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24
Pride Month;A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Identity and History

Pride Month: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Identity and History

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and its history. The month is marked by parades, festivals, and other events that bring people together to celebrate their identity and advocate for equality.

What is Pride Month?

Pride Month is an annual observance that commemorates the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City. The riots were a turning point in the gay liberation movement, and they helped to spark the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States and around the world.

The first Pride march was held in New York City in 1970, and it was a small event with about 1,000 people in attendance. However, the march quickly grew in popularity, and today Pride events are held all over the world.

How to Celebrate Pride Month

There are many ways to celebrate Pride Month. Some people participate in parades, marches, and other public demonstrations. Others attend festivals, concerts, and other cultural events. Still others simply wear rainbow flags or other symbols of pride.

Here are some additional ideas for celebrating Pride Month:

  • Attend a Pride parade or march.
  • Go to a Pride festival or concert.
  • Visit a local LGBTQ+ community center.
  • Volunteer for an LGBTQ+ organization.
  • Support LGBTQ+ businesses.
  • Be an ally to LGBTQ+ people in your community.
  • Talk to your friends and family about LGBTQ+ issues.

Support Resources

There are many resources available to help you learn more about LGBTQ+ issues and celebrate Pride Month. Here are a few:

Why is Pride Month Important?

Pride Month is important because it is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and its achievements. It is also a time to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and advocate for equality.

Pride Month is a reminder that the LGBTQ+ community has come a long way, but there is still work to be done. We must continue to fight for equality for all LGBTQ+ people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, or socioeconomic status.

Conclusion

Pride Month is a celebration of LGBTQ+ Identity and history, but it is also a time to reflect on the challenges that the LGBTQ+ community still faces. In conclusion we must continue to fight for equality for all LGBTQ+ people, furthermore we must never forget the sacrifices that have been made to get us where we are today.

Happy Pride Month From Collaborative Counseling!

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22
Self care, biking, running, meditate

Self-care is important for everyone, but it can be especially difficult to make time for when you’re on a budget. Taking care of yourself is an investment in your health and well-being, and it’s worth it to make time for it, even if you’re on a budget. Here are 20 budget-friendly self-care ides that can help you take care of yourself without breaking the bank:

  1. Take a walk. Going for a walk is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, both of which are beneficial for your physical and mental health. And, it’s free!
  2. Read a book. Curling up with a good book is a great way to relax and escape from the stresses of everyday life. If you don’t have a lot of money to spend on books, check out your local library or bookshop for used books.
  3. Listen to music. Listening to music can help to improve your mood and reduce stress. Create a playlist of your favorite songs or listen to a new album.
  4. Take a bath. Adding some essential oils to your bath can help to create a relaxing atmosphere. You can also add some bath salts or bubbles for an extra treat.
  5. Get a massage. If you can afford it, a massage is a great way to relax and de-stress. However, there are also many ways to give yourself a massage at home. Try using a tennis ball or rolling pin to massage your muscles.
  6. Meditate. Meditation is a great way to reduce stress and improve your focus. There are many different types of meditation, so find one that works for you.
  7. Yoga. Yoga is a great way to improve your flexibility, strength, and balance. It can also help to reduce stress and improve your mood.
  8. Spend time in nature. Spending time in nature has been shown to have a number of benefits for your physical and mental health. Go for a walk in the park, hike in the woods, or just sit in your backyard and enjoy the fresh air.
  9. Get enough sleep. When you’re well-rested, you’re better able to handle stress and make good decisions. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
  10. Eat healthy foods. Eating healthy foods gives you the energy you need to feel your best. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
  11. Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is important for your physical and mental health. Aim to drink 8 glasses of water per day.
  12. Get regular exercise. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress, improve your mood, and boost your energy levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
  13. Spend time with loved ones. Social connection is important for your mental health. Make time for the people who matter most to you.
  14. Do something you enjoy. Whether it’s reading, painting, or playing music, make time for something that you enjoy doing. This will help you to relax and de-stress.
  15. Set boundaries. It’s important to set boundaries between work and personal time. Make sure to take some time for yourself each day to relax and recharge.
  16. Say no. It’s okay to say no to things that you don’t have time for or that you don’t want to do. Don’t feel guilty about putting your own needs first.
  17. Take care of your mental health. If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist can help you to develop coping mechanisms and strategies for dealing with stress.
  18. Be kind to yourself. It’s important to be kind to yourself, even when you make mistakes. Forgive yourself and move on.
  19. Take a break from social media. Social media can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family, but it can also be a major source of stress. Take a break from social media every now and then to clear your head and relax.
  20. Do something nice for someone else. Doing something nice for someone else can help to improve your mood and make you feel good about yourself. Volunteer your time, donate to a charity, or simply do a kind act for a stranger.

