The Colorado Counseling Association is made up of more than 1,500 members throughout the state of Colorado. We are so grateful to serve each member! 

 

The mission of the CCA is to serve its membership by promoting legislative advocacy efforts, education resources, and professional resources offered to its members.

 

 

What's in this newsletter:

 

 

Please find all of this important information below. If you have any questions, or any information to share, please email us at: info@ColoradoCounselingAssociation.org

 

Thank you from all of us here!

 

 

Our 2025 Annual Conference is being held August 20-22 in beautiful Keystone Colorado. Featured keynote speaker is Dr. Gerald Corey, well-renowned in counselor education, author of many counseling textbooks and journal articles, and a respected professor.

 

The conference schedule begins on Wednesday with an optional day of morning of pre-conference workshops followed by afternoon sessions. The full conference schedule will be held Thursday and Friday. Conference session presenters will be announced in March.

 

The CCA is launching their new website this week, which will include the 2025 Conference Registration! Stay tuned!

In reading posts on various social media sites, it appears that there is confusion regarding how many hours of post-graduate supervision an LPCC must have in order to apply for LPC licensure. SB 24-115, passed into law after the 2024 legislative session, clarified that LPCCs must have 100 hours of post-graduate supervision. DORA’s new regulations were discussed at their January 14, 2025 Stakeholder meeting. For applicants engaging in supervised post-graduate practice on or after September 25, 2020 paragraph C4b(3) says: “Post-master and post-doctorate graduate practice in professional counseling under supervision required by section 12-245-604(1)(d), C.R.S., must include at least 2,000 hours of professional counseling, including at least 1,500 hours of face-to-face direct client contact under clinical supervision that is in-person or telesupervision, obtained in such a manner that they are reasonably uniformly distributed over a minimum of twelve months and must be documented as being completed not fewer than sixty days prior to the administration of the examination.”

 

The referenced section in the above paragraph (12-245-604(1)(d), C.R.S) then explains that “for each one thousand hours of supervised practice in professional counseling, the applicant has received a minimum of fifty hours of supervision. A minimum of twenty-five of the fifty hours must be individual supervision, which may be in person or through telesupervision. The remaining twenty-five of the fifty hours of supervision earned may be either triadic supervision or group supervision with a maximum ratio of one supervisor to ten supervisees. No other modes of supervision will be accepted.”

 

This means that 100 hours of supervision is needed to obtain LPC licensure and up to 50 hours of the 100 hours can be group supervision. Supervision can be in person or via a video-conferencing platform. Note that this platform needs to be a secure and confidential platform as confidential client information is being discussed.

 

In addition, these hours must be evenly distributed over each 1000 hours, meaning a LPCC can’t get their 100 hours of supervision done in their first 1000 hours of supervised experience and then no longer have supervision. A good rule of thumb is to have at least one-two supervisory sessions a month, more depending on the caseload of the LPCC. The 100 hours of supervision is in addition to the 2000 hours of direct and indirect hours.

 

We encourage all clinicians to read the new rules and regulations. If you would like to read the proposed rules and regulations as presented in the January 14, 2025 Stakeholder meeting, you can find it here. https://docs.google.com/document/d/11HG3Q-x4XrtySdc2nzWmR4Y96muZo695/edit

 

You can see the signed SB 24-115 here. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ea19EAk6p0Vi_RH8w4-DSa8JLseHj6-v/view

 

 

As mental health counselors, we often encounter veterans struggling with trauma-related conditions. While PTSD is well-known, moral injury—though frequently co-occurring with PTSD—represents a distinct challenge that requires its own therapeutic approach. Understanding these differences is crucial for providing effective care to our veteran clients.

 

 

The relationship between moral injury and PTSD remains a subject of significant debate in the clinical community. This discussion extends beyond academic interest, carrying important implications for treatment approaches in the veteran population.

 

While moral injury and PTSD share overlapping symptoms—including shame, anger, avoidance, and emotional numbing—recent research since 2018 has highlighted crucial distinctions between these conditions. PTSD fundamentally stems from fear and perceived threats to life, manifesting through symptoms like hypervigilance, flashbacks, and nightmares. In contrast, moral injury arises from experiences of perpetration, complicity, or betrayal, leading to profound guilt, loss of meaning, alienation, and spiritual conflicts.

 

These distinctions become particularly clear when examining behavioral manifestations. Consider avoidance behavior: while both conditions may lead a veteran to avoid crowded places, the underlying motivations differ significantly. In PTSD, avoidance stems from perceived danger; in moral injury, it originates from feelings of unworthiness or a perceived need to protect others from oneself.

