Psychologists are among the most highly educated of all health care professionals. We spend an average of seven years in education and training after receiving a bachelor’s degree. A Psychologist is someone who studies human behavior and experience. We are trained to help people understand and cope with their problems. Psychologists use their clinical skills, experience and research when working with their clients.
What does "Licensed Psychologist" mean?
I am a licensed psychologist in the State of Connecticut. That means I have earned a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology (a Ph.D). After that, I received an additional 2,000 hours of supervision, and passed a state exam and a national exam to qualify for licensing by the CT Department of Public Health. Because I was awarded a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from the Traumatic Stress Institute, my training continued well past those requirements.
Can a Psychologist Help Me?
Psychotherapy can be very beneficial for a number of problems, including moderate to severe depression, anxiety, compulsive behaviors, stress and other emotional health issues. Many people seek help from a Psychologist when facing various life situations such as:
- A desire to change a behavior, such as over-eating or smoking
- Low self-esteem
- Mid-Life reassessment
- Parenting special needs children
- Lesbian, gay, bi and transgender issues
- Recovery from alcohol and addiction
- Caring for an aging parent or ill family member
- Stress management
What Should I Expect If I Start Psychotherapy?
Typically, the first three sessions are for assessment and planning. During those sessions, we will talk about what’s troubling you and how you decided to take action at this time; your past and how you came to this point in your life, and what you are hoping for from here. I take notes, and answer any questions that come up. I explain what I believe I am learning about you, and how we might proceed if you choose to enter therapy with me. Together we discuss issues of “fit”, and goals. These are really important because research tells us that successful therapy is built on at least two critical variables:
- You and your therapist are a good “match” or a good “fit”.
- You and your therapist have the same goals for your therapy.
What Should I Expect If I am Coming Specifically for Hypnotherapy?
If you are interested in using hypnosis to manage a specific problem, (like stopping smoking), I provide a much briefer and more focused assessment, and make a recommendation about hypnosis in the first session.
Can a Psychologist Prescribe Medication?
Not in Connecticut. Medication in our state is prescribed by medical doctors and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) under the supervision of a medical doctor. If you know you are looking for medication for mood, anxiety, troubling thoughts, or sleep, you may want to contact a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with training in mental health care. Many people benefit from the combination of medication (prescribed by a medical doctor) and psychotherapy (provided by a psychologist or another type of psychotherapist).
How Can I Learn More?
You can visit the website of the American Psychological Association, the major professional association for psychologists, of which I am a member. I recommend these articles from the APA:
The Road to Resilience www.apahelpcenter.org
How to Choose a Psychologist www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=51
How to Find Help Through Seeing a Psychologist
www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=52