What is an LPC?
An LPC is also known as a Licensed Professional Counselor, and typically requires a Masters degree in Counseling along with post-graduate supervised experience.
An LPC-Intern or LPC-Associate is a therapist who has completed their Master’s degree (which includes clinical time) and they are now seeing clients and have a supervisor that guides their growth and experience toward obtaining full licensure - an LPC.
Why should I work with a licensed therapist?
After completing graduate school, a therapist must obtain a license from their state board in order to provide counseling services. Licensure serves as evidence that a therapist has met the minimum requirements to offer counseling services. This includes the required number of CEUs (Continuing Education), supervised clinical hours, passing a licensing exam, paying annual license fees, and being accountable to an ethics board that serves to protect both the integrity of the profession as well as the clients’ rights.
What is an LCSW/LMSW?
An LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. They work in a wide variety of settings to provide emotional support, mental health evaluations, therapy and case management services to people. LCSWs are required to have an accredited Master’s in Social Work, a minimum of two years or 3,000 hours of post-graduate experience in a supervised clinical setting and a clinical license in the state of practice.
Tip: An LCSW is equivalent to an LPC and an LMSW is equivalent to an LPC-Intern or LPC-Associate.
Why would I need therapy? My friends/family are enough for me.
Therapy is a powerful and useful method to gain control of one’s life and create a non-judgmental space to process emotions, trauma, and life experiences to work on oneself. However, therapy may not be for everyone, and that is okay! Therapists are qualified and trained to hold space for people in a way that our family and friends may not be able to. They are trained in a number of methods to work through trauma and provide an unconditional level of support by creating a trusting therapeutic relationship.
What is Play Therapy?
Play therapy is a form of therapy used primarily for children since children may not be able to process their own emotions or articulate problems to parents or other adults. It is practiced by a variety of licensed mental health professionals, such as psychologists and psychiatrists, as well as by behavioral and occupational therapists, physical therapists, and social workers.
A trained therapist can use play therapy to observe and gain insights into a child’s problems. The therapist can then help the child explore emotions and deal with unresolved trauma. Through play, children can learn new coping mechanisms and how to redirect inappropriate behaviors.
What is a Registered Play Therapist?
A registered play therapist is a mental health professional with training and experience working with children and families through the use of play therapy. An RPT has met specific criteria and is registered through the Association for Play Therapy.
What is an LMFT?
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) help couples and family members manage problems within their relationships. Many LMFTs work in private practices and meet regularly with clients to learn about experiences and emotions that are causing issues. LMFTs look at behavior in its social and relational context.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a powerful trauma therapy that utilizes bilateral stimulation to process trauma that is stuck in short-term memory and move it to long-term memory. It has been proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions. EMDR therapy, rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, allows the brain to resume its natural healing process.
What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist/Therapist?
A psychiatrist is a M.D. and more often than not focuses on diagnosis and medication management. A Psychologist or therapist engages in “talk therapy” also known as formal mental health counseling that utilizes a number of different techniques to work through the issues the client is facing.
What is Sand Tray Therapy?
Sand tray therapy is a combination of play therapy and art therapy where the therapist utilizes a tray or box filled with sand as well as a variety of miniature toys to create a play world for the client. Those who offer this type of therapy believe clients will create a world that represents their internal struggles or conflicts. After the “play” is complete, there is a discussion of what was observed — the toys chosen and their arrangement, as well as any hidden meanings. The client may then choose to rearrange the toys based on the discussion.
Are therapists quick to prescribe medication?
Therapists do not prescribe medications unless they are concurrently psychiatrists, or practice another profession that allows them to prescribe medication. They may recommend utilizing psychiatric services based on their assessment of a client and therefore strongly recommend medication in order for the client to be in a more stable place to receive mental health counseling treatment.
What if I don't like the therapist I'm currently working with?
It is important to shop for therapists just like you would a doctor or a financial planner! There is nothing wrong with not being able to connect with your current therapist - we are all human after all and not all humans get along! Our recommendation would be to utilize services like MAPS or other resource websites to narrow down your focus of what kind of therapist you are looking for. Email at least 5-10 therapists of your top preference and of those, perhaps a few will have open slots and get back to you. Most will have free consultations available so that you can schedule time with them to talk and get to know them before you formally engage in services.