 

Another crucial distinction lies in the nature of beliefs associated with each condition. PTSD often involves "exaggerated" or "distorted" beliefs about trauma that can be evaluated against objective reality—for instance, believing the world is universally dangerous despite evidence to the contrary. Moral injury, however, involves prescriptive beliefs that reflect value judgments rather than factual assessments. The statement "the world is not safe" (PTSD) represents a descriptive cognition that can be fact-checked, while "the world should be safe" (moral injury) expresses a moral value.

 

This distinction carries significant clinical implications. Treating moral injury merely as a subtype of PTSD risks overlooking the fundamental moral and spiritual struggles that often drive veterans' distress. These prescriptive beliefs, rooted in personal values, require different therapeutic approaches than those typically employed for addressing PTSD's fear-based distortions.

 

 

Lastly, let’s take a look at some of the functional Impacts of Moral Injury and how it differs from PTSD as revealed in recent research. While both conditions can significantly affect veterans' well-being, moral injury, particularly stemming from acts of perpetration, appears to have a more profound and lasting impact on functioning over time.

 

A 2020 study found that moral injury was a more reliable predictor of poor functioning trajectories compared to PTSD symptoms. Specifically, veterans who experienced moral injury due to perpetration were more likely to show a decline in functioning across multiple life domains - including relationships, health, and work - even when their initial functioning levels were high.

 

And, while PTSD was associated with poorer functioning at the outset, it was less predictive of long-term functional challenges. In contrast, the effects of moral injury seemed to unfold gradually, suggesting a more insidious impact on veterans' lives over time.

 

It's important to note that in the same study, when researchers accounted for both PTSD and depression, moral injury still emerged as a significant factor in predicting worse functioning. This highlights the unique contribution of moral injury to veterans' struggles, beyond what can be explained by other commonly known mental health conditions.

 

While there are clearly overlapping features with PTSD, these studies suggest that moral injury also captures unique emotional, neurobiological, and functional experiences.

 

 

And finally, I believe it’s also important to note that the institutionalized views of PTSD and moral injury further underscore their distinct nature. While PTSD is officially recognized by the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs, making it eligible for disability compensation and offering clear pathways for treatment - Moral Injury is not.  This systemic oversight is leading to incomplete healing, as evidenced by a 2020 study that found Moral Injury was often not even addressed during PTSD treatments for veterans – whether in the VA system or in community health programs - and that moral injury can continue to negatively impact a veteran's life even after completing evidence-based psychotherapy for PTSD.

 

With 2025 now underway, many people are considering resolutions for the new year. While personal life resolutions are common, now is also an excellent time to consider professional resolutions or goals and intentions for professional growth and development. Counselor educators and supervisors are tasked with helping counseling students and counselors in training develop a foundation of self-growth; however, post-licensure counselors are expected and required to maintain this mindset independently (ACA, 2014). While this may feel daunting for some, DORA has developed a Professional Practice Survey and Self-Assessment to aid in reflection and goal development.

 

While self-awareness and self-assessment are often considered outcomes of counselor education and training, their ongoing practice is crucial. Since counselors are the instruments of change within diverse theoretical frameworks, continuous self-evaluation and personal growth are essential for effective and ethical counseling (Pieterse et al., 2013). The concept of deliberate practice, which improves counselor skill and client outcomes, consists of five steps: (1) setting learning goals, (2) receiving feedback from a coach or consultant, (3) rehearsal of a specific skill, (4) observation of own work, and (5) continuously assessing performance (Chow et al., 2015; Daryl Mahon, 2023; Ericsson, 2018). This well-established and researched concept is reflected in the licensure renewal requirements for counselors related to regular self-assessment and implementation of professional development planning.

 

2025 is a license renewal year for all professional counseling license holders. All licensed professional counselors must renew their licenses to remain in good standing with the state and continue practicing legally. The license renewal process includes paying a renewal fee, confirming information on the professional profile with DORA, and attesting to completing 40 professional development hours (DORA, 2023).

 

All professional counseling licenses will expire on August 31, 2025. The renewal process will open on the DORA website approximately six weeks prior to the license expiration date. Applicants will also have a 60-day grace period after the expiration of their license to complete the renewal without the imposition of disciplinary action. However, a late fee will apply (DORA, 2023).

