LEGACY TRAILS
THERAPY, PLLC

​From the Latin origin, therapia, it means healing. More specifically, psychotherapy is related to the mind/psyche and is a specific treatment for challenges, struggles, or distress related to cognitive and emotional experiences. We believe in invitation over interrogation. You are invited to share whatever you would like in therapy. Sometimes therapy involves discussing family-of-origin history, experiences that caused harm or distress, ways of moving through the world, and strengths you identify within yourself. Therapists DO NOT give advice. We offer supportive reflection, validation, psychoeducation, and a good ol' CAREfrontation from time to time (a confrontation that comes from genuine care and concern). ​​

Often referred to as alphabet soup, there are many helping professions that may fall under the umbrella of providing therapy (or counseling). Below are some explanations of the various credentials (i.e., all those letters!) that our therapists have earned. Knowing what they mean will help you decide what type of support you need!  ​ LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) typically have a masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or related field where family systems/systemic therapy is at the core of their practice. Fully licensed practitioners have completed at least 2,000 (Colorado) to 3,000 (Texas) hours of clinical/systemic work with individuals and relational clients. In addition, they have thousands of hours of experience working with relational systems (i.e., couples' issues, communication, intergenerational trauma). They are specifically trained to work with relational dynamics.  ​ LMFT-Associate (TX) or MFT-Candidate/MFTC (CO): These practitioners are post-masters (graduated - yay!) and are working under the supervision of an LMFT-Supervisor, or American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisor. Associates and Candidates are accruing their hours (minimum of 2 years of practice) and meeting with their supervisor weekly to consult and get support with complex cases. They are specifically trained to work with relational dynamics.  ​ LMFT-S / AAMFT-S: The dangling -S- indicates that the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist is a Board-approved supervisor. The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisor credential requires practitioners to accrue 18-months of additional training and professional mentorship by an AAMFT Approved Supervisor Mentor to become an AAMFT Approved Supervisor (the gold standard of supervision in the MFT-world!). They are specifically trained to work with relational dynamics and support Associates and Candidates during their 'residency' hours. ​ LPC: Licensed Professional Counselors have earned a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and related programs. They have completed 2,000 (Colorado) to 3,000 hours (Texas) of clinical/systemic work with (usually) individuals with mental health-related concerns (i.e., anxiety, dual-diagnosis, eating disorders, etc.). They are specifically trained to work with individuals and clinical mental health concerns. ​ LPC-Associate (TX) or LPC-Candidate/LPCC (CO): These practitioners are post-masters (graduated - whoop!) and are working under the supervision of an LPC-Supervisor, or an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). Associates and Candidates are accruing their hours (minimum of 2 years of practice in Colorado and 18 months in Texas) and meeting with their supervisor or group supervision weekly to consult and get support with complex cases. They are specifically trained to work with individuals and clinical mental health concerns. ​​ Other titles/licenses you might see on your search for the "perfect therapist" include: LMSW or LCSW (social workers), LP (Licensed Psychologist), or LPA (Licensed Psychologist-Associate), or LSP (Licensed School Psychologist), LCDC or LAC (Addictions counselor). ​ Most of our clinicians have an MS (Master of Science) or MA (Master of Arts) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) or Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). Learn more about our clinicians in Texas and/or Colorado!

The Journey After earning their master's degree, Associates and Candidates enter the "residency" phase of practice (think of a medical resident or an apprentice who gets regular guidance and insight on cases). See other FAQs in this section to learn more about how many hours are required (a few thousand!) in order to become a fully licensed clinician. Although supervisors do not typically attend sessions, student interns may ask for your written consent to record some of a session to share with their supervisor for feedback, which is a university requirement for most programs. Meeting of the Minds: Your Associate or Candidate therapist is required to meet with their supervisor regularly to broadly discuss any concerns or needs for additional interventions, support, and/or resources. Clients often benefit from seeing a therapist when they are an Associate or Candidate because you basically get two minds for the price of one!

We invite you to schedule one (or several!) 20-minute consultations with our providers to determine if their training, experience, and approach are a fit for your needs. You can review each practitioner's experience, training, therapeutic approaches, and practice location (e.g., Texas, Colorado; in-person, virtual) on the state-specific pages below. Don't see anyone who fits your needs? We can provide referrals to trusted clinicians in our network! In fact, Dr. Flores offers referral consultations on Mondays, where she meets with prospective clients to help them choose. CONSULTATION SCHEDULING TEXAS THERAPISTS COLORADO THERAPISTS

Please visit this page for more information!