Many therapists returned to in-office services though, the great news is, ChatterSoupe continues to offer virtual services for persons age 18+ for individuals, couples and group settings.
What is counseling (or psychotherapy)?
In Connecticut, counseling and/or therapy is a state-regulated service industry and overseen by the Department of Public Health (DPH). Because of this, people providing these services are required to be licensed within the state. Presently, the regulations also stipulate that when services are provided, the recipient (the client or patient) must be physically within the state.
There are many kinds of licensed persons who provide counseling or psychotherapy. Some include: alcohol and drug counselors, art therapists, professional counselors, psychologists, social workers and marital and family therapists. Each one of these licenses hold specifics as to how the provider (license holder) is permitted to practice. Some variations include whether the provider can write prescriptions for pharmaceutical medication to conducting psychological testing to working with individuals versus groups.
Education and Licensing
Generally, a counselor or therapist has a minimum of a masters degree (six years of study at a college following completion of high school or primary education). In order to use the title or label of counselor or therapist, there are a number of requirements placed on a person who wants use these words in association with their work. Plus, a specific number of supervised hours by meeting in-person with clients. Additionally, beyond the completion of the school work and being supervised, the provider must also successfully passed a national standard examination within the scope of the license regulations. This is required before an individual is permitted to practice without supervision and eligible for applying to the privilege of licensing. A provider’s license status is available for the public to review through the state website. ChatterSoupe encourages all prospective clients to verify a professional license before beginning to work with the professional.
Additionally, in order to maintain an active license, the professional is required to complete a number of continuing educational units (CEU’s) usually every year to keep their knowledge up to date within their profession. Many will then focus on specific areas within their fields and develop expertise in their work.
Because there are various types of counseling providers, it may also be helpful to learn the type of services each provider offers and how those services are different. For example, alcohol and drug counselors work to provide education for, prevention of and help in gaining sobriety with alcohol and drugs. An art therapist will use various mediums or kinds of art forms to help the client reach their goals. Traditionally, a social worker helped persons find and develop social supports and many continue with this managing cases within hospitals and larger organizations.
Marriage and family therapists offer unique services outside of other counselors in that training is required in family systems and psychotherapy. A provider may work with the family unit, the couple or the individual alone. However, in all of these the focus remains on looking at the relationship perspective of the problem. Research has demonstrated and families have maintained that this approach to therapy can be very powerful and effective. Sometimes more than other more familiar approaches. Additional information about the training, research and history of martial and family therapist can be found with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
ChatterSoupe’s founder, Amy Belval, is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
Meeting Type and Duration:
Let’s chat about your options – meeting types, lengths, delivery, workplace training, speaking engagements, and clinical supervision.
Individual. This is the most popular meeting choice. Participants include you and your therapist.
Couples. There are 3 participants in this meeting type: you, someone you invite, and the counselor. This is for any relationship (professional, friendship, educational, family, etc) where there’s problems with another person you want to fix.
Groups. This type is a bit different. Members can be a family, team, or other persons with a common interest. The number of participant is varied.
How long will you meet with your therapist?
Insurances historically have decided on the length of therapy treatments. ChatterSoupe offers multiple options dependent upon the participants in the session type. Meeting lengths are flexible for each type appointment requested and according to your insurance coverage. This will be reflected on Explanation of Benefits (EOB); the notification you receive from your insurance holder after payment claims are filed by your mental or medical provider.
Please speak with your insurance policy holder or your clinician for additional information.
Generally, clients requesting individual sessions are as follows:
- Brief – the session lasts from 16 to 37 minutes
- Standard – the session lasts from 38 to 52 minutes
- Extended – the session last from 53 to 60 minutes
Workplace Training / Speaking Engagements
ChatterSoupe is pleased to offer on site or distance workplace training. Some past topics included: time management, trust building, anger and stress management, and group trauma/grief response.
Please email us with your organizational needs.
Clinical Supervision
Congratulations you’ve completed your training in marriage and family therapy and look forward to earning your license. Work with ChatterSoupe to complete your clinical supervision hours.