CHOOSING A GUIDE
Choosing guidance can be a life-changing experience. Finding someone with whom you feel comfortable is essential and vital to your experience. The relationship that develops between client and guide is key. Learning about different kinds of philosophies, theoretical orientations, and therapeutic approaches is also essential.
A consultation is the time to have a brief conversation over the phone with potential guides (psychologists, therapists, coaches, counselors, etc.). It can help you make an informed decision. You may want to know how long they have been in practice, what their background is, if they specialize in any particular areas, and what their therapeutic approach is. This can include asking them about their views on topics of importance to you.
Trust your intuition.
Does the guide sound warm and inviting?
Are they willing to take the time to answer your questions?
Do they express confidence in being able to help you?
Below are different types of guides or practitioners. Even though many fall into a similar category, their orientations, approaches, styles and philosophies differ. Here is a brief description of each:
Guides
-
Clinical Psychologist
A Clinical Psychologist has a PhD or PsyD in psychology, which includes four to five years of course work, training, and an original publication.
-
Marriage & Family Therapist
A Marriage and Family Therapist holds a Master's degree in marriage and family therapy and has completed training. They counsel individuals, couples, children, adolescents and groups with relationship concerns.
-
Pastoral Counselor
These are members of the clergy who have specialized training in psychology and counseling. They may have a Doctorate degree, Clinical Pastoral Education, and postdoctoral supervised experience. Most do not provide counseling solely from a religious framework, and it's important to ask about their religious orientation. Many have a special interest in marriage counseling.
-
Clinical Social Worker
A Social Worker has a Master's Degree in Social Work plus training. Their training focuses on social work, such as family intervention and the welfare of children.
-
Mental Health Counselor
A Mental Health Counselor has a Master's Degree in Counseling, and they most often work in mental health centers.
-
Mental Health Consultant
A mental health consultant is a professional with mental health expertise who also has knowledge, and experience related to working with individuals and their families. Some mental health consultants are specialists in specific areas and have specialized training in working in a particular field or are experts by experience.
-
Mental Health Coach
A mental health coach is a professional with mental health expertise who focuses on particular goals. They may also have knowledge and experience in the mental healthcare field. Some mental health coaches are also psychologists or therapists.
-
Psychiatrist
A Psychiatrist is a M.D. who has had 3 years of specialty training in mental challenges. Most psychiatrists only handle evaluations and medication prescriptions for patients. Some conduct psychotherapy, and of those, most have been trained in psychoanalysis.
-
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
ARNPs (Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners) are registered professional nurses who have specialized training at the Master's level or above. They conduct educational consultations for individuals, families, and groups, and they prescribe medication. A few are in private practice, but most practice in hospitals, community mental health centers, and other agencies.
You Are The Guru, You Are The Leader, You Are Everything
You must understand it,
go into it,
examine it,
give your heart and your mind,
with everything that you have,
to find out a way
of living differently.
That depends on you,
and not on someone else,
because in this there is no teacher, no pupil;
there is not leader;
there is no guru;
here is no Master, no Saviour.
You yourself are the teacher and the pupil;
you are the Master;
you are the guru;
you are the leader;
you are everything.
-J. Krishnamurti (US, 1966)