Levels of Certification to provide certain kinds of therapies

Many people really have no idea regarding the different levels of certification that individuals require to become a therapist.  Aside from formal education (and there are many MANY avenues for counselors and therapists to obtain their education) there are also certifications in different forms of therapy.  

There are some therapists who simply jump into working in a therapeutic agency right after obtaining their formal education.  Some are fairly gifted, and able to connect with individuals and help them navigate lifes struggles.  There is nothing wrong with this.  It is one avenue to becoming a counselor or therapist.  

However, we all know that straight out of school we all have so much more to learn as we put what we've learned in textbooks and in class into the real world.  This transition is easier for some than others.  However, no matter how easy this transition is, I personally would want to know that my counselor or therapist is working with supervisors in whatever capacity that looks like.  This not only allows the counselor/therapist to continue to learn and grow, it also provides them with the knowledge that the supervisor has from their years of practice.  It allows the counselor/therapist to also seek assistance for more difficult cases.  None of us are perfect, nor do we know everything.  So in my opinion, ongoing supervision (and more specifically consultation for more seasoned counselors/therapists) should be something that EVERY counselor/therapist engages in.  

Then there is training in different forms of therapy.  Training includes no only teaching in that specific kind of therapy as to how it works and how to deliver it, but it often includes role playing and supervision during the training.  Once training is done, the counselor/therapist is often able to start practicing.  However, training can be anywhere from a few hours up to a week.  There is a lot of information shared during training, but again, it takes time to implement this training in real life situations.  Also, where did they get their training?  Is it an accredited training source?  

Moving beyond basic training, counselors and therapists start to look at Certifications.  For certifications, they need not only the formal education as well as the training in that form of therapy.  The counselor/therapist often also needs so many hours of direct practice with patients, but also so many hours of both group and one-on-one supervision.  This can often take years to complete.  During completion of this, the counselor/therapist is working directly with clients, but is also working closely with different supervisors to ensure they are not only providing the form of therapy as it is intended, but also this helps them deepen their clinical understanding of that form of therapy.  

Not everyone seeks Certification, as it is a very expensive process.  Supervision costs (up to $200/hour or session).  Some individuals believe that simply practicing and only seeking help when they feel they need it is good enough.  

Beyond Certification, there are additional levels of Certification.  The next step would be to become a certified trainer in that form of therapy.  This would indicate that you've not only spent the years and money to be certified in this form of therapy, but now you are certified as an individual who can teach this form of therapy to other individuals.  Again, it is important to do this with the appropriate governing bodies of that mode of therapy.  

For example, I am working towards my certification in EMDR therapy.  There are some places that provide very basic EMDR training, but are not supported by a governing body in this kind of therapy.  My own training has been provided by the EMDRIA International  ( https://www.emdria.org/ ).  They oversee EMDR specialists and counselors/therapists around the world.  I have taken my specific EMDR training by the individual who created the EMDR protocols that are used specifically with children - the Ana Gomez Institute ( https://agateinstitute.org/ ).   I chose to do my training through this agency specifically because children "speak" in different ways than do adults.  As an adult, I am able to engage with other adults in the therapy room quite easily.  However, "speaking" to children is different, and minimally utilizes language skills.  Additionally, often when an adult comes in to process trauma, they were often traumatized as a child.  So being able to speak to that inner child is often beneficial to helping that adult client work through these traumas.  

My plan for the future?  I want to become a certified training in EMDR.  I want to not only help clients on their healing journey.  I also want to help guide new therapists as they develop their clinical understanding of what EMDR is and how to utilize it in their practices.  

NEVER be afraid to ask your counselor/therapist for their certifications.  The best counselors/therapists will NEVER be offended by you asking.

This is about helping you recover and become stronger.  You have the right to question and receive answers.  If you don't understand the answers you receive, a good counselor/therapist will explain what those answers mean, and provide you with more information so you can learn more.  If they don't, I would wonder why not.  What don't they want you to know?  

Be curious.  It is your right.