My master’s degree in mental health counseling comes from Northwestern University, which is rated among the top ten universities in the U.S. LPCC stands for licensed professional counselor candidate. This credential requires 600 hours working with clients under direct supervision from a fully licensed therapist/counselor. To drop that second C entails an additional 2,000 hours of ongoing supervision. What this means to me is the inner workings of our psyches and emotions are sacred territories and not to be meddled with by dilettantes with little or no professional training. Yes, here in Colorado there are practicing professionals who are proud of their intuitive natures presenting themselves as coaches and even as therapists. How much work a provider invests into earning the titles they advertise may coincide with the level of preparation, skill, and care they bring to working with you.  

You may bring your car to a hobbyist tinkerer and get lucky. Or because your safety and investment matter to you, you may choose to make your way to a master mechanic. I do not claim to be a master. The well-being of others matters to me and I have worked my tail off to earn the privilege of being of service to you. Credentials count. Your therapist learns a great deal about you. I encourage you to learn a bit about the work your therapist has put into earning the honor of supporting you.