First of all, let's talk about what it's not. It's not what you think. A little man with a scruff beard in a 70's shirt and tie talking to you with a German accent saying "Very Interesting. I zinks you hate chor mom!" while you lie on a couch in a room sterile enough to do surgery in or worse a book filled, moldy, dated, dark "hole in the wall" place.
Counseling, or to seek counsel, is to look for someone who has a knowledge you need. I'll bet you've already seen a counselor before! No? If we want to drive a car, we go to an instructor. When the car breaks down, we search for a mechanic. If we play ball, we have a coach. All provide counsel. When life gets challenging or we feel overwhelmed, we need someone to join us where we are, be there beside us in a non-condescending way to provide guidance and direction, for a healthier more productive life. It's always the right choice to better yourself.
Even if we're already doing "ok", do you just want to settle for a "just ok" life? Why not make it the best life possible! How many times do we buy a car then add things to fix it up? Wheels or stereos? Even Tiger Woods, who is at the top of the game, has continuous coaching to be even better. Springfield Marriage and Family Institute exists for you to get the most out of life!
Licensure defines "scope of practice". The state of Missouri determines qualifications needed to be licensed by law or administrative rule.
Psychologists:
A Missouri state licensed psychologist is a health care professional who diagnoses and treats mental, nervous, emotional, and behavioral disorders and ailments. Missouri psychologists have earned a doctoral degree in psychology or otherwise meet the requirements of Missouri state statutes. Missouri psychologists have completed two years of supervised experience and have passed a national licensing exam.
- They evaluate, counsel and provide psychotherapy for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, nervous, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
- They administer and interpret tests of mental abilities and aptitudes, interests, neuropsychological status, personality and emotions.
- They evaluate and treat individuals for addictions, cognitive impairments, neuropsychological disorders and vocational needs.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC):
Missouri Licensed Professional Counselors have earned either a Master's or Doctorate degree in counseling, marriage and family therapy, psychology or related discipline according to the requirements of Missouri state statutes. They have passed a national licensing examination as well as completed a minimum of two years supervised experience, consisting of 3,000 hours of clinical counseling experience including 200 supervised hours. LPC's are qualified and licensed to work with individuals, couples and / or families in counseling, including administering and profiling psychological, personality, and family assessments within the boundaries of his/her competence, based upon education, training, and experience.
Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC)
Provisional Licensed Professional Counselors have earned a least a Master's degree in counseling, marriage and family therapy, psychology, or related discipline according to the requirements of Missouri state statutes. They have passed a national licensing examination and have applied to the Missouri Division for Professional Registration for licensure. The Missouri Division for Professional Registration has then granted them a provisional license subject to the supervision of a qualified and registered supervisor who is an LPC, licensed psychologist, or licensed psychiatrist. PLPC's may work as a professional counselor under the oversight and license of the registered supervisor. This enables them to complete the 3,000 hours of clinical counseling experience, including 200 supervised required hours for licensure.
