4 answers
Chastity
Student
Eureka, Illinois
6
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What's involved in being a therapist?
I'm Chastity and I'm thinking about being a therapist. Thank you for taking your time #psychology #physical-therapist #therapists #therapist
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1591
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Chastity to become a therapist usually takes about least 6-yers in most cases, as a bachelor's degree is 4-years and a master's is 2-years. Therapists may also be referred to as mental health counselors or mental health therapists. These types of therapists help people understand and cope with mental and emotional afflictions. Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists usually work in office settings within mental health centers, substance abuse treatment centers, hospitals, and colleges. Many choose to operate private practices. Therapists may work full- or part-time; those employed by an organization or business will generally do so full-time, while private practice therapists have more control over their schedules. You'll have a variety of counseling program options, such as the Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling program or Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which can prepare them for clinical practice in the mental health profession. Courses in these graduate programs may include family and group therapy, treatment techniques, research, evaluation, substance abuse, and legal issues. Master's degree programs in mental health counseling usually require students to gain practical experience through internship programs and clinical practicums.
If you are wondering how much schooling to be a physical therapist, the answer is around 7-years Chastity. A bachelor's degree typically takes 4-years and a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree is 3-yers. However, there is a way for physical therapists to speed up their education slightly: they can choose to take a 3+3 program. These programs allow students to begin work on their DPT in the final year of their undergraduate degree for a total of six years instead of seven. A physical therapist evaluates, diagnoses, and treats patients with disorders that limit their abilities to move or function normally in daily life. This career might be a good fit for people who have good interpersonal skills and a desire to help others with their physical limitations. Students in physical therapy programs typically study topics like human anatomy, biomechanics, musculoskeletal system, pathology, and neurological dysfunction management. They may also participate in clinical internships and take hands-on clinical courses, which provide training in patient care, screening, assessment, treatment, and intervention.
Hope this is helpful Chastity
If you are wondering how much schooling to be a physical therapist, the answer is around 7-years Chastity. A bachelor's degree typically takes 4-years and a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree is 3-yers. However, there is a way for physical therapists to speed up their education slightly: they can choose to take a 3+3 program. These programs allow students to begin work on their DPT in the final year of their undergraduate degree for a total of six years instead of seven. A physical therapist evaluates, diagnoses, and treats patients with disorders that limit their abilities to move or function normally in daily life. This career might be a good fit for people who have good interpersonal skills and a desire to help others with their physical limitations. Students in physical therapy programs typically study topics like human anatomy, biomechanics, musculoskeletal system, pathology, and neurological dysfunction management. They may also participate in clinical internships and take hands-on clinical courses, which provide training in patient care, screening, assessment, treatment, and intervention.
Hope this is helpful Chastity
Thank you so much!
Chastity
Theresa Olguin
DBT Therapist, Director of DBT Training and Certification
23
Answers
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Updated
Theresa’s Answer
What is involved is getting a graduate degree such as a masters degree in clinical social work or counseling. Then you take an exam to get your initial license. In our state you then have to acquire two years of full-time experience, under supervision, then take another exam for your independent license. You have to renew your license every two years and get continuing education. The non-logistical part of being a therapist involves seeking your own healing and wellbeing to be able to effectively serve others. This might involve attending your own therapy (you often learn how you want to be as a therapist by engaging in your own therapy), and engaging a regular mindfulness/meditative practice.
Cristina de Ocampo
HR
1
Answer
San Francisco, California
Updated
Cristina’s Answer
Hi Chastity! What a wonderful idea to explore becoming a therapist. John and Brian's answers accurately break down the logistical options for how to pursue a degree in this work. I would love to add some color to the beautiful personal journey that comes along with becoming a therapist. This response is based on my experience having just completed my grad school program to become a Marriage and Family Therapist. Of course every experience is different, so please know that this is solely based on what I've learned and taken away from the process.
When you strive to provide emotional support for others, you inherently learn to care for yourself and show compassion for yourself in a very intentional and meaningful way. This could look like a lot of things but some examples include (but are not limited to):
-Resourcing yourself with a solid support group (friends, family, classmates, etc)
-Eating healthy
-Exercise
-Attending therapy yourself
-Spiritual / religious practice
-Meditation
Becoming a therapist has revealed every part of who I am, the good, bad, ugly. It has been a humbling experience to say the least. I do not regret it for a second. Doing this work is a true privilege - and being a witness to the human experience is a gift. It's also so needed in the world. Now more than ever. I hope you enjoy the journey. Sending all the best your way as you explore becoming a therapist :)
When you strive to provide emotional support for others, you inherently learn to care for yourself and show compassion for yourself in a very intentional and meaningful way. This could look like a lot of things but some examples include (but are not limited to):
-Resourcing yourself with a solid support group (friends, family, classmates, etc)
-Eating healthy
-Exercise
-Attending therapy yourself
-Spiritual / religious practice
-Meditation
Becoming a therapist has revealed every part of who I am, the good, bad, ugly. It has been a humbling experience to say the least. I do not regret it for a second. Doing this work is a true privilege - and being a witness to the human experience is a gift. It's also so needed in the world. Now more than ever. I hope you enjoy the journey. Sending all the best your way as you explore becoming a therapist :)
Thank you for the support and I can't wait to start my journey. Thanks again.
Chastity
Brian Salazar-Prince
Counselor
8
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Brian’s Answer
In the United States, there are a variety of occupations which are considered to be therapists including:
- mental health counselors
- social workers
- marriage and family therapists
- substance abuse counselors
- psychologists
- school counselors
- music therapists
- art therapists
Most of these professions require about six years of training - four years of undergraduate schooling to complete a bachelor degree followed by two (or sometimes 3) years of training in the area of specialization.
The real difference between the different types of therapists is the approach to conceptualizing the issues which they encounter and, secondarily, the techniques employed to help people.
- mental health counselors
- social workers
- marriage and family therapists
- substance abuse counselors
- psychologists
- school counselors
- music therapists
- art therapists
Most of these professions require about six years of training - four years of undergraduate schooling to complete a bachelor degree followed by two (or sometimes 3) years of training in the area of specialization.
The real difference between the different types of therapists is the approach to conceptualizing the issues which they encounter and, secondarily, the techniques employed to help people.