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COMPARE LPC WITH OTHER PROFESSIONALS |
As with all professionals, competence
depends on
training, experience, and personal qualities and talents. Professional
designation alone (including LPC) does not distinguish the best
counselor. A competent counselor has the combination of training and
experience, as well as the personal qualities of a good helper.
Below are some professional designations you might encounter.
- LPC: Licensed Professional
Counselor.
Must have at least a master's level education, and experience in the
mental health field. (See What's an LPC)
- PhD: Doctor of Philosophy; EdD:
Doctor of
Education; PsyD Doctor of Psychology (in the counseling field these
designations usually mean the professional is a Psychologist).
- LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social
Worker. This is the licensed and clinical form of the MSW (Master's in
Social Work).
- MD: Psychiatrist, trained as a
doctor with a specialty in mental health. Can prescribe medication.
***
Counselor/Psychotherapist/Therapist***
Click here to see the difference
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The professionals listed above are not always trained and experienced
as counselors. Though they may have a license, they may have only
minimal schooling, training and experience specific to counseling. The
license they hold may have been obtained through experience in the
areas of administration, research, school, or government, but this type
of work may not be directly related to counseling. So possession of a
license does not insure high quality in a counselor.
As important as training and experience are, there are other essential
factors that contribute to competence in a counselor. Personal gifts
and talents are needed for excellence as a helper. Some examples
include: the desire for professional growth, the ability to listen,
compassion, being emotionally in touch, etc. In addition to these
personal qualities a counselor must have expertise with the problem
presented in counseling. Skills with issues such as depression or
anxiety, does not mean that a counselor can also help with addiction
issues, or marital problems. Issue specific experience and training is
necessary in order for a counselor to be a competent helper.
If not by professional designation, how does one assess the quality of
a counselor?
- Don't assume competence. Inquire about
training, experience in the field and method of practice. (And don't
accept vague or confusing answers.)
- Ask for an informational brochure or a
website. This might
answer some important questions about the counselor’s point
of
view, or expertise.
- In the initial phone calls and beginning
stages of the
counseling, evaluate your experience. Does the counselor listen; do
he/she seem interested, competent, compassionate, genuine, etc?
So . . . . . . The letters after a professional's name don't tell the
whole story. LPC's as well as other professionals may be competent to
counsel, but only if they possess the necessary talents, training and
experience.
The Good News! There are many competent, well-trained, and caring
professionals. Seek and you will find!
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