Similarly, for some people it is important to seek out a therapist or a faith-based counselor who understands their religious background, even though a competent therapist is trained to help individuals of all backgrounds and faiths. A therapist can be screened for cultural competence by asking whether they’ve dealt with issues similar to your own or worked with people who share your background. Ultimately, choosing between a psychologist or a therapist depends on your needs and overall goals. Either type of mental health professional can help you establish and achieve therapy goals. Choosing between a psychologist and therapist depends on what concerns you’re hoping to address. Keep in mind that the terms “psychologist,” “therapist,” and “counselor” indicate the professional’s level of education and training. All therapists who offer care and treatment must have a minimum of a master’s degree.
Even simply reciting a daily mantra like “I am not my job” can help, says Harris. She also recommends setting aside specific blocks of time for your hobbies, relationships or anything else outside of work that makes you happy. Feeling your feelings, as Harris puts it, allows you to process the emotions that impact and shape your goals — like motivation, happiness or fear — and create a plan that accounts for them. Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
Pass a Jurisprudence Exam, if applicable
Passing scores for the EPPP are set by each state. Most states require at least 70 percent or 500 on the computer-based exam. Applicants who take the EPPP soon after completing their doctoral degree tend to do better on the test than those who wait, according to the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). It bears repeating that most of these recommendations are centered around people studying and practicing in the United States.
We’ve tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain. After all, you might talk about uncomfortable subjects—or even share things you’ve never told anyone before. But there are so many options and choices out there that choosing a therapist can feel overwhelming. Carly Snyder, MD is a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist who combines traditional psychiatry with integrative medicine-based treatments. Family physicians can usually recommend a suitable psychotherapist, or a person can find a suitable practitioner through a register, such as the APA’s psychologist locator.
If you can function relatively well—meaning you can function well at work or school and have healthy relationships with family and friends—the answer is probably no. Or you might just need a more balanced lifestyle—one that combines work, exercise, and social interactions. In fact, hundreds of studies have found that a very important part of what makes psychotherapy work is the collaborative relationship between psychologist and patient, also known as a therapeutic alliance. The therapeutic alliance is what happens when the psychologist and patient work together to achieve the patient’s goals. As you begin to resolve the problem that brought you to psychotherapy, you’ll also be learning new skills that will help you see yourself and the world differently.
Tease out the ‘why’ behind your goals
Once your call is returned, they’ll lead a brief conversation to get a better sense of what you need, whether they are able to help, and when you can make an appointment. If you have particular concerns that are deal-breakers for you, ask the psychologist about them. You might want to work with a psychologist who shares your religious views or cultural background, for example.
A psychotherapist can pursue an undergraduate degree in any discipline and apply for a graduate program in psychotherapy following the completion of their degree (Cherry, 2020). If you’re seeing a therapist online, you can request to change therapists there too.
If you intend to practice in another country, be sure to research the qualifications you’ll need to practice the type of therapy you’re interested in. These apps typically offer sessions for free or at a lower cost, with many apps only requiring a one-time purchase or monthly subscription fee that may be lower than the cost of regular counseling or therapy sessions. For example, if you’re seeking help for depression or family-related issues, you may want to choose a professional with expertise in this area rather than one who specializes in couples therapy. In the longer term, one of these professionals can also help you discover the underlying causes of these issues, along with negative past experiences that may apply to the situation. Here are some tips on how to choose a professional based on what treatment outcomes you’re looking for.
Restorative Psychotherapy & Wellness
Read more about Anxiety treatment here.
JLM counsulting is specialized in treating anxiety, depression, sexual assault & domestic violence survivors and pain managemen, among many others. Phyllis Carrera is a Licensed Psychotherapist and Executive Life Coach who believes in a wellness model of psychotherapy. Erina’s mission has always been to leave a positive footprint on the world. By helping people understand and work through their emotions, I hope to create greater peace between humanity and our environment. It’s an “underrated” skill that can help you be more creative at work, make better decisions and build stronger personal and professional relationships, Harvard-trained neuroscientist Juliette Han told Make It in June.
He added that mental health professionals cannot ignore current events in their practices. They are committed to identify and enhance personal strengths and develop abilities to effectively deal with the experiences of life’s challenges by offering counseling services serving individuals and families.
So consider this your chance to conduct a brief interview with the therapist and see how you feel about their responses. Some therapists will offer a free brief consultation over the phone prior to scheduling your first appointment. This can allow you to get to know the person a little and ask any questions you may have.
