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Should I Consult a Therapist?
Most of us experience times when we need help
to deal with problems and issues that cause us emotional distress.
When you are having a problem or dilemma that is making you
feel overwhelmed, you may benefit from the assistance of an
experienced, trained professional. Professional counselors
and therapists offer the caring, expert assistance that people
need during stressful times.
There are many types of mental health providers
to choose from. The most important thing is to select a licensed
professional who has the appropriate training and qualifications
to help a person with your specific issues. You should also
choose someone with whom you can feel comfortable enough to
speak freely and openly.
Types of Problems
People seek the assistance of a mental health
professional (MHP) for many different reasons. These are some
of the most common:
1. You feel unhappy most of the time.
2. You worry all the time and are unable to find the solutions
to your problems.
3. You feel extremely sad and helpless.
4. You feel nervous, anxious, and worried most of the time.
5. You have panic attacks.
6. You have a hard time concentrating.
7. Your emotional state is affecting your daily life: your
sleep, eating habits, job, and relationships.
8. You are having a hard time functioning from day to day.
Your emotional state is affecting your performance at work
or school.
9. Your behavior is harmful to yourself or to others.
10. You are feeling impatient and angry with someone you are
taking care of.
11. You are having problems with your family members or in
other important relationships.
12. You or someone you care about has problems with substance
abuse or other addictions.
13. You are the victim of sexual abuse or domestic violence.
14. You have an eating disorder.
15. You are having trouble getting over the death of someone
you loved.
16. You or someone you love has a serious illness and you
are having a hard time with it.
17. You feel lonely and isolated.
18. You are experiencing problems in a sexual relationship.
19. Your family has a lot of conflict and tension.
20. You are experiencing a divorce or marital separation.
21. You are having a hard time coping with change.
22. You often feel afraid, angry, or guilty.
23. You have a hard time setting and reaching goals.
24. Your child is having problems with behavior or school
performance.
25. Your family is stressed because someone is ill.
26. You have a hard time talking with your partner, children,
parents, family members, friends, or coworkers.
27. You are having problems dealing with your own sexual orientation
or the sexual orientation of someone you care about.
28. You are planning to marry, and you have some concerns.
29. You have gotten a divorce and your family needs help adjusting.
30. You are part of a blended family and need help learning
to live together.
Types of Mental Health Professionals
The most common MHPs in the United States are
Psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists, Social Workers,
and Professional Counselors. Each state has its own licensing
laws and standards that govern each type of professional.
While all licensed MHPs can help most people with problems
of living, each group has its own special training in specific
areas that makes them more qualified for certain types of
issues. In addition, each individual therapist has a unique
set of experiences that makes him or her uniquely qualified
to work with certain kinds of issues.
Psychologists generally have a Ph.D. or Psy.D.
degree in psychology from an accredited school. They must
complete a rigorous internship period and pass a state licensing
exam. In addition to their undergraduate college degree, most
psychologists spend five to seven years in education and training.
They study scientific methods and the science of human behavior,
building skills for working with people who have real life
problems.
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) generally
have a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a related
subject from an accredited school. In most states, they must
complete a supervised internship period and pass a state licensing
exam. Marriage and family therapists are trained to work with
people, focusing on how they relate to others. While they
often work with an individual client, the focus of treatment
is the set of relationships that surround the client and how
those relationships impact the client. MFTs are trained in
psychotherapy and family systems. They are licensed to diagnose
and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context
of marriage, couples, and family systems. They work in a variety
of settings with individuals, couples, families, children
and adolescents, providing support and a fresh viewpoint as
people struggle with life’s challenges.
Social Workers have a BSW or MSW from an accredited
school. They must have completed an MSW and a supervised internship
before passing a state licensing exam. (Each state has its
own licensing regulations.) The social work profession focuses
on individual happiness and well-being in a social context.
It is also concerned with the well-being of the society that
surrounds the individual. Social workers are trained to pay
attention to the environmental forces that may contribute
to the individual’s life problems.
Licensed Counselors have a master’s degree in
psychology or a related subject from an accredited school.
In most states, they must complete a supervised internship
period and pass a state licensing exam.
Referral to Other Health Professionals
When it is in the best interest of the patient
or outside the scope of the MHP’s license, therapists collaborate
with and refer to other health professionals, such as physicians
or psychiatrists in the case of prescribing medication.
Confidentiality
Each group of MHPs has strict ethical guidelines
governing privacy and confidentiality. Clients of licensed
MHPs can expect that discussions will be kept confidential,
except as otherwise required or permitted by law. Examples
of times when confidentiality must be broken are when child
abuse has occurred or where the client threatens violence
against another person. When you are looking for a mental
health professional to help you address your issues, it is
very important to ask about a therapist’s qualifications to
treat your specific concerns.
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About the Author:
Garrett Coan is a professional therapist,coach and psychotherapist.
His two Northern New Jersey office locations are accessible
to individuals who reside in Bergen County, Essex County,
Passaic County, Rockland County, and Manhattan. Garrett also
offers online and telephone coaching and counseling services
for those who live at a distance. He can be accessed through
http://www.creativecounselors.com
or at 201-303-4303.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
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