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
Anthony,
I am curious if there will be an update to the 2008 article in the November issue of Counseling Today regarding Life Coaches. Life Coaching has crossed a line, now offering coaching (a.k.a. treatment) for specific mental health diagnoses.
Take a look at the International Coaching Federation’s website offering training and certification to work with ADHD.
– ADHD Life Coach Certification Program
– ADHD Coach Training For Life Coaches
https://coachfederation.org/calendar
I have heard coaches tell me that they are going to be specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorders and PTSD as well. It’s time for the ACA to advocate for licensure for all mental health providers, including life coaches.
What does not appear to be fair and I am not sure how the exact law is. I was licensed as an LCSW for 35 years. It is currently inactive because I did not get fees in on time. I do not think it is fair that I cannot work when I have originally contributed treatment for problems that today’s therapist still do not address or have treatment for.. Relationship Addiction. I do understand initially you should be licensed to work cause your learning. I think they should change the policy that after so many years you should still be able to work.
I am a student studying Psychology. I plan on getting my doctorates in the years to come. However, I have been an intern for a local mental/behavioral health department as well as had plenty of experience since childhood dealing with human feelings, interactions, familial issues, dependencies and so forth. I have also spent plenty of time “coaching” some of my friends as well as strangers (who I have ended up helping tremendously).
The more I think about paying all this money for a piece of paper saying I “did it” seems ridiculous when I have so much experience and knowledge needed to help or advise. I would like to know what service I can currently provide to people without a degree or without being a licensed MFT or LCSW or PsyD…etc. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. However, I am searching for answers backed up with a reference or facts. I am very serious about my desire to help and obviously I need to make some money for my time and skill. Thank you in advance!!
Side Note: I am heard of a gentleman who put an ad in a paper stating that he was available to listen to people and their issues. Basically, they can vent to him. He made a name for himself and made a great deal of money. Is this legal? Can I do something similar?
I also have a certificate in Human Services, 1 class away from my AA in Behavioral and Social Sciences, and have 90 credits towards my BA in Psychology.