Besides kinship relationships such as Jr. or III, those letters may be about two very important facts about the therapist. First, the therapist’s education. Second, the therapist’s license.
Generally speaking, letters like MA or MS imply the therapist’s most advance degree is a Master’s of either Arts or Science. For example, Randy Crownover’s degree is a Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. His educational letters are MAMFT.
Others have more advanced degrees such as PhD. Counselor’s with PhD after their names have more advanced training either as Counseling Psychologists or Clinical Psychologists. Still others will have MD degrees and are medical doctors. Therapists with MD degrees are generally Psychiatrists and specialize more in diagnosing problems and prescribe medications.
A second set of letters refer to the license the professional holds based on their education and training. This is a designation provided by the state based on criteria the state deems necessary to suggest safe and effective services to their citizens.
Common license letters in Oklahoma include LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), LMFT (Licensed Marital and Family Therapist), LBP (Licensed Behavioral Practitioners) and LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Workers). Each of these licenses suggest a difference in education, training, and approach. You are encouraged to talk to your therapist about what is unique about his or her license.