If you ask two mental health therapists to define their profession, you might get two different answers. The definition of what these professionals are, also known as a mental health counselor, therapist, or psychotherapist, can be varied and based on a variety of factors. In general, a mental health therapist is a trained professional who can provide a variety of therapeutic services to individuals, groups, couples, and families. The focus is usually on the person’s or group’s identified issues, as well as ways in which discussing or thinking about these issues could lead to change.
Almost everyone who calls themselves a mental health therapist has at least a master’s degree and the necessary licenses. Marriage and family therapists (MFTs), licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), and licensed professional counselors are all options (LPC). Although their degree may not specify it, some psychologists also specialize in therapy. A psychologist with a Psy.D degree, on the other hand, may have spent more time in school focusing on mental health issues and counseling.
A mental health therapist can help with a variety of issues. They are more likely to listen to and speak with people who are experiencing a variety of issues. These issues could be mental illnesses, in which case the therapist would collaborate with a psychiatrist who would write a prescription for the patient. Dealing with trauma, having a hard time controlling emotions, trying to make important decisions, feeling sad or angry all of the time, and a variety of other issues could be the focus of therapy. Individual sessions are frequently used the therapist and the client to discuss issues that are currently troubling and, through this discussion and/or other techniques, to find solutions to problems.
As previously stated, mental health therapy is not always individual therapy. Therapists may lead groups focused on specific issues, inviting clients and others to participate. Couples or family therapy can also be used for mental health issues. All of these types are aimed at assisting in the treatment of mental illnesses.
While this description appears straightforward, it isn’t intended to be. Solving problems can be difficult, and the mental health therapist is actively listening as the client speaks. He or she may notice recurring issues before the client does. The therapist may then bring these issues to the client’s attention, depending on the type of therapy being used.
This is where things start to get really complicated. How a mental health therapist performs his job can be influenced a variety of schools of thought. Some of these, such as psychoanalysis, suggest that the therapist say very little and let the client handle the issues and problems. Other types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, are more teaching-focused, and a client may be assigned weekly homework. The difficulty in defining what a mental health therapist does may be highlighted the vast differences in approach. To further complicate matters, many therapists advocate for an eclectic approach, in which they may draw on a variety of schools of thought as appropriate for each individual client.
Finally, it can be said that a mental health therapist works with clients in a variety of settings to address issues ranging from the perplexing to the grave. The therapist’s training and preferences influence how this work is carried out. Similarly, some therapists prefer to work with specific populations and may avoid working with children, couples, or adults. This work is typically done in an office setting, but group work may take place in conference rooms, and therapists may travel to their clients’ locations rather than having patients meet with them.