I can now put letters behind my name: MS, NCC, LMHC. Few will know what they mean so not a lot of point to use them often. However, I've been waiting...
This ends a 5 year push signified by this little card that came yesterday from the State of Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. I'm pretty excited! (I kind of expected the standard wall certificate, but I learned that's $10. Guess the state wasn't as excited.)
Since the state allows churches to provide counseling without a degree and without licensing, some ask me, "So, what does this do for you?" Two main reasons from my view.
1) I have already seen indicators of how God will use me to help us. (There are government funds available to help the marginalized, but it requires the supervision of a licensed counselor. Go figure!) God uses prepared people to bring heaven to earth. I am ready!
2) Do the next right thing. Look - I hate writing papers, and I'm not a martyr. God made it abundantly clear 6 - 7 years ago that people find my counsel helpful. God's purpose was clear. It is a position of great influence and power in the lives of people. It shook me, and I don't take it lightly. Power without wisdom is dangerous. I want to love well. It's better to be wise than strong; intelligence outranks muscle any day.Strategic planning is the key to warfare; to win, you need a lot of good counsel. Proverbs 24:5-6
In September of 2003, I began the first class in a 3 year program to earn a Master of Science degree in counseling & human services at IUSB. I graduated in May, 2006, to earn the "MS" letters. The rest of them came from the 2 year trek to licensing. Passing the test as a National Certified Counselor was the final requirement to be a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I'm pretty excited!
Congratulations Kathy! This took years of hard work and commitment. We're blessed to have you.
Posted by: Julie Smies | July 12, 2008 at 08:49 PM
Excellent!! Congrats!!
Posted by: Rindy Walton | July 12, 2008 at 10:19 PM
Congratulations!!! I know it was hard and sometimes felt as if it was really worth it. But it is being your best for HIM!
cg
Posted by: Carlton Gerrell | July 13, 2008 at 07:43 AM
Congratulations Kathy! You've been a real blessing to me, the life of my family and to many others as well.
Posted by: Ron S | July 13, 2008 at 08:51 AM
kathy guy, efwhw, CONGRATULATIONS! ;-)
Posted by: heather | July 13, 2008 at 06:39 PM
Congratulations Kathy! You are such an inspiration, and an amazing counselor! Splurge on the wall certificate, or even two! One for home one for work.(maybe even one for the car?)
Posted by: Stephanie | July 13, 2008 at 08:41 PM
That's fantastic!! Well done. :)
Posted by: Kailey | July 14, 2008 at 12:18 AM
Hip hip horray!
Posted by: Kem Meyer | July 15, 2008 at 09:31 AM