According to Caroline McDougall, good psychotherapists, work with individuals, couples and groups. They offer psychotherapy as a solution for many mental health issues, including: anxiety and stress, depression, grief and loss, adjustment disorders, parenting issues, phobias, schizophrenia and substance abuse. A psychotherapist will often work with one to one psychotherapy in a group setting, or in private. A psychotherapist will also work with groups of people who are struggling with various problems that are similar to those that the individual may have.
As a psychotherapist you must have an undergraduate degree in psychology, in order to practice in the United States. Most of the psychotherapists in the United Kingdom have their graduate degrees, because they are allowed to practice by becoming licensed in the United Kingdom. Some other countries do not require a professional degree to practice, but some of these countries do require certification from a recognized agency. A psychotherapist can choose to be certified as either an MPT or PSY. They can also choose to become certified as a behavioural psychotherapist or as a social worker. Certified psychologists are required in some states in the United States in order to treat patients with psychiatric conditions, including bipolar and post traumatic stress disorder.
According to Caroline McDougall, there are many different kinds of psychotherapists including: marriage and family therapists, clinical psychologists, psychiatrist-mental health counselors, psychologists who specialize in one or more areas of psychology, and psychotherapists who are trained in a blend of different specializations in clinical psychology, counseling, education and psychotherapy. A clinical psychologist who specializes in one area of psychology will usually have a master’s degree and most likely a PhD. A psychotherapist with a graduate degree in psychology will typically have an MSW or PsyD. A clinical psychologist, (like a psychiatrist) can also choose to specialize in child and family Studies, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, or social and development psychology. A psychotherapist who is licensed as an MPT can practice in almost every state in the United States as long as the psychotherapist has board certification. Psychotherapy is one of the fastest growing fields in the field of psychology and if you need help that is tailored to your specific needs you should consider working with a qualified, board certified psychotherapist who has experience in working with people in your particular situation.
Caroline McDougall