These are just a few ideas for budget-friendly self-care. The most important thing is to find activities that you enjoy and that help you to relax and de-stress.

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19

The Importance of Fathers

Posted by Sam McManigle
The importance of Fathers

Father’s Day is a special day to celebrate all the fathers in our lives. It is a time to show our appreciation for their love, support, and guidance. Fathers play a vital role in the development of their children, and their influence can be felt for a lifetime. The importance of fathers cannot be overstated.

Here are some of the reasons why fathers are so important:

  • They provide love and support. Fathers are a source of love and support for their children. They are there to comfort them when they are sad, to cheer them on when they are happy, and to help them through tough times.
  • They teach their children important life skills. Fathers teach their children important life skills, such as how to be responsible, how to work hard, and how to be kind and compassionate. They also help their children develop their talents and interests.
  • They serve as role models. Fathers serve as role models for their children. They teach their children what it means to be a man, a husband, and a father. They also show their children how to be responsible, how to work hard, and how to be kind and compassionate.

Fathers play a vital role in the development of their children, and their influence can be felt for a lifetime. On this Father’s Day, let us all take a moment to thank our fathers for all that they do.

Here are some specific ways that fathers can positively impact their children’s lives:

  • Be present. The most important thing that a father can do for his children is to be present in their lives. This means spending time with them, listening to them, and being involved in their activities.
  • Be a role model. Children learn by watching the adults in their lives. If a father wants his children to be kind, compassionate, and responsible, he needs to model those qualities himself.
  • Set high expectations. Fathers should set high expectations for their children. This doesn’t mean that they need to be perfect, but they should expect their children to work hard, do their best, and be respectful of others.
  • Be supportive. Fathers should be supportive of their children’s dreams and goals. They should encourage them to follow their passions and to never give up on their dreams.
  • Be patient. Parenting is a journey, and it’s important to be patient with yourself and your children. There will be ups and downs, but if you’re patient and loving, you’ll get through them together.

Fathers play a vital role in the lives of their children. By being present, being a role model, setting high expectations, being supportive, and being patient, fathers can help their children grow into happy, healthy, and successful adults.

How to Celebrate Father’s Day There are many ways to celebrate.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Spend time together. The best way to celebrate Father’s Day is to spend time with your father. Go on a hike, play catch, or just sit and talk.
  • Give him a gift. A gift doesn’t have to be expensive. A homemade card, a framed photo, or a gift certificate to his favorite store will show him how much you care.
  • Make him a meal. Cooking dinner for your father is a great way to show him how much you appreciate him. He’ll love a home-cooked meal, especially if it’s his favorite dish.
  • Write him a letter. A letter is a personal way to express your love and appreciation for your father. Tell him how much he means to you and why you’re so grateful to have him in your life.
  • Take him out to his favorite place. If your father has a favorite restaurant or activity, take him out to enjoy it. He’ll love spending time with you and doing something he enjoys.

Overall no matter how you choose to celebrate Father’s Day, make sure to let your father know how much you love and appreciate him. He deserves it!

