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Trying to choose a therapist can be overwhelming. Here we look at who a therapist is, what they do, and how they can help you.
Who is a therapist?
‘Psychotherapist’ (or ‘therapist’ for short) is a term used to refer to one of many different types of licensed mental health clinicians. Psychotherapists can be social workers, licensed mental health counselors, psychiatrists, and psychologists. While this might be different in countries outside the United States, in America the meaning of ‘psychotherapist’ is not regulated and at times can be vague. Therapists help people deal with mental, emotional, behavioral or relational problems and disorders.
What is the difference between therapists?
The difference between therapists depends on their training, specialization and treatment methods:
- Licensed psychologists can have a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or a doctorate, depending on their field of work and career goals. Psychologists learn evidence-based psychological treatment and how to administer various assessments during their training. They are also required to complete internships throughout their education with regular supervision.
- Licensed clinical social workers have a graduate degree and can work in a variety of settings, including a therapy practice. Social workers’ education typically focuses not only on the individual’s psychology but also the impact of social systems on the individual’s life.
- Psychiatrists are board-certified doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication.
- Licensed mental health counselors (‘licensed professional counselor’ in some states) also are required to have a graduate degree, but unlike clinical social workers they solely focus on the client’s mental health.
- Coaches are not licensed mental health professionals, but they do specialize in specific areas such as relationships or careers and offers goal-oriented therapy and support.
The choice of therapist may depend on the client’s specific needs and preferences regarding the treatment method and problem area.
What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!
Benedetta Osarenk
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What can a therapist help with?
A therapist can help with a wide range of mental, emotional, behavioral and relational problems. Here are some examples of what a therapist can help with:
- Anxiety and depression: Therapists often work with clients suffering from anxiety, depression and other affective problems, offering strategies to manage symptoms and exploring the underlying causes of these feelings.
- Stress management: They may offer techniques and strategies to manage stress and improve the client’s ability to cope with life’s stresses.
- Sleep problems: Therapists can help with sleep problems and insomnia, which is the diagnosis for more severe sleep problems.
- Relationship problems: Therapy offers a space to work through problems in relationships, whether in couple relationships, family dynamics or problems in relationships with friends or colleagues.
- Self-esteem and self-image: Therapists help individuals work on issues related to low self-esteem and negative self-image to promote a more positive self-perception.
- Crises and life changes: They can assist people who are struggling with behavioral issues or who are facing major life changes, such as career change, loss, or big decisions.
- Trauma and PTSD: Specialized therapists work with clients who have experienced trauma and suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Addiction and abuse: Therapists can provide support and treatment for people struggling with addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or other behavioral problems.
- Eating disorders: They can help people with eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating to understand and treat the underlying psychological causes of their behavior.
- Personal development: Therapy can also be a tool for personal development, helping individuals to better understand themselves, develop personal strengths and work towards their goals.
Therapists adapt their treatment based on the client’s unique needs and goals, and they may use different therapeutic techniques and methods to help their clients improve their mental and emotional well-being.
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How do I know which therapist to choose?
The choice of therapist depends on the specific needs of the client, the therapeutic orientation of the therapist, and the professional background and skills of the therapist. There is research showing that some methods are better than others for specific problem areas, so it is important to find a form that works. It is also important for clients to feel comfortable with their therapist and that there is a sense of trust, as this is fundamental to a successful therapeutic process.
How does a therapist work?
Therapists use different methods and techniques to help their clients, depending on their specific needs and problems. These can include talk therapy, behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, family therapy, couples therapy and many other forms of therapy.
The goal of therapy is often to help the client understand and process their emotions, improve their relationships, develop healthier patterns of behavior, and increase their overall well-being.
Why Lavendla?
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45, 60 or 90 min sessions
Choose a 45, 60, or 90-minute session, or a package, providing flexibility and control over the duration and intensity.
12 common questions and answers about therapists
What is a therapist?
A therapist is a professional who works to help people deal with mental, emotional, behavioral or relational problems and disorders.
Who is a therapist?
Therapists can have different educational backgrounds and specializations, and the term can cover a wide range of mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, and social workers.
Is therapist a protected title?
No, the term ‘therapist’ is not protected, so it’s important to check the educational background and training of any therapists you research.
What does confidentiality mean?
Confidentiality refers to the therapist’s legal and ethical obligation to refrain from sharing any information about the client without the client’s permission.
What is a psychologist?
A psychologist can have a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or a doctorate, depending on their field of work and career goals. Psychologists learn evidence-based psychological treatment and how to administer various assessments during their training. They are also required to complete internships throughout their education with regular supervision.
What does it mean to be licensed?
Having a license means that you have applied for and been granted a license from your state licensing board. Applicants must complete a certain number of internship hours, attended regular supervision, and completed continuing education credits in order to be licensed. Clinicians must resubmit licensing applications at regular intervals for renewal.
What is a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are board-certified doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication.
What is a licensed clinical social worker?
Licensed clinical social workers have a graduate degree and can work in a variety of settings, including a therapy practice. Social workers’ education typically focuses not only on the individual’s psychology but also the impact of social systems on the individual’s life.
What is a coach?
Coaches are not licensed mental health professionals, but they do specialize in specific areas such as relationships or careers and offers goal-oriented therapy and support.
What can a therapist help with?
A therapist can help with a wide range of mental, emotional, behavioral and relationship problems.
How do therapists work?
Therapists use different methods and techniques to help their clients. These can include talk therapy, behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, family therapy, couples therapy and other forms of therapy.
Where can I seek help?
Lavendla has numerous experienced therapists who can help. Go ahead and search the profiles online to find a match!
Treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
You aren’t alone – help is available through CBT. This is what treatment for a variety of things can look like.
Understanding and assessment
The first step is to understand that you have a problem and that it is okay to seek help for it. A licensed therapist can help you assess your situation and understand what is causing your fear. You may also be asked to complete assessment forms.
Psychoeducation and objectives
You will learn about the problem and how it affects you both physically and mentally. It is important to understand what is happening in your body, thoughts and feelings. It also involves setting goals for treatment.
Tools to change behaviors and patterns
This works on identifying and changing patterns of thinking that are linked to the problem. This will help you develop a more nuanced picture and increase your ability to manage emotions, thoughts and change behaviors. Together with your therapist, you will explore situations and learn how to deal with them. You will also be given homework to practice between sessions.
Follow up and evaluate progress
You will have support from your therapist throughout the process. At the end of the treatment, you will also receive a plan to continue practicing and maintain your progress over time.
Feel free to book a first session with one of our licensed psychologists or therapists to see how we can help you. At Lavendla, we make the hard things easier.
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