Each of us sometimes needs assistance in sorting out the concerns and problems we face as we grow and mature. Our lives have become increasingly complex, and situations, which might have been easier to solve in the past, now seem drastically more perplexing. Among these may be instances involving:

• interpersonal relationships
• personel and social development
• job and carreer concerns
• aging
• educational decisions
• issues of mental and emotional health
• addictions and substance abuse
• family, parenting, and marital problems

In addition, we must all deal with the problem of stress in our daily routines. Even well-meaning family and friends do not often have the objectivity or expertise to give us the help we need.

An experienced, professional counselor can assist in sorting out the answers to these and other problems. A professionally licensed counselor has the experience to help a person gain a clear perspective on a troubling situation and to be a guide in exploring and explaining all of the possibilities and options that are available. A licensed counselor is a professional who has been highly trained to listen intelligently, analyze the situation, and make recommendations for improvement.

A licensed professional counselor is a member of a special group of licensed professionals who are qualified to apply the principles of psychotherapy, human developement, learning theory and group dynamics in promoting optimal mental health and treating the causes of emotional problems, dysfunctional behavior in individuals, couples, families, and other inter-releted groups.

A licensed professional counselor must undergo a licensing process that includes as its minimum requirements:

• Master's degree in guidance and counseling
• Two years of supervised counseling experience
• Passed a state counselor licensing examination
• Most have specialized training in specific areas (individual, group, family)