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18

Helping others improves your mental health

Posted by Collaborative Counseling
Helping others

Helping others can be altruistic and also helping others can be a way to improve your mental health. Helping others improves your mental health and well being. We all have those days when we’re feeling down. Maybe we had a bad day at work, or maybe we’re just feeling stressed out about life in general. On those days, it can be really helpful to have a little bit of kindness from a stranger. Even a small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s day.

Here are 20 ways to brighten a stranger’s day

  • Pay them a compliment.
  • Hold the door open for them.
  • Let them go ahead of you in line.
  • Give them your seat on the bus or train.
  • Help them carry their groceries.
  • Pay for their coffee or meal.
  • Give them a flower.
  • Write them a thank-you note.
  • Smile at them.
  • Listen to them.
  • Offer to help them with something.
  • Give them a compliment on their work.
  • Give them a gift.
  • Volunteer your time.
  • Be kind to animals.
  • Be patient.
  • Be forgiving.
  • Be positive.
  • Be grateful.
  • Just be kind.

These are just a few ideas for ways to brighten a stranger’s day. There are many other ways to show kindness to others. The important thing is to be mindful of the people around you and to look for opportunities to make a difference. Even a small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s day.

Here are some ways that helping others can improve mental health

  • Reduce stress: Helping others can take your mind off of your own problems and give you a sense of purpose. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Increase self-esteem: When you help others, it can make you feel good about yourself and your abilities. This can help to improve your self-esteem.
  • Build relationships: Helping others can help you to connect with others and build strong relationships. This can provide you with social support, which can be helpful for mental health.
  • Feel connected to something bigger than yourself: Helping others can help you to feel like you are part of something bigger than yourself. This can give you a sense of purpose and meaning in life, which can be helpful for mental health.

Acts of kindness help everyone

These acts of kindness can also have a positive impact on the mental health of the person doing the helping.

For example, when you pay someone a compliment, it can make them feel good about themselves. This can boost their self-esteem and make them feel more confident. When you hold the door open for someone, it shows that you are considerate of others. This can make them feel appreciated and valued. When you let someone go ahead of you in line, it shows that you are patient and understanding. This can make them feel less stressed and more relaxed.

All of these acts of kindness can have a positive impact on the mental health of the person doing the helping. They can reduce stress, increase self-esteem, build relationships, and make people feel more connected to something bigger than themselves. To learn more about ways to boost your self esteem, visit our page on self esteem by clicking here!

If you are looking for ways to improve your own mental health, consider finding ways to help others. It’s a win-win for everyone involved. Helping others improves your mental health and theirs!

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01

What is Trauma Informed Care?

Posted by Collaborative Counseling

Trauma informed care has become a highly coveted model for treating people who have experienced traumatic experiences or events. Read more to learn about trauma and this form of treatment.

What is Trauma?

Trauma is defined as an emotional or psychological response to an event that is deeply distressing or disturbing. It can refer to things that are upsetting, such as being involved in an accident, loosing a close loved one, or going through a divorce.  It can also refer to the extreme end of the spectrum as well. This would be things that are severely damaging such as assault or kidnapping.

Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma informed care is not about specific techniques. It is an overall approach to providing care. Trauma informed care should include the following six principles.

  1. A safe therapeutic environment is essential to aid in recovery.
  2. Trauma related symptoms and behaviors originate from adapting to traumatic experiences.
  3. Recovery from trauma is a goal in treatment.
  4. Resiliency and trauma resistant skills training are part of treatment.
  5. It focuses on client strengths.
  6. Trauma recovery is a collaborative effort.

What to Look for in a Trauma Informed Therapist

First and foremost, a trauma therapist should realize the impact that trauma has on a person. They should also have an understanding of potential paths for recovery. They should also be able to detect the signs of trauma in clients. Along with being able to detect the signs they should be able to respond to these signs. They should use their full knowledge of trauma practices and procedures to assist their client. Lastly, a trauma informed therapist should actively resist re-traumatizing clients.

