidence, think systemically, trust their abilities, and never lose sight of the purpose that called them into this profession.

This is more than coaching to me, it's a calling.

The Failing Is Not an Option Experience

After 6 times taking this exam I finally passed!! Thank you Kerry for the videos, this group and the change to how I approached this test!! Don’t give up, the change to the structure of this test made all the difference. Also in my opinion, the practice tests don’t really prepare you for the test questions, but the YouTube videos and questions in this group sure do!! Wishing everyone so much luck in the future and to all of those testing this month.

Anonymous

I have seen a lot of people ask, will this group help me pass the CA LMFT exam and the answer is YES IT WILL!!!!!! I just passed the exam yesterday.

I would scroll through this group daily reading the questions and answering them mentally. I learned a lot from the rationales when I would get them wrong. You got this, you know the material, you truly just have to learn to think like the test. Learn the wording of the test. That helped me a lot with getting through.

Emily Ward

Grow your relationship with God, let Him study with you and watch Him move on your behalf!! HALLELUJAH!!!! & Lastly I praise God for this amazing, selfless woman of God Kerry Hurt and my amazing study group who I have prayed & worshipped with multiple times weekly for the past months! God did it y’all !!

Sierra Warren

After number of attempts and feeling exhausted I got the passing score of one point over. I couldn't do it without this group. Kerry you are the best!!! you supported me when I felt defeated, when I thought I can't go on, you believed in me, you give everyone so much strength, you are blessed with so much patience and goodness. May God continue to bless you and fulfill your life with joy, success and all that you wish for. Much appreciated!ppy customers by adding their testimonials and reviews

Mira Chen

Kerry Hurt I want you to know how much of a blessing you are. You are the black Diane Gehart!!! If it wasn't for you I wouldn't have PASSED!!! SCORE OF 136!!

I CANT STOP CRYING. This was my second attempt and I passed after finding you!! Your dedication to teaching us HOW to take this test is paramount. I cannot thank you enough!

Blessings upon you sis!!!

Sāsha HW

I PASSED!!

Thank you for everyone in this group, and most importantly,

Kerry Hurt for all of the hard work and dedication. Let’s see the rest of you all cross this finish line !!

Lyrica Solomon, LMFT

Purpose, Mission, The Calling

I recognize preparing for the National MFT Exam is about more than studying. It can be emotionally, mentally, and spiritually challenging. Many candidates experience anxiety, self-doubt, fear of failure, and the pressure of feeling like everything is riding on one exam.

For those who desire it, I am honored to offer prayer as part of the coaching experience.

Prayer is always optional and is offered as a source of encouragement, peace, and support throughout your journey.

As part of your coaching program, I offer:

Prayer before our coaching sessions to invite peace, wisdom, and clarity as we begin our time together.
Prayer at the end of our coaching sessions to encourage you as you continue studying between meetings.
A special prayer during our final coaching session as we prepare for your exam day and celebrate how far you've come.
A prayer the day before your exam to speak peace over your mind, confidence over your preparation, and calm over your testing experience.

My prayer is that you walk into the testing center feeling prepared, confident, and grounded—not because of fear, but because you've done the work and trust the process.

Whether we spend our time strengthening your clinical reasoning, improving your test-taking strategy, or simply encouraging you through a difficult season, my goal is to support you as a whole person.

May you enter your exam with confidence, clarity, wisdom, and peace knowing that your preparation has purpose and your hard work has value.

The Mindset That Changes Everything

My goal is to help you shift out of the cycle of second-guessing, overthinking, rushing, and doubting yourself. I want you to walk into your exam with confidence, think systemically, trust your clinical reasoning, and believe in the preparation you have worked so hard for.

Along the way, I will be your coach, your encourager, and—if you choose—someone who prays with you and for you.

This journey is about more than earning a passing score. It is about helping you recognize your strengths, trust yourself, and become the confident competent therapist you are already capable of being.

Worship Play List

Music played a big role in my own exam journey. There were days when I felt mentally exhausted, overwhelmed, or discouraged, and taking a few moments to listen to music before I studied helped me reset, refocus, and continue studying with a clearer mind.

I've included a playlist of songs that encouraged me throughout my preparation. Whether you're reading, reviewing practice questions, or taking a break between study sessions, I hope these songs help create a calm, focused environment and remind you that you're capable of passing this exam.

Remember, studying isn't just about what you learn—it's also about taking care of your mindset.

Press play, take a deep breath, and keep moving forward.

A playlist for those who find strength and peace through worship music.

Power-Up Play List

These are the songs I listened to when I needed to reset my mindset, increase my energy, and remind myself that I could do this. This playlist is for anyone who prefers a non-faith-based mental boost before studying or taking the exam.

Before You Study Today

Before you open your books or begin another set of practice questions, take a moment to reset your mind. How you approach your study session is just as important as what you study. Give yourself permission to leave distractions behind, quiet the self-doubt, and trust the work you've already put in.

Every study session is another step toward your goal of becoming a licensed therapist. Stay present, think systemically, give yourself grace when you need it, and remember why you started this journey.

One focused study session at a time. One question at a time. One step closer to LMFT.

One of my favorite resources is Lo-Fi Study Sessions on YouTube. I often recommend listening while reading, reviewing concepts, or completing practice exams. The peaceful background music creates a calm atmosphere that helps minimize distractions and makes it easier to stay focused.

https://www.youtube.com/@Lo-FibyDaisysLane

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