 

In order to be eligible for license renewal, professional counselors must attest to the completion of 40 professional development hours over the 2-year licensure period (August 2023-August 2025). These professional development hours must be varied in type, and only 20 hours will be accepted per category- independent learning, group learning, mentoring/supervision, presenting, volunteer service, and coursework (DORA, 2023). These professional development hours should be in alignment with a developed learning plan and should be informed by the completion of the Professional Practice Survey and Self Assessment. While the self-assessment does not need to be submitted to DORA with an audit, the learning plan document and evidence of professional development hours are required.

 

For more information on licensure requirements, professional development activities, links to the Continuing Professional Competency Manual, learning plan, and self-assessment, please see the linked DORA webpage below:

 

 

Preparing for tax season as a private practice therapist doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just like creating balance in your practice, preparing for taxes is about staying organized, understanding your responsibilities, and leveraging tools and resources to reduce stress. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence:

Your income is the foundation of your tax return, whether you are own your own practice, are an employee or a contractor.  Step one is always to ensure you have a clear record of all earnings. Use these tips to streamline the process:

Every expense related to your practice or career can potentially reduce your taxable income.  Tracking these is very important, even if you don’t have your own practice and will receive a 1099.  Start as early as possible to ensure you’re capturing everything and minimize stress:

Running your practice efficiently includes managing your bookkeeping with the right tools.

Your tax obligations depend on your business structure and income. If you are a W-2 Employee, the majority of your taxes will be taken out of your payroll, if you are a contractor, you will need to save and pay the taxes yourself. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Taking advantage of deductions helps you retain more of what you’ve earned. Here are some common ones for therapists:

This is a great time to think long-term when managing your finances:

If managing taxes feels overwhelming, consider enlisting help. A tax professional can ensure you’re taking advantage of every deduction and help you stay compliant. They can also help you plan for estimated payments and navigate any unique aspects of your tax situation.

Make next tax season even easier by staying organized throughout the year:

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared for tax season, minimizing stress and maximizing clarity. Remember, the key to financial balance is staying proactive, leveraging tools, and seeking support when needed—just as you help your clients achieve balance in their lives.

Self-harm - the act of intentional self-injury without suicidal intent - can have a direct impact on the mental health and wellbeing of parents (Curtise at al., 2018; Martin et al., 2024). Parents often experience guilt and shame, depression, self-blame and anxiety (Martin et al., 2024). Parents often report that lack of resources on how to support their child contribute to the difficult situation that they are in (Krysinska et al 2020). This article briefly covers some of the impact that child self-harm can have on parents and provides resources for parent support.

 

 

Parents of children who self-harm often report increased stress, distress, guilt, and confusion (Martin et al., 2024; Townsend et al., 2022). The discovery of a child who self-harms often results in feeling as though they have let the child down, which can lead to hypervigilance in the form of constant checking in on the child (Martin et al 2024). Often lack of knowledge about self-harm behaviors contributes to anxiety symptoms. The situation can also cause strain on other relationships in the family and overall family dynamics.

 

It is important for parents of children who self-harm to understand self-harm and to engage in self-care (Curtis et al., 2018; Krysinska et al., 2020; Martin et al., 2024). Parents may want to ask their children why they are self-harming, and this can be helpful. Some parents reported that they felt less helpless when they understood their child’s experience (Krysinska et al., 2020). One recommendation from parents of children who self-harm is to provide online resources that are created for parents to understand and effectively respond to their children (Townsend et al., 2022). Self-care is also important for parents. This can be in the form of support from family or friends, hobbies, and their own counseling (Curtis et al., 2018; Martin et al., 2024; Townsend et al 2022).

 

 

Parents often express a need for clear, accessible information about self-harm. This includes understanding the behavior and learning how to support their child effectively (Curtis et al., 2018; Krysinska et al., 2020; Martin et al., 2024). In one study, parents indicated a strong preference for online information from either non-profit or government sources (French et al., 2024). Parents typically wanted practical information on how to support their child as well as information about meeting their own needs and monitoring for recurrence of self-harm. Additionally, it is important that parents understand the value participating in their own counseling to manage symptoms associated with child self-harm (Krysinska et al., 2020).

 

 

Some resources that are available to parents include:

 

Discovering a child is self-harming is a harrowing experience for parents. It can result in increased mental health symptoms for the parents as well as confusion and helplessness. Parents do not need to suffer alone. With support from their counselor and resources that give practical advice on how to support their child, parents and children can be better equipped to weather the storm.