The Importance of Trauma Informed Care

Everyone has different reactions to traumatic events. Some people may be able to cope with and move past their trauma rather quickly, whereas others may develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The way people react to and retell the traumatic event that they experienced can determine whether the people around them will believe what happened. Those who react with strong emotion are often seen as more credible than those who remain stoic and are able to look past the emotion.

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Divorce can be a very difficult and emotional experience. It can be hard to come to terms with the end of a relationship, and it can be even harder to trust someone else again. But it is possible to move on from a longer term relationship and find happiness again.

Tips for managing after a divorce

Here are some tips on how to have a better outlook on life and learn to trust after divorce:

  • First, allow yourself to grieve. It’s important to allow yourself to feel the pain of divorce. Don’t try to bottle up your emotions or pretend that you’re not hurting. Allow yourself to cry, scream, or do whatever you need to do to express your grief.
  • Talk to someone you trust. Talking to someone you trust can help you to process your emotions and start to heal. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or anyone else who you feel comfortable talking to.
  • Take care of yourself. It’s important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally after divorce. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. You may also want to consider talking to a therapist or counselor to help you deal with the emotional aspects of divorce.
  • Focus on the positive. It’s important to focus on the positive aspects of your life, even after divorce. Think about all the things you’re grateful for, such as your health, your children, your friends, and your family.
  • Give yourself time. It takes time to heal from divorce. Don’t expect to feel better overnight. Be patient with yourself and give yourself time to adjust to your new life.
  • Don’t be afraid to start over. Divorce can be a new beginning. It’s an opportunity to start fresh and create a life that you love. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and meet new people.

Divorce is a difficult experience, but it is possible to move on and find happiness again. By following these tips, you can start to have a better outlook on life and learn to trust again. It may take time, but it is possible to learn to trust again after divorce. Start by trusting yourself. Once you’ve learned to trust yourself, you can start to trust others. It’s important to remember that not everyone is like your ex-spouse. There are good people out there who will treat you with respect and love.

Here are some additional tips that may help you

  • Set realistic goals for yourself. Don’t expect to be over your divorce overnight. It takes time to heal. Set small goals for yourself, such as going out with friends once a week or reading a book every night before bed.
  • Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone heals from divorce at their own pace. Don’t compare yourself to friends or family members who seem to be moving on faster than you.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling to cope with divorce, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a therapist or counselor. They can provide you with support and guidance as you move through this difficult time.
  • See support! You can find support groups in your area by visiting: https://www.meetup.com/find/?source=EVENTS&location=us–mn–Minneapolis

Remember, you are not alone. Millions of people go through divorce every year. It is possible to move on and find happiness again. With time and effort, you can heal from your divorce and create a new life for yourself.

Also, to learn more about counseling services for divorce, please visit: https://www.collaborativemn.com/meet-our-team

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07

How Therapy Strengthens Love

Posted by Collaborative Counseling
love

The Valentine’s Day season is around the corner, and so is the pressure to celebrate it. During this time of year, there is no shortage of candy brands reminding us that the best way to express love is through treats. The fact of the matter is that love is a daily choice that requires much more than chocolate. 

Oftentimes we can get caught up in the overwhelming stress of life’s commitments. Therapy is a tool that helps us process our feelings and open our minds to giving and receiving love, thereby strengthening our relationship with others. 

Therapy teaches us to love ourselves with…

Compassion

Maybe you’re familiar with the phrase “You are your own worst critic”. 

Unfortunately, this phrase holds more truth than we want to believe. Psychology Today’s article discusses the negative impact that self-criticism can have on our mental health. Therapy creates a safe space where we can process the internal disapproval that we allow ourselves to be burdened with. By reducing some of these burdens, we can free our minds to make room for more positive mindfulness and self-love. 

