For help in surviving a divorce, dealing with stress or job burnout, mourning the loss of a loved one, or working through other personal obstacles that can take a toll on an individual’s life, it is estimated that over 30 million Americans consult a professional therapist.
It has been consistently shown that therapy may enhance a patient's quality of life. One finding concluded that three-quarters of individuals who seek the skillful and empathetic ear of a therapist feel better after six months. Numerous recent studies have confirmed the importance of mental fitness for coping with life's rollercoaster and tackling daily challenges in the home, academic, and/or employment arena. Research corroborates the theory that physical and emotional well-being are interconnected, and that therapy contributes to an individual's general health. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), therapy boosts the immune system and lengthens the survival time of cancer and heart surgery patients. A study conducted by Stanford University's medical school found that it also alleviates fatigue, pain, anxiety and depression.
Therapist counseling involves the application of specific methods of caring to guide individuals struggling with emotional difficulties ranging from marital discord, phobias, bereavement, and career hurdles to abuse, clinical conditions, parenting problems, and substance abuse. Therapists are trained to provide the following types of assistance to clients:
- Careful and confidential listening
- A medium for the communication of feelings
- Insight and feedback
- Social and emotional skills
- Effective communication skills
- An understanding of the patient's concerns, problems, and thinking patterns
- Resolution of conflicts, both interpersonal and internal in nature
- A new perspective on existing relationships and past events
- Exploration of alternatives
- Lessening, managing or remedying emotional distress symptoms
- Behavior modification for enhancement of vocational and relational functioning
- Goal-setting
- Self-improvement tips and advice on personal growth and development
A therapist might be a specialist in a particular field, such as a depression therapist, an anxiety therapist, and a sex addiction therapist. A qualified therapist will typically 1) hold an advanced degree (master's or doctorate) in a mental health field, 2) have completed clinical training, and 3) be certified or licensed. A mental health professional usually pursues one of the following therapist programs:
- Social worker (LCSW or MSW) - Nearly half of social workers practice psychotherapy.
- Marriage and family therapist (MFT)
- Psychiatrist (D.O. or M.D.) - These physicians are authorized to prescribe medication and focus on preventing, diagnosing, and treating mental health and substance abuse problems.
- Psychologist (Psy.D or PhD) - These professionals conduct mental health evaluations and utilize psychotherapy to treat problems. They usually focus on specific groups, such as the elderly, children or teenagers.
- Psychoanalyst - Also known as psychotherapist, a psychoanalyst is not always a medical doctor. This psychologist is a specialist in psychotherapy with a focus on diagnosis, treatment, assessment, human behavior, and behavioral modification. They assist patients in adopting more constructive, healthier behavioral patterns and in uncovering subconscious influences impacting current relationships.
- Licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC)
- Licensed clinical professional counselor (LPCC)
- Licensed mental health counselor (LMPC)
- Licensed professional counselor (LPC)
The public may choose from an array of specialized therapists including the following:
1. Art therapist
Through art therapy, whether individual or in group, patients create images of their thoughts, memories, feelings, and dreams. Art therapists are trained to enable individuals to acquire a clear and thorough understanding of emotional issues and traumatic events and to muster the courage and strength to address them by way of the creative process. In particular, art therapy brings relief to individuals coping with trauma, domestic violence and abuse, depression, anxiety, and relationship problems.
2. Sex therapist
This professional can be a clinical social worker, psychologist, marriage and family therapist, or psychiatrist. A sex therapist offers individuals the emotional tools to resolve concerns of a sexual nature and teaches patients how to better communicate their needs. A sex therapist may be consulted for a host of reasons including the following:
- Relationship issues
- Sexual desire
- Abuse
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sexual addiction
- Painful intercourse
- Sexual orientation issues
- Gender issues
3. Marriage and family therapist
These psychotherapists' area of specialty is interpersonal relationships, and their practice typically encompasses child counseling, separation or divorce counseling, and pre-marital counseling, among other forms of counseling. Some of the issues that marriage and family therapists are trained to handle are as follows:
- Intimacy issues
- Communication difficulties
- Reluctance to compromise
- Conflicts in child-rearing
- In-law issues
- Financial quarrels
Effective therapy hinges upon a trusting rapport between the patient and his or her therapist. Upon establishing a therapist's competence and credentials, a prospective client should choose a professional with whom he feels at ease and confident and whom he trusts. To find therapist, individuals should ask the recommendation of their physicians, friends, colleagues, and family. They may also contact their place of worship, a local community mental health center, the psychology department of a local university, or a state psychological association. A therapist directory is an extremely efficacious resource in locating licensed and trained therapists who correspond to individuals' subjective needs, preferences, and personal circumstances. Therapist directories and referral services are available through numerous professional organizations and institutions, such as the Mayo Clinic, the American Psychological Association, the American Psychoanalytic Association, the American Association for Marriage and Family, and the National Association of Social Workers. Individuals may solicit the services of therapists worldwide and 24/7 via email or phone.
[page updated February 2009]