legal-terms
Can I call myself a &quot;A Spiritual Counselor Practioner?&quot;
<p>So let's say I would like to give life advise to people that is spiritually based.</p>

<p>If I make it clear I am not a licensed Therapist or Psychologist.</p>

<p>Is this acceptable?  </p>

<p>You cannot call yourself anything that is deceptive or misleading.</p>

<p>Given that "Spiritual Councillor Practitioner" doesn't mean anything you should be OK.</p>

<p>However, be aware that if you give advice in a professional capacity and people act on that advice to their detriment then they can sue you.</p>

<p>That said, taking money from people for the provision of a service for which you do not have any particular qualifications may be unethical and could get you in some kind of hot water.</p>

<p>It is not just what you call yourself - it is what you do and what you hold yourself out as doing, beyond the catchy name.</p>

<p>In California, for example -</p>

<p>The issue would be if you were performing a service that was regulated by a state to only livened professionals. In California Psychologists and Marriage and Family Counselors are regulated under two separate code sections. If you were accused of  being an unlicensed psychologists the exception you would rely on would be under the Business and Professional Code 2900</p>

<blockquote>
  <ol start="2908">
  <li>Exemption of other professions 
  . . . or <strong>duly ordained</strong> members of the
  recognized clergy, or duly ordained religious practitioners from doing work of a psychological nature consistent with the laws governing their respective professions, provided they do not hold themselves out to the public by any title or description of services incorporating the words "psychological," "psychologist," "psychology,</li>
  </ol>
</blockquote>

<p>If you are mistaken for an unlicensed  Marriage and Family Therapist, a different rule (BPC 4980) applies -</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>4980.01 b) This chapter shall not apply to any priest, rabbi, or minister of the gospel of any religious denomination when performing
  counseling services <strong>as part of their pastoral or professional duties</strong> .
  . .</p>
</blockquote>

<p>If you perform the covered services under a pseudo-religious  guise you might have a hard time meeting the criteria of either. Another alternative is "Coach". However, in CA, I do not think a coach coach can address metal illness or delve into your past. </p>

<p>I recommend looking into the laws in the state you are planing to practice in.</p>
