What is a Therapist and What Do They Do?
There are so many types of therapists out there and for someone new to therapy it can be very confusing. Common questions that come up include: Who prescribes medications? What level of education do therapists have? What is the difference between a social worker, counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist and psychiatric nurse practitioner?
Let me help. First, let’s start with my own credentials. I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker. This means I graduated with my Masters in Social Work and subsequently took an exam to become licensed. I completed courses but also did internships in which I learned how to do therapy hands-on with supervision, and have a number of years of experience post-Masters. I am able to do individual, group and family therapy. I can not prescribe medications.
A Licensed Counselor has a Masters level education and training, but takes a different exam and has a different license. They are able to do all of the same tasks that a social worker in private practice can do.
A psychologist usually has at LEAST their Masters in Psychology but more often a Doctorate (PhD). Depending on their level of education and training they may do therapy, psychological testing, or research.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialized training in psychiatry. A psychiatrist prescribes medication and is able to do therapy but it depends on the individual. You will hear of many people seeing a psychiatrist for medication management and a separate therapist for therapy.
A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. This is someone who starts out as a Registered Nurse, then receives an advanced degree with some exposure to therapy training. This person can prescribe medications and some also do therapy depending on the individual. Just like psychiatrists many people on medication will see a Nurse Practitioner and have a separate therapist.
Ok, I get it. But still, what do therapists do?
There are so many types of therapy out there, however there are some common elements. When we meet with you we first get a thorough history of your development, upbringing, symptoms, including family history. Then we will give you an initial idea of what we think is going on for you and come up with a plan together on the goals you want to achieve, and how we will help you work on them. It involves teamwork, as a therapist is not here to tell you what to do but to help you navigate the best path that is right for you, at a pace that is right for you. For instance, you might want to improve communication with your spouse. The therapist, with your input, comes up with a treatment plan regarding what techniques will be utilized to help, such as assertiveness training. You will learn and then practice what you learn. When you and the therapist both determine you have met your goal (e.g. reduced arguments at home, increased sense of satisfaction in relationship), you can either “graduate” from therapy as I like to call it, or wean down to less frequent visits until you are ready to completely graduate. For some this means a handful of sessions, for others it can mean years, depending on the person and circumstances. Bottom line, YOU are the captain of your ship, a therapist helps with navigation. What you want to see is at least a reduction in the frequency, intensity and duration of your symptoms so that you feel you have an improved quality of life.
Disclaimer:
The information above is meant for educational purposes only, not to replace therapy or give advice.
