Does It Matter What Degree A Therapist Has?

[anthony]

The degree is not the answer to solve a persons problem. The answers come from a person who has experience, who has knowledge, who is educated in real life, not theoretical modelling. Aged are usually better because they have experience, however; aged persons also are often stuck in their way. Younger people are often more open, though less experienced. Degree means nothing with therapy.... often the best therapy is gained from friends and family, none of which have a degree, they just know you and have life experience.

I went through this same argument with myself years ago.... and after researching by trial and error I found the best help for me came from those who felt what I felt, though could express themselves with those feelings to help me understand. This is exactly why groups exist... AA, drugs, rape, anxiety, depression, etc etc.... gaining real life experience and knowledge from those who feel what you feel, though maybe they can express some aspect that you're looking to identify. Identification allows us to correct the problem, or find a realistic solution.... not fix, just solve and change.

 

[HollyH]

You definitely need someone who is qualified. I'm currently training and more harm than good can be done if therapy is administered by someone who doesnt know what they are doing. However, it all comes down to personality from there on. You need someone you click with and trust, in this sense the degree of qualifications is irrelevant in my opinion. But please just make sure they ARE qualified.

 

[2quilt]

What are you training to be, Holly?

 

[Marlene]

I agree with what folks here have said about the letters at the end of the name meaning less than what they specialize in and how you relate to them.

The first therapist I tried was a licensed pyschologist. She disagreed with the diagnosis of PTSD from the psychiatrist and made me feel like I was making too big of a deal about what was going on in my life. The therapist I have now is also a licensed psychologist who specializes in trauma and has worked with PTSD patients for the last 25+ years. Big, big difference.

I think it's important to say that if we view a therapist, no matter how good that person is, as the be-all-end-all of our recovery we're putting too much emphasis on them and not enough on ourselves. I consider my therapist part of my support team for my recovery. But it's my team and I'm the one that makes the decisions. Using all of the resources at our disposal is, IMO, the best way to structure our recovery. But the ultimate responsibility falls to me...just like everything else in my life.

Lisa

 

[HollyH]

2Quilt,

My background is psychology but I'm currently doing my masters in Psychiatry and War (specialising in treatments for PTSD) and then hoping to become a military psychologist and work with combat soldiers.

Holly :)