What Therapists Wish You Knew About Therapy
Becoming a skilled therapist is hard work
There is a great deal of time and effort involved in becoming a licensed therapist. In addition to state requirements, therapists have to have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or another related field, and a Master’s degree in a specific area of psychology (for example, child psychology or counseling). A PhD is not required to become a therapist, but it is if you want to be a psychologist.
However, a good therapist goes beyond the extensive coursework; one has to have proper analytical, communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, as well as a strong sense of compassion, flexibility, and patience. An effective therapist needs to be able to listen to and understand their clients to create a comfortable, relaxing environment, and also communicate appropriate strategies and coping mechanisms to help them manage their illness. Therapy is a complex science that requires dedication and hard work, so rest assured, your therapist is a qualified, competent individual.
