As a current professional with both a degree in psychology and counseling, it is very evident that they are two very separate disciplines with one focusing on science and one on relationship.  Though my foundation in psychology informs my work as a counselor, the skills I practice each day with my clients would not have been learned through a strictly psychology based program.  If someone from a psychology program wants to move into the field of counseling, I feel that is imperative that they receive the same training required for current LPCs.  I appreciate the field of psychology and believe that those that come through a psychology based masters program has a lot to offer as a counselor, but along with that I feel that without the proper counseling specific training they become more of a risk.  I strongly oppose this petition and would encourage the board to maintain strong accountability for the LPC profession by making sure that each person receiving that title is filtered by the distinct skills that make up the type of care/philosophy/ and practice that currently represents a licensed counselor.