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| Group Support Group support can take place within an inpatient program, an outpatient program, a therapists office, or within an independent support group. Support groups have different objectives and it is important to find out the goals and methods of the group you wish to attend. There are many different types of groups, some will be held in private homes, others in a rented or donated space, and some in a treatment center, hospital, university, highschool, or therapist's office. Some support group topics may include: spirituality, art therapy, coping strategies, family issues, general discussion, communication, inner-child work, body image, nutritional groups, or any combination of the above. Find what appeals to you most and what you think will help you on your road to recovery. Therapy There are different types of people who can provide you with therapy... Counselors, Social Workers, Psychologists, and Psychiatrists. Most of them should have some kind of degree representing the type of education they have received. The therapist may or may not be licensed, but should have a degree in the theories of psychology, psychotherapy, social work or counseling. Whether a license is important or not comes down to your own decision. There are many good counselors and social workers who are not licensed medical doctors, but who can still provide you with good therapy,but they cannot prescribe or administer medications. What is most important is that you are in a comfortable and safe environment, condusive to recovery, and with someone who can counsel you effectively. Psychiatrists (Ph.D) are generally more expensive and tend to focus on admissions, diagnosis, evaluations and medication adminstration. There are psychiatrists who do and do not provide psychotherapy. Not all psychiatrists are trained in practical psychotherapy unless they have sought some kind of post-graduate education. Psychologists (Psy.D. or Ph.D.) are the ones who are trained in the theories of pyschotherapy. A licensed psychologist can prescribe and administer medication if it is necessary. Marraige, Family and Child Counselor (MFCC), Marraige and Family Therapist (MFT) and Licensed Marraige and Family Therapist (LMFT) are not very different from psychologists depending on the state you live in (licensing issues vary from state to state). Most can provide the same level of counseling as a psychologist. Marraige, Family and Child Interns (MFCI) or Marraige and Family Therapist Interns (MFTI) are exactly that... interns. They are working in clinical practice to fulfill requirements they need to be licensed. They can see clients and all work is usually supervised by someone already in a licensed position. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCW) has a degree in social work with a strong clinical focus. They can make very good therapists because of the strong focus on psychoanalytic and pyschodynamic theories in their education. A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in some states, is equivalent to a MFCC or LMFT, and is trained in counseling. |
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