Recognition

When we’ve learned to exercise compassion, there will then be space for recognition. The thought of having to be mindful and vulnerable is scary, but breaking down our internal barriers empowers us to see our strengths. All too often, we do not give ourselves enough credit for the good qualities that we have. We have a tendency to break ourselves down, instead of building ourselves up. By doing the opposite, and recognizing our strengths, we can master the art of loving who we are. 

Development

One way we can learn to love ourselves is by taking steps to help us meet our potential. Therapy creates a safe space where we can discover what we need to grow. This can be hard to do, as sometimes we are forced to acknowledge parts of ourselves that we hope not to. But, by managing bad habits or negative mindsets, we can develop into the thriving person we hope to be.

Therapy teaches us to love others with…

Communication

Communication is an important part of every relationship. If you google synonyms for “communication” you might find words like “give” or “deliver”. Very rarely do we equivocate communication with “receiving”. It’s important to remember that communication between two people goes both ways. While this practice requires speaking with calm tones and kind words, it also requires active listening. Therapy not only teaches us the techniques to be heard, but also the ability to hear others. This can be hard to put into practice, but, when done correctly, allows us to build a greater connection. 

If you’re looking for active ways that you can practice better communication with your partner, check out our blog on 10 Communication Tips for Couples

Recognition

When we interact with others, we tend to get caught up in the moment. It’s easy to forget that the other person has a different perspective from our own. Therapy teaches us to take a step back and recognize the kinds of burdens that others might be carrying. Check out Psychology Today’s article on the 5 Ways Empathy is Good for Your Health. By practicing empathy, we will find that we can build stronger connections with others. 

Compassion

Just like we should work to be less critical of ourselves, therapy helps us to be less critical of each other. It can be hard to let go of the things that hurt us, but the practice of compassion can help us move forward. Therapy creates a safe environment where we can learn this skill, together, and strengthen our connections.

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26

Simple Self Care

Posted by Collaborative Counseling
What to do when you are alone for the holidays

As we wind down from the holidays and settle back into our routines, we may find ourselves already dreading the season of cold and day-to-day living that awaits us. At times like these, it is important to actively engage in self-care. Some days, taking care of ourselves can come naturally. However, there are some days when it just feels like we don’t have enough time or energy to devote to proper care for our minds and bodies. 

Here are 5 simple methods of self-care that will have a big impact on how you feel with a small impact on your schedule.

Hydrate

We tend to associate being dehydrated with extreme physical symptoms. We forget that it can be a mild, everyday, occurrence resulting in a profound impact on our mental health. Drinking water throughout the day can help boost your energy and your mood, reducing overall feelings of depression and anxiety. If you struggle to keep up with your water intake, start with small goals. For example, drink a glass of water when you wake up, and at every meal. There are also great resources, and apps to help you track how much water you drink a day. Find a system that works for you, and start small. Remember to set achievable goals, and build as you go. 

Listen to Music

Listening to some good beats can be an excellent way to add simple self-care to your routine. It can help you gear up for your day, or wind down for the evening. You might have 5 minutes to sit and meditate, or have a day packed full of activities. Luckily, listening to music is an easy self-care method that can fit into any schedule. 

How does science link music to mental health? The University of Central Florida has a great tool that helps us understand how music positively impacts each area of the brain. Check it out here: https://www.ucf.edu/pegasus/your-brain-on-music/

Take a Warm Shower (or bath)

When we experience extreme emotions like stress or anxiety, our muscles can get very tense. We might start to feel like we are stuck, or that our bodies have locked up. Taking 10 minutes for a hot shower can help relieve a lot of that tension, and allow us to relax. If you find that you have some extra time, try taking a warm bath right before bed to get a good night’s sleep. 

Take a Hike!

…Actually, even a short walk around the block will do some good. A study done in 2013 found that people who suffered from depression experienced a positive mood shift after walking outside for 50 minutes. In addition to a mental boost, a walk around the neighborhood is a simple and free way to add a little exercise to the day. 

Check our our blog post on what happens when you spend time outside.

Breathe

This last act of simple self-care requires little effort but will have mighty results. Deep breathing sessions are a great way to help the mind and body find a space to relax. If you’re experiencing anxiety, it can also slow your heart rate, and help to regain control. This exercise doesn’t have to be complicated. Some smartwatches and phones come with guided breathing applications that make the process easy and convenient.  

If you want to give it a try, you can also check out this 3-minute guided breathing exercise video

These 5 acts of Simple Self-Care are a great way to boost your mood, and they only take 30 minutes or less. Consider adding just one to your daily routine, and you will find that even the slightest change can make a big difference. 

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12

The New Year is Finally Here

Posted by Collaborative Counseling
How to combat stress during the holiday season

Amidst all the joy and excitement surrounding the holiday celebrations, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by all that the New Year has to offer. We get worn out by all of the holiday parties, or we put too much pressure on ourselves to live our next year better than the last. Here are a few small things that we can do to have a big impact on how we find joy in the new year:

Set some time to recharge

We can remember to charge our phone’s low battery, but how often do we pay attention to our own energy? Giving ourselves permission to relax physically, emotionally, and socially is important. It gives us the power we need to keep doing the things that we love to do. This doesn’t have to be something that is a big-time commitment – even taking a break for 30 minutes can make a huge difference. 

Once we’ve designated some time to recharge, we can choose any activity like:

  • reading 
  • listening to music 
  • exploring the outdoors
  • baking 
  • or snuggling our pets. 

Remember, pick an activity that draws you away from the hustle and bustle. Your mind and body need an appropriate amount of time and space to relax. 

If you find that you are still struggling to manage stress, check out our 5 Tips for Managing Stress

Celebrate Your Successes

Oftentimes, we get caught up in all the ways we can make the next year “better”. We get so focused on meeting future goals, that we forget to celebrate our past accomplishments. This year, take a moment to reflect on all of the things that you achieved in 2021. Perhaps there is a new habit that you developed that you hadn’t even noticed – rinsing your dishes, journaling, listening to a podcast, or drinking more water. Perhaps there were new chapters that you started like joining a league, owning a car, changing careers, or moving homes. Every time we accomplish something new, no matter how easy or hard, we deserve to give ourselves a little credit. 

Try Something New, But Simple

Around this time, we tend to start hearing more about trying new goals. We hear phrases like “saving 15% more of my income” or “biking an extra 200 miles”. While these big goals might be exciting for some, they can be daunting to others. There are plenty of ways to celebrate the “new” in New Year, without getting overwhelmed. 

Try picking one new thing to try that you’ve never thought of doing before. Maybe it’s visiting a museum, exploring a new park, or trying new food. New experiences can be exciting, without being big or expensive! Get out there and try something new

Apply Your Passions

One way we can try new things is to volunteer. Sometimes we tend to steer clear from “volunteering” because we associate the word with a high requirement of commitment and a low expectation of satisfaction. We forget that many times, there are opportunities to give back in ways that we know we’ll enjoy. 

For example:

  • Do you have a love of animals? Consider volunteering to walk dogs, or foster kittens. 
  • Are you an athlete? Consider volunteering to coach a little league. 
  • Are you passionate about history? Ask about volunteering as a local tour guide. 

There are plenty of ways to find opportunities that align with your interests and help the needs of others. 

Want to take these ideas and run with them? PsychologyToday.com’s article, “Rebooting 2022 for Fresh Awakenings”, has a list of ideas on where you can start.

Happy New Year!

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24

Types of Licensure

Posted by Collaborative Counseling

This article shares about types of licensure so you can understand the difference in types of therapists. There are several ways that one can pursue education in order to become a therapist. Understanding the differences in each licensure will help you understand how your therapist, or potential therapist is trained.

