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FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy comes from combining the following two Greek words:
Psyche, which means soul or mind; and
Therapeuein, which means to nurse or to heal.
As you can see by the word origin, psychotherapy is treatment, or
care of the mind and soul. A psychotherapist is a professional who uses
a variety of psychotherapeutic techniques to help bring about healing
in the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of the person, couple, or
family experiencing distress or desiring growth.
What is the difference between psychotherapy and counseling?The
terms psychotherapy, therapy, and counseling are often used
interchangeably, and for many people the terms refer to the same process
to improve mental health. There are subtle differences usually
distinguished by the nature of the words: Counselor means Advisor, or
one who gives advice; Psychotherapist, as noted above, refers to one who
practices psychotherapy, which is treatment of the mind and soul.
The distinction involves the use of psychotherapeutic techniques.
While psychotherapists may utilize counseling techniques, not all
counselors (i.e. financial, spiritual or lay counselors) are licensed to
conduct psychotherapy. A psychotherapist, specifically a Licensed
Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
(LMFT), or a Licensed Psychologist, is a practitioner of the healing
arts.
How do I know if I need psychotherapy?One of the biggest misconceptions is that psychotherapy is only
needed or useful for the mentally ill. Certainly, it is appropriate to
seek therapy during a time of stress or crisis; or when experiencing
symptoms such as depression or anxiety. However, it is also beneficial
to go to therapy when desiring a deeper understanding of ones self in
order to achieve a richer and more satisfying life. Psychotherapy can
be a vehicle used to transform yourself, your relationships, and your
life into the life you have always imagined, the life God meant for you
to have. Scripture tells us that Jesus came that we may have life and
have it to the full. (John 10:10)
There are many different reasons people seek the help of a competent
therapist. Some of the reasons are listed below:
. Desire for personal growth and development
. Life transitions such as launching children, or changing careers
. Feeling stuck emotionally, relationally, spiritually, or professionally. Repetitive unproductive behavior patterns
. Separation, divorce, or loss of a loved one
. Parenting difficulties and challenges with children
. Addictive behaviors
. Conflict in marital, family, or other relationships
. Relationship enhancement
. Stress and tension
. Fears and anxiety
. Symptoms of depression
. Coping with illness or pain
. Desire to actualize professional or personal dreams and goals
How long will therapy take?
The
length of therapy differs based on several factors including the nature
of the symptoms, how long the problem has been in place, and your
interest and commitment to your goals. Some people feel better after
only a few sessions and that is all they desire, others make a longer
commitment to the process in order to make deeper, long-lasting life
changes. You and your therapist will discuss your particular situation
and need, and you will be the one to decide how long your therapy lasts.
How much will therapy cost?
Therapy is an investment in your overall health and well-being.
Community Counseling Services is committed to keeping costs low. Our
fee for a 50-minute session is currently $50 and is 50% - 65% lower than
the current rate for professional therapy in the greater Sacramento
area. Couples' therapy sometimes involves an extended session (75
minutes) at 1 1/2 times the fee for individual therapy.
How often will I need to come to therapy?
Typically, you will meet with your therapist once a week for a
50-minute session. However, the frequency might increase or decrease
depending on the urgency, your desire to work toward your goals, and
your financial resources.
Who are the different mental health professionals who practice psychotherapy?
Marriage, Family and Child Therapist Interns (MFTI)
Associate Clinical Social Workers (ASW)
Psychological Assistants
All of the above titles are used to identify mental health professionals (post-graduate) practicing therapy under supervision and within state licensing guidelines while they are obtaining their required clinical
experience toward licensure.
Licensed Therapists
Each of the following types of mental health professionals listed below is required to have a license within the state they practice. Depending on the specialty, each license requires a number of years of postgraduate education
and training beyond the four-year Bachelor's Degree. In addition, all of the license holders have obtained supervised practice and have passed state board licensing exams.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
Marriage and Family Therapists are licensed mental health professionals specifically trained to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals, couples,families, and groups within the context of their relationships. As such, a Marriage and Family Therapist is a healing arts practitioner. LMFTs have obtained a Master of Arts degree or higher, obtained 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, and have passed the state board exams.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
Licensed Clinical Social Workers are mental health professionals trained to ensure the individual's well-being, prevent crises and to counsel individuals, families, and communities. LCSWs are healing arts practitioners
who have earned a Master of Arts degree or higher in Social Work, obtained 3200 hours of supervised clinical experience, and have passed state board exams.
Licensed Clinical Psychologists (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)
Licensed Clinical Psychologists have obtained a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) or Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) degree, completed 3000 hours of supervised clinical experience, and have taken and passed state board exams for Professional Practice in Psychology. In addition to conducting psychotherapy, clinical psychologists are trained in and often conduct psychological testing.
Psychiatrists (M.D.)
As licensed physicians, Psychiatrists are the only mental health
professionals able to prescribe medication. Psychiatrists have completed
general medical training as well as an internship and several years of
psychiatric residency. Some psychiatrists conduct psychotherapy, while
others prefer to do medication management only.
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