Protecting the Public
Dear Anthony,
I wanted to thank you for writing such an interesting article in the November issue of Counseling Today regarding Life Coaches. I am a recent graduate in Community Counseling and just passed the LPC exam.
Here in Dallas, a lot of so-called “hypnotist/hypnotherapists” pass themselves off as therapists and life coaches. It’s amazing because they have NO clinical training to practice mental health. I’m wondering if there are any laws out there to protect the public.
For example, there is a guy in Dallas who is top listed on Google for Hypnotherapy.
The guy claims to be a “board certified hypnotherapist”…but in reality it requires no formal education nor licensure. If you look at his site, he claims to treat all kinds of clinical issues … including addictions. There are an awful lot of people out there claiming to by hypnotherapists, but are not licensed by the state to perform therapy. I’m wondering what I can do as a counselor to change this situation?
Sincerely,
Jeremy Porter
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Dear Jeremy,
Thank you so much for reading, and for your comments about, my column!
The issue of licensure you describe is complicated, evolving all the time, and differs by state.
In Massachusetts, where my practice was founded, the term “Mental Health Counseling” is regulated. However, other terms, such as “psychotherapy” and “counseling” have not always been regulated. Note: they might be now, but in my discussions with the board of licensure in the mid 2000s there were not regulated.
Hence, at that time persons could hang a shingle and provide services called “psychotherapy” or “counseling” and –depending on what they were actually doing—they might be working within the law. Truly, every time a term is regulated it seems someone comes up with a new title that’s note regulated. Consider “life coaching”, “mentorship”, “listening services”, “life consulting” or who knows what else.
It seems, you are having a similar experience, with someone providing services under the term “Hypnotherapy.”
However, regardless of the title one is using, they might still be in violation of laws for practicing medicine, or psychology / mental health services, without a license. It seems the person you’re citing is claiming to treat additions, depression, etc…. I’m not sure about your local laws, but it seems such claims might very well might cross the line in your state.
If you’re trying to practice in the same marketplace, I think that a good approach for you and other licensed mental health professionals (counselors, social workers, psychologists) is to emphasize your strengths to potential clients. This might include:
1 – Showing the difference in caliber of education and licensure you possess
2 – Being eligible to accept clients’ insurance (which unlicensed providers can’t do)
3 – Patient/Client Privilege — The legal protection of client privacy licensed counselors have, but others don’t.
Jeremy, I hope this helps!!
Sincerely,
Anthony
Dr. Anthony Centore
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Anthony Centore
As I read the comments, including yours, I ask myself “when will people understand?” I am a MSW of 15 years. I made a professional mistake and I am currently on probation. While there are restrictions on entity’s I can bill services, I am still gifted in the area of my profession. Counselor, Psychotherapist, Psychiatrist, Psychologist are Titles. Individuals providing the work of these titles, many times, in my professional opinion, are inadequate and define themselves by the “Title” that they have been given. I have a gift of “Purpose” and that “Purpose” is helping others who are experiencing “Life” and what challenges life brings. I understand “Systems” and no matter what I am restricted from, nothing or no one can take what I have been gifted to do. State Governments can define what you can and cannot do based on their definition, but when you are called to do what God has called you to do, no one can do anything about it. Licensed or Unlicensed is not an issue if you know your purpose.
After 2 years of a botched investigation by the Board, I am choosing to relinquish my license.
My physical safety and that of a client depend on my choice to walk away from private practice.
I have fought the good fight, but the cold realization that “no one wins against the licensing board,” has finally sunk in. I’ve been told by the 2 top malpractice law firms in the state that I have a compelling case against the state, but that it doesn’t matter…no one wins.
I am such a justice oriented person and advocate for my clients about very similar matters, so a book is in my future! Only two people will probably read it, but I need some kind of outlet.
James, press on brother! The gift will continue to thrive in a different environment, of that I
am sure.
James, beautifully said. I cannot agree with you more. I know I have anointed and called to do what I do., and I feel the presence of the Creator in the work, I often call it “the magic happens”.
D
Also – I’m sorry but I’ve seen psychologists, psychiatrists and all types of other professionals who have absolutely NO business working with people! And I’ve seen people most would consider “frauds” or “not-educated” work nothing short of miracles for people. There are good and bad with any profession, but someone having (or not having) a degree does not speak to their effectiveness with clients/patients.
I agree people should not call themselves something they are not … I’m a massage therapist and counselor (yes, a “real” one) but I would never call myself a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. Obviously. Practitioners of every flavor should be forth coming and honest about their credentials and experience. But simply not understanding what someone does is not enough to call them a fraud and raise a fuss about them. That would be akin to me seeing an oncologist for cancer and screaming fraud because I don’t know anything about chemotherapy or his treatments.
I only want to point out that until we have totally educated ourselves about someone’s field, specialty, and everything that encompasses – we should not leap to conclusions.
I would bet the person who was so upset about the MT treating PTSD pictures a soothing spa massage by a person who is minimally trained and just a simple service provider. Most people are shocked when they hear the amount of schooling I’ve had (for example, I’ve literally had more anatomy and physiology training than an LPN).
Snap judgements are often faulty. That’s all. 🙂
Actually – to play devils advocate here – I am both a massage therapist and a counselor (I work in psychiatric rehab with schizophrenics for a huge company in MA), and the bodywork for PTSD claim is valid. Before going to school for psychology, I did extensive work with people suffering severe emotional issues (many of them diagnosed with PTSD) and had amazing results. Muscle memory and the mind-body connection isn’t airy fairy crap anymore. Science is validating it more and more every day, and the results MT’s get with clients can’t be written off. I know several other MT’s who also working on emotional issues via bodywork. Additionally, most Eastern medicine and Energy medicine is also geared towards healing trauma and emotions trapped in the body. There are entire branches of massage therapy dedicated to this now. People think massage and spa settings come to mind. But in actuality, that’s only one sliver of the pie. Just food for thought.