Q: What is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor?

A: A licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) is a professional psychotherapist, who has met the requirements of the Florida State government to practice in the state of Florida.  You can learn more about the requirements in FS 491.  In general, LMHCs have earned at least a master’s degree in mental health counseling, completed at least two full-time years of post-graduate school supervised internship, completed coursework in laws, rules, and ethics; and passed the national counseling examination with a score of at least 80%.  We are licensed to diagnose and treat mental disorders with psychotherapeutic methods.  We may have specific training in individual, group, couple and family therapy.

Q: What is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist?

A: A licensed marriage & family therapist (LMFT) is a professional psychotherapist who has met the requirements of the Florida State government to practice in the state of Florida. You can learn more about the requirements in FS 491.  In general, LMFTs have earned at least a master’s degree in marriage & family therapy or counseling, have completed at least two full-time years of post-graduate supervised internship, completed coursework in laws, rules, and ethics; and passed the national counseling examination with a score of at least 80%.  We are licensed to diagnose and treat mental disorders and have special expertise in couple, marriage and family therapy.

Q: What does Christian Counseling mean?

A: Great question!  Christian Counseling, as a professional activity, is not regulated by the State. Because there is no single, legal definition, Christian Counseling means different things to different people. Some Christian Counselors are ministers or other people with theological training. They may actively use Scripture as the basis of their counseling work.  Some are professional, licensed therapists who choose to integrate faith values into their work. 

I have completed a four-year program in Lay Pastoral Ministry through the Diocese of St. Petersburg. This is a Catholic program that combines college-level courses in theology, scripture, history, and cultural issues, as well as experience working in pastoral service.  When I refer to “Christian Counseling,” I mean that I have had some training and supervision in incorporating people’s faith values into the counseling process. However, not all clients choose to work this way and I have training in working in traditional psychotherapeutic methods as well.

Q:  What approach do you use in counseling?

A:  There are many philosophies represented in psychotherapy. Some therapists use a “psychodynamic” approach. This approach started with Freud. Modern psychodynamic therapists generally hold that early life experiences have powerful effects on us, and can influence our current relationships.  Cognitive-behavioral therapists may call their approach CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, developed and written about by leaders in the field such as Dr. Aaron Beck, Dr. Judith Beck, and Dr. David Burns) or REBT (Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, developed primarily by Dr. Albert Ellis). Cognitive-behavioral therapists believe that the way we think exerts a great deal of influence over our emotions, and by understanding, controlling and changing our thinking we can better manage our emotions and choices.  Humanistic therapists emphasize the client’s natural desire to develop to the best of his/her potential.  You may have heard of Dr. Carl Rogers, a well-known theorist and writer about this branch of psychotherapy. 

I believe that early experiences do have powerful effects, but also that most people naturally want to be the best they can be.  Finally, I also believe that we can learn to manage and understand our thoughts and therefore feel less distress.  This eclectic approach means that I am open to utilizing aspects of these three major types of therapy but always with the view to which approach best suits the particular needs of the client.

For example, there is substantial research showing that cognitive-behavioral approaches to therapy, combined with training in communication skills and changes in lifestyle, particularly exercise, sleep habits and nutrition, are highly effective in treating depression.

Q:  Do you take my insurance?

A:  I appreciate the opportunity to discuss the use of health insurance for counseling.  Health Insurance companies usually limit the number of practitioners with whom they've contracted in each area.  The number of practitioners is related to the number of insured individuals.  I am not on any health insurance panels. 

Another important point is that health insurance is only applicable if someone is being treated for a health problem. This means your health insurance will only pay for psychotherapy services if you are being treated for a diagnosed psychiatric disorder/mental illness.  Health insurance does not cover many life issues, couples or family counseling.