Graduation

I’m so thrilled that the light at the end of a long tunnel is finally here!

October 31, 2011 was my official graduation day from Capella University with a Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MS, MFT)! It all began May 2006 and has finally ended nearly 5 1/2 years later in October 2011.

Licensing

But even with graduation under my belt the road wasn’t yet done…I still had to do a few additional things for the state licensing board requirements. That was completed on February 8, 2012.

My current official credential is that of a Licensed Associate in Marriage and Family Therapy (LAMFT). Yay! That’s good enough for now!

After I accumulate 2000 direct contact hours counseling clients, the state licensing board will remove the “A” from the LAMFT, and I will then be a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Until that time I will continue to meet regularly with a few of my colleagues to consult with them as supervisors about any questions or concerns I may run into with clients.

Face-to-Face Counseling

To gather direct contact hours with clients I began to do counseling for my internship back in January 2011 with a group private practice. I am continuing my counseling, coaching and consultation work with clients at the same group private practice — Cherry Lane Counseling Center in Meridian, Idaho (near Boise).

I currently see clients three days a week — Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays — generally from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. I also do some phone consultations when I can fit it in to open time slots.

Have I mentioned that I LOVE what I do! : ) I’m especially a fan of marital and sex therapy! It sure seems to make a big difference for couples…even after just the first session sometimes! : )

Sex Therapy Training Continues

Yet to come are a few additional sex therapy courses in Atlanta, Georgia with the Institute for Sexual Wholeness. Then I will also be officially certified as a Christian Sex Therapist!

What Are the Initials?

Since many people ask, here’s an easy list of my current credentials and what they mean:

• MS, MFT — Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (graduate degree)
• LAMFT —  Licensed Associate in Marriage and Family Therapy (state licensing)
• CFLE — Certified Family Life Educator (certification through the National Council on Family Relations)

Anyway, that’s the update on Laura’s education and licensing adventures.

Related Resources:

• Welcome to Cherry Lane Counseling Center by Laura M. Brotherson
• Why I Chose to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist by Laura M. Brotherson
• What is Sex Therapy? by Laura M. Brotherson
• Click here for Laura’s Professional Associations