I finally found some information on WH's therapist he will be seeing for the first time tomorrow (he cancelled with Steve).

All that I could find is that she was a PHD and Services Offered were:

Psychotherapy--individual, couples, family, and group (all ages). Psychological assessment (all ages). Custody/visitation evaluation

I couldn't find any other credentials, schooling, training, etc. She is not registered with the AAMFT.

If anyone knows where to gather more info on a therapist I would appreciate it, I have looked all over the web.

What exactly does a psychotