Information about Therapy and Therapists

Introduction

At difficult times in our lives it may become necessary to seek the input of a trained professional whose expertise and knowledge of coping skills and psychological issues can aid and assist one in dealing with the pressures of life. Therapy sessions are usually designed to be 55-60 minutes per week, or more frequently if needed.

Why Do People Go to Short-Term Therapy (2-6 Months)?

People normally enter short-term therapy because of a crisis or transition in their life. They are seeking advice on how to handle a situation or on how to make a decision.

Why Do People Go to Long-Term Therapy (6 Months Plus)?

People normally enter long-term therapy so they can heal more deeply seated emotional pain. It is a time when they try to understand and get direction on what caused the crisis in their lives.

What Is Spiritual Direction?

Spiritual direction helps one notice what God is doing in his/her life and assists with the formation to respond in faith, obedience and love to God’s never-ending, merciful love.

How Do I Know If I Need Therapy?

There are several ways to determine if you need therapy:

If you hear close friends, a teacher, guidance counselor or parish priest encouraging you to consider therapy, it is probably wise to listen to their advice.
If you begin to see patterns of behavior that interfere with relationships, work performance or goal achievement, consider a consultation to determine if further therapy is needed.
If you are experiencing intense feelings that cause you or others disturbance, it is usually beneficial to check out what is happening with a competent therapist.
If you are experiencing a difficult time in your life and feeling that you have reached a plateau and are unable to make a decision, it is a good time to consider therapy.
If you know that something in your past or family has caused you great distress and has not been resolved, therapy can be a helpful solution.
If you keep on doing the same thing but get the same undesirable results with nothing working out the way you planned, it is time to see a therapist.

Why Should Survivors of Sexual Abuse Seek Therapy?

It is important to identify the coping behaviors that are used to survive the abuse. Therapy is imperative in order to avoid Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Without therapy there are other coping behaviors that one might develop that are destructive to self and others, such as substance abuse, aggressive behaviors and compulsive or avoidant sexual behaviors. These behaviors serve to keep the person alive, functioning and away from the painful emotions and memories of their trauma. However, these behaviors also keep the victim from dealing with the abuse directly. It is important to blend healthy coping skills with the acknowledgment that the victim will now begin to process and work through the abuse with a professional therapist.

Sometimes untreated victims of sexual abuse develop clinically significant disorders, such as Sexual Addictions or Dysfunctions, Major Depressive Disorders, Dissociative Disorders, Substance-Related Disorders, Eating Disorders and Anxiety Disorders. Without immediate professional assistance, the victim often develops Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which requires long–term therapy. If left untreated, individuals can experience impairments in social and occupational functioning. Examples include isolation/withdrawal, phobias, aggression, poor work performance, disturbed interpersonal relationships, thoughts of suicide and actual attempted suicide.

Should the Family of a Survivor Get Therapy?

Family members may find themselves feeling overwhelmed and at a loss when they learn a child has been sexually abused. Often they feel guilt and shame for not knowing that the child was being abused and feel guilty for failing to protect the child from the perpetrator. Since the majority of perpetrators often know their victims, sometimes a parent may have actually trusted the perpetrator with the care of the child. Deep feelings of rage and betrayal may be debilitating. By providing information on the dynamics, effects and impact of sexual assault and the selection of victims by perpetrators, therapy can help family members understand and accept that any victim of sexual abuse is not to blame, nor is the family. It is the perpetrator who is at fault.

Sexual abuse is never the victim’s fault. If you have a loved one, especially a child, struggling to cope with recent or past abuse, he/she needs your support. You also need courage, strength and acceptance to get beyond what your family has experienced. A caring, believing, supportive parent who is in the process of healing through therapy is crucial to a child’s recovery.

How Can I Find the Right Therapist for My Situation?

Academic degrees are important, but it is best to know a potential therapist’s focus, develop a level of trust with them and have a basic sense that this therapist can help you or your loved one. If you and the therapist do not have a rapport, the therapy may not be effective. This is also a key factor for children and teens.

If someone has had success with a therapist, it may be a sign that they can be helpful to you. Concentrate your search for a therapist on those who have treated people with problems similar to those you face. Sometimes a therapist works closely with particular populations such as adolescents, couples, or people of particular religious backgrounds.

How Do I Get My Child, Especially Teens, to Come to Therapy?

Some teens desire therapy, but many are resistant. It is necessary at times to insist that a child or a teen go to therapy. Natural rapport and a good relationship with a therapist holds true for children as well as adults. If after four to six sessions, the child is not able to experience this rapport with the therapist you may want to look for another person who might more effectively assist him/her. The therapist should include the parents/guardians in some way in the process of therapy.

What Are Some of the Methods Used In Therapy?

Choosing a type of therapy will be different for each person. Listed below are some of the major types of therapy of which people avail themselves.

Family Therapy

Family influences the way we interact and communicate with others. This type of therapy comes from the perspective that a person is deeply influenced by the system in which they live. In this type of therapy, the provider might work with all family members, both individually and as a group. The therapist reinforces the constructive aspects of the system and the individual and helps create changes to the destructive elements.

Marriage Therapy

Marriage therapy works with the dynamics in the couple relationship. The therapist works with both individuals towards that goal. No secrets are kept by the therapist for one spouse against the other. The marriage itself is the main focus and methods of healing and being constructive within the marriage are explored to effect positive change.

Individual Therapy

Therapist and client meet one on one to address existing problems/issues that have either internal or external causes. The therapist provides feedback, uses appropriate confrontation, empathy and provides analysis regarding the core of the presenting issues in order to effect positive change.

Group Therapy

The therapist works with a group of clients who share similar issues. The goal of group therapy is to promote understanding of the underlying causes of symptoms and to enhance compassion in others.

Support Groups

A support group is usually a small gathering of individuals who share similar struggles. Through support groups people can share their experiences, strengths and hopes with one another. Support Groups exist for male and female victims of sexual abuse throughout the state of Georgia. Support groups may or may not be led by trained therapists. Always check to see that a support group has a formal connection to an authorized program or therapist.

Addiction Counseling: 12-Step Programs

These groups normally meet to help members handle addiction issues such as eating disorders, out-of-control emotions, sexual addiction or substance abuse. 12-Step programs along with in-patient or out-patient treatment programs are the treatment of choice for those with addiction problems.

Play Therapy

The therapist incorporates play and art therapy with younger children to assist them in verbalization of their feelings and thoughts.

What Are the Academic Qualifications of Therapists?

Therapists’ academic degrees include:

M.D.: Psychiatrist - Doctor of Medicine Psychiatrists are medical doctors who undergo four years of clinical residency in psychiatry after receiving their medical degree and become trained in the biology, medical aspects, assessment and diagnostic treatment of the full range of mental disorders. As M.D.s, psychiatrists can prescribe medications. Some but not all perform therapy.
Ph.D.: Doctor of Philosophy degree in Psychology A Ph.D. in clinical or counseling psychology qualifies the professional to become a researcher as well as a practitioner. Psychologists with a Ph.D. will frequently work in an academic setting and/or a clinical practice. Ph.D.s are trained in psychological assessment and diagnostic treatment of the full range of psychological disorders.
Psy.D.: Doctor of Psychology Psychologists with a Psy.D. degree are prepared to be clinical practitioners and interpreters of research. Similar to Ph.D.s, psychologists with a Psy.D. are trained in assessment and diagnostic treatment of the full range of psychological disorders. However, the practices of therapists with a Psy.D. tend to place an emphasis on fieldwork and clinical experience rather than research.
M.A.: Master of Arts degree in Psychology An M.A. degree is essentially a counseling degree with an emphasis on clinical experience and psychotherapy. Therapists with an M.A. in psychology have a background in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders and emotional issues.
M.S.: Master of Science in Psychology Individuals with an M.S. degree in psychology have a background in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders and have a focus on clinical research. Professionals with this degree are often more inclined toward research than clinical practice.

Educational Psychology Study in educational psychology involves the application of the principles of psychology to the systematic study of education. Educational psychologists emphasize such areas as learning, instruction, life-span development, applied behavior analysis, cognition and socialization. Professionals with this degree are often interested in research, evaluation, and the applied practice of a number of disciplines, especially teaching P-12.
Professional Counseling Professional Counselors with a M.S. function as counselors in mental health centers, governmental agencies, labor departments, employee assistance programs, community agencies, religious settings and correctional agencies. Since 1990 professional counselors have earned an M.Ed. degree.

Ed.D.: Doctor of Education Professionals with Ed.D.s have a thorough background in education, child development, learning disabilities, education policy and general psychology. Therapists with this degree are particularly focused on developmental and educational assessment, educational planning and treatment of development issues.
M.Ed.: Master of Education Since 1990 Professional Counselors earned an M.Ed. degree rather than an M.S. degree.

School Counseling School Counselors help students focus on academic, personal/social and career development so they achieve success in school and are prepared to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society.
School Psychology School Psychologists are educated in the major disciplines of education and psychology. He/she is equipped to undertake and manage processes and problems related to the education and development of children within schools. A major portion of his/her training concerns the interaction of the child with the social institution of the school. Because of this special orientation, the school psychologist must be well versed in the philosophy and methods of education and psychological processes such as learning, personality and social competence.

M.S.W. or M.S.S.W.: Master of Social Work Social workers are educated and trained to consider their clients within a social context and, in particular, to be attentive to diversity and the ways in which cultural influences affect individuals and families. They may focus their studies in certain areas such as marriage and family, hospital social work or school social work. They function as therapists in all of the above.
MSN -P.M.H.N.: Master of Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (Psychiatric Nurse) As an Advanced Practicing Registered Nurse (APRN), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing is considered a specialty in the nursing field. Psychiatric Nurses assess, diagnose and treat individuals or families with psychiatric problems/disorders or the potential for such disorders. They provide a full range of primary mental health care services to individuals, families, groups and communities, function as psychotherapists, educators, consultants, advanced case managers and administrators.

What Are the Types of Licenses for Mental Health Professionals in Georgia?

Mental Health Professionals in Georgia can be fully licensed or an associate of a fully licensed therapist. Associate licensees must work in a setting in which they are paid (W-2 form given) and supervised.

Full Licenses:

Licensed Psychiatrist (M.D.)
Licensed Psychologist (Ph.D.) and Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
Licensed Professional Counselor (L.P.C.)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.)
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (L.M.F.T.)

Associate Licenses:

Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (L.A.P.C.)
Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist (L.A.M.F.T.)
Licensed Master Social Worker (L.M.S.W.)

What Is Required for Licensure For An M.D., Ph.D., Psy.D. In Georgia?

Licensed Psychiatrist (M.D.)

The American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (ABPN) is one of the 24 certifying boards that are members of the ABMS. (American Board of Medical Specialties is the umbrella organization for the 24 approved medical specialty boards in the United States. Only those practitioners with the highest qualification standards may become members of the ABMS.)

An ABPN board-certified psychiatrist has been certified as having special skills and knowledge to diagnose and treat specific problems and to medically manage the care of psychiatric disorders. In order to be certified by the ABPN, a psychiatrist must fulfill educational, practice, and examination requirements. The following is a brief summary of those requirements:

M.D. from an accredited school of medicine.
Complete at least four years of accredited post-graduate (residency) training including a minimum of three years of training in psychiatry.
Subspecialty certification requires additional training beyond these four years. The content of the training programs and the performance of physician trainees are closely monitored by the Residency Review Committee for Psychiatry of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
Unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States (with the Georgia Composite State Board of Medical Examiners).
Maintains a high standard of personal and professional conduct.
Must pass a day-long written examination covering knowledge of the basic sciences as well as the clinical science of psychiatry and its subspecialties.
Must pass an oral examination, which includes observation of the history-taking and examination skills of the psychiatrist with an actual patient. His examination is designed to assess the psychiatrist’s clinical skills with special reference to competence and safety.
Successful application, based on acquiring the above, of a medical license from the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners.

Licensed Psychologist (Ph.D.) & Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

The APA (American Psychological Association) is a scientific and professional organization that represents psychology in the United States. With more than 150,000 members, APA is the largest association of psychologists worldwide.

The ASPPB (Association of State & Provincial Psychology Boards) is the association of psychology licensing boards in the United States and Canada. Formed in 1961, ASPPB creates the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), which is used by licensing boards to assess candidates for licensure and certification.

The Georgia Secretary of State’s Office requires the following for licensure as a Ph.D. or Psy.D.:

Completion of a Ph.D. or Psy.D. approved by the APA (American Psychological Association), which includes minimum hours in specific counseling coursework and practical experience in counseling under supervision.
A passing score on the National Licensing Examination (EPPP).
A passing score on the closed book Georgia Jurisprudence Examination covering the current laws, rules, regulations and general provisions.
Satisfactory completion of an APA -approved internship.
Satisfactory completion of 2000 hours Post-Doctoral Supervised Work Experience.
Passing the oral examination results in the issuance of a License to Practice Psychology for a 2-year period of time if all requirements are met.

Note: In addition to licenses required to practice as a Psychiatrist or Psychologist in the state of Georgia , an M.D., Ph.D., or Psy.D. may also earn one of the Mental Health Professional Licenses listed below.

Therapists may have different degrees, but in order to practice in the state of Georgia they must be licensed. As of September 2004 there are currently 2,226 professional counselors; 557 marriage and family therapists; 2,039 clinical social workers and 1,065 master social workers licensed in the state.

What Does the Office of the Secretary of State in Georgia Require to be Fully Licensed as an LPC, LCSW Or LMFT?

Completion of a Master’s Degree (M.S., M.A., M.S.W., M.F.T.) or higher (M.D., Ph.D., Psy.D.) approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) which includes minimum hours in specific counseling coursework and practical experience in counseling under supervision.
Supervised work must be paid employment in a setting that provides a W-2 form for employment income.
Passing score on National Certified Counselor exam.
Depending on license sought, between 600-2000 hours of direct counseling experience, a portion of which must be supervised by a licensed therapist.
Two personal references (professors or supervisors).

What Does the Office of the Secretary of State in Georgia Require to Earn an Associate License as an L.A.P.C., L.A.F.M.T. or L.M.S.W.?

Completion of a Master’s Degree (M.S., M.A., M.S.W., M.F.T.) or higher (M.D., Ph.D., Psy.D.) approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) which includes minimum hours in specific counseling coursework and practical experience in counseling under supervision. The work must be paid employment with receipt of a W-2 income form.
Depending on associate license sought, minimum 300-500 hours of direct counseling experience (master program’s practicum/internship) supervised by a fully licensed therapist.

Here is a more detailed explanation of each professional license:

L.M.F.T.: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
The L.M.F.T. is a state licensure designation for practitioners with a master's or doctoral degree in any mental health discipline with a particular emphasis on couples and family systems. L.M.F.T. professionals are interested in each person’s place/role within the context of the family, in both the past and the present. Marriage and family therapy applies therapeutic techniques and focuses on issues of inter-generational background, communication skills and interpersonal relationships. They work in clinics, community agencies, mental health centers, churches, and private practice.

L.A.M.F.T.: Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
May ONLY practice under the supervision of an L.M.F.T.. They must earn the L.M.F.T. within five years of obtaining the L.A.M.F.T. Supervision must be with paid employment.

L.P.C.: Licensed Professional Counselor
The LPC is a state licensure designation for practitioners with a master's or doctoral degree in counseling. They are highly trained mental health professionals who have met educational and training requirements with four years of supervised professional clinical experience. LPCs work with children, adolescents and adults in short- or long-term counseling/therapy based on client’s needs. LPCs provide individual, couples, family and group counseling/therapy in hospitals, clinics, agencies, mental health centers and private practice. LPCs also train and consult with business, government and nonprofit organizations.

L.A.P.C.: Licensed Associate Professional Counselor
May only practice under the supervision of an L.P.C. They must earn the L.P.C. within five years of obtaining the L.A.P.C. The practice must be a paid practice.

L.C.S.W.: Licensed Clinical Social Worker
The L.C.S.W. is a state licensure designation for practitioners with a master's or doctoral degree with a specialty in Social Work. Clinical Social Workers apply specialized clinical knowledge and skills to assess, diagnose and treat mental and emotional conditions of individuals, couples, families and groups, as well as organizations and communities. They work in clinics, community agencies, mental health centers, churches, hospitals, schools and private practice. They also work as consultants in corporations.

L.M.S.W.: Licensed Master of Social Work (Also M.S.S.W.)
The L.M.S.W. is a state licensure designation for practitioners with a master's or doctoral degree in social work. Social workers apply social work theory, knowledge, methods and ethics to restore or enhance the functioning (social, psychosocial or bio-psychosocial) of individuals, couples, families and groups, as well as organizations and communities. The L.M.S.W. works under supervision of the L.C.S.W. or the other licensed therapist in paid employment.

All of the above will have specialties. Some of these therapists might use systems theory, which is treatment specific to the family or marriage; those who work mainly with children with play therapy. Others believe strongly in cognitive therapy. Any of those described above should be happy to let a prospective client know the modalities in which they specialize or have the most experience. Ultimately, the rapport between the client and the therapist and the area of specialty matters the most.

What Does the Office of the Secretary of State in Georgia Require to be a Licensed Psychiatric Nurse (NP, CNS - MPH )?

NP, CNS - MPH : Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist - Psychiatric Mental Health (Psychiatric Nurse)

The N.P., C.N.S.-M.P.H. is the Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) designation in Georgia for nurses that have a master’s degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing and assume the role of Nurse Practitioner. Although qualified to practice independently, in Georgia they do not have the authority to prescribe medications.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) provides an organization through which boards of nursing act and counsel together on matters of common interest and concern affecting the public health, safety and welfare, including the development of licensing examinations in nursing (NCLEX-RN® and NCLEX-PN®).

An NCSBN-tested Psychiatric Nurse is qualified as having special skills and knowledge to recognize and treat mental health issues and to manage the care of psychiatric problems. The following is a brief summary of requirements for the NP, CNS - MPH license:

Completion of a NCSBN-approved Master’s Degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing.
Passing score on the NCLEX-RN exam within 3 years of graduation from Master’s program.
Recommendation for licensure by Dean or Director of Master’s program.

What Are the Certifications for Addiction Counselors?

Certified Addiction Counselors ( CAC ) are not licensed so the consumer/client has no guarantees or protection. CACs are very effective in the field of addiction. Only a licensed therapist (as mentioned above) can deal with issues other than addiction. A licensed therapist may, in conjunction with a CAC , work with the client if he/she is addicted. No direct referral to a CAC should be made by anyone other than a licensed professional.