Here we will outline some of the most common licensures that our therapists have here at Collaborative Counseling.

Masters Degree

Above all else, a masters degree is required before obtaining licensure. Therapists can received a masters degree in many areas of study. These include psychology, social work, counseling, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, and many more.

It typically takes two years to complete a masters program. And requires completion of a four year degree.

Once a masters degree is obtained and before one can take the state or professional exam, several steps of provisional licensure and supervised counseling take place. When an applicate completes and passes this exam, they are a licensed therapist.

In the U.S., requirements for becoming a therapist are determined by state. As a result, the requirements vary depending where you live.

Types of licensure
Types of Licensure

Here are general descriptions and requirements of different licensure.

Licensed Psychologist (PhD, PsyD, or EdD)

Generally, you will need a doctoral degree to practice as a licensed psychologist. Doctorate programs are often the highest level of education in most fields. They take around four years to complete, after completing a bachelors degree. These psychologists have the ability to do psychological testing. In general, other licensed professionals cannot.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Licensed Professional Counselors are masters level mental health providers. They require:

  • A minimum of 700 hours of supervised field experience in graduate school
  • Depending upon degree, 2,000-3,000 hours of post-graduate clinical supervision hours
  • Passing the credentialing exam

These professionals can work in a variety of settings, including communities and private practice. LPC’s work with individuals, families, couples and groups.

In Minnesota, LPC is not a common licensure, but Wisconsin uses these requirements for LPC’s.

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors are also masters level professionals that have a masters degree in counseling or another related field. Some requirements for these counselors include:

  • an additional 2,000 post graduate supervision hours for licensure compared to LPC’s, for a total of 4,000 hours.
  • passing the credentialing exam

This is a more common licensure in Minnesota because this is the license insurance companies will reimburse.

LPCC providers can work in a variety of settings including private practice, residential facilities, community based agencies, schools and more! This licensure level is trained to offer therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups.

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

A Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker is within the field of Social Work. These training programs focus on therapy from a perspective of the community that surrounds oneself.

To become a LICSW:

  • First, one must get their masters in social work (MSW)
  • After that you work towards licensure via clinical experience in and after graduate school.
  • After schooling comes a post graduate school experience. During this time social workers are supervised by a fully licensed person before receiving their own independent licensure.
  • Then they must take the state licensing exam.

Also, another variation of LICSW’s is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). This includes minor changes in requirements from state to state. For example, LCSW’s practice in Wisconsin, while LICSW’s practice in Minnesota.

A big benefit of this type of license is the type of insurance that LICSW’s and LCSW’s can accept. For example, they are able to accept Medicare if they choose to, while other licensed professionals do not have the option to accept this due to Medicare guidelines.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

Licensed Marriage and Family therapists are another sub-sect of mental health providers that offer services to couples, families, and individuals. While LMFT’s do tend to work more in family and relationship settings, this is not the only population LMFT’s can work with.

Marriage and family graduate programs focus more on the family systems and relationships surrounding one’s life. This training informs and impacts the way LMFT’s approach therapy.

These therapists require:

  • 4,000 hours of post graduate supervised experience
  • Passing the national MFT exam.

LMFT’s can also work in private practice, community settings or residential facilities.

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)

Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors are master level professionals. They require:

  • Completion of 880 hours of supervised experience during the alcohol and drug graduate program
  • Candidates must pass the licensing exam

Having a variety of training programs for counseling helps keep our field diverse. It also helps provide a variety of specialties in our field. The vast array of services that are offered come from the differences in licensure. Providers with different licensure often focus their practice in certain specialties based on their degree and license.

However, a provider’s specific area of expertise could vary. It is best to schedule an appointment or meet a therapist personally to see if they are the best fit for you. We hope it helped to learn about the types of licensure of our providers.

For more information, call our office today to see who is available and may be a good fit for you! To learn more about our providers visit our website at https://www.collaborativemn.com/meet-our-team.

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