If you find yourself in search of a counselor, and you, like many people, want to be sure that you get the best one. I want to provide you with information that will help you in your search.

First off: In order to be a licensed counselor in the state of texas, one must have completed a reputable master's program and passed a series of exams to become licensed. 

Your counselor will have their degrees posted in their office, and the paperwork you fill out during your initial visit will also state their qualifications.

My journey started at Lubbock Christian University, where I graduated with a Bachelors degree in psychology, and then a Master's degree in Counseling in 2016. During that time, I worked under the supervision of an LPC where I completed 375 direct client contact hours. This means that I have spent time counseling clients for that amount of time during my schooling. I counseled people in a hospice setting , where I worked with people experiencing loss, trauma, relationship  skills, and navigation, and those dealing with depression and anxiety. I also counseled kids who were experiencing various traumas, weather that be school difficulties, trauma related to grief and the loss of a loved one, and those experiencing behavioral concerns.

After I completed the appropriate course work, I passed the required National counselor exam.

For those who are Licensed Professional Counselors, The next step in the process is to work under the supervision of a Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor. 

This means that I am licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor Intern, and I have a supervisor.

This is the part that may turn people off from LPC – Interns

She won't understand me. She is too young. She doesn't have enough life experience . I don't want my information shared with anyone, and she has to meet with a supervisor.

I want to take this moment to ease your concerns about having a counselor who is a LPC Intern.

• I do meet with a supervisor once a week for supervision that is required of all LPC's . To become a LPC – one must complete 3,000 supervised hours of counseling under the appropriate  supervisor. 

• I am held to the same code of ethics as any other Licensed Professional Counselor. 
• this means that , even though I do meet for supervision, I cannot  reveal any identifying or confidential information to my supervisor. We simply discuss the interventions I am using, and she answers any questions I have. But at no point does your information get relayed to her. 
• LPC-Interns and LPC's have the same goal. That is, to facilitate the growth and healing of their clients.
• A professional who has LPC next to their name has completed the 3,000 hours required by the state. 
• A professional who has LPC next to their name still meets every once in a while for some type of consultation on their own to make sure they are on the right track. They are just not required to log or track it. 
• A professional who has LPC next to their name has been counseling and seeing clients longer than an LPC-Intern.

I want to close with this. All counselors gave the goal to help clients reach the potential in their life that they have been seeking. I believe that the work you put into your growth determines your experience, no matter if your counselor is an LPC or LPCI. It is up to you to work toward your goals. We , LPC and LPC-Interns are simply there to help facilitate your growth and see you experience freedom.  So, here are some helpful tools and questions to ask yourself in your search.

Has my counselor completed the required schooling and testing requirements?

Is my counselor current on all of their required licensing?

Do I feel Safe?

Do I feel understood ?

Do I feel respected?

Does my counselor appear to be able to meet me where I am in a neutral , non judgmental way?

Am I able to bring my concerns regarding the therapist, negative and positive to him or her, and they be answered?

 

 

Ultimately, you are in charge of your growth and experience. I'd love to walk with you and support you in understanding that you are worth it. You are worth the time , the effort it takes to grow and heal.

Be encouraged,

Rachael