I write this on behalf of all doctoral students who are in counseling program and are trying to become licensed. Virgina's counseling rules and regulations have continued to create problems for residents. It seems silly that individuals who are focusing on becoming experts in the field's experience is not counted towards licensure. I don't believe members of the board truly understand how increasingly expensive higher educational programs have become along with paying outside supervisors. If the board accepted at least half of their hours it would reduce the amount of money that they have to pay while still challenging them to seek additional supervision once they complete their doctoral program. Individuals with doctorates sacrifice their time, money, and lives in the pursuit of advancing their clinical skills. Please consider accepting these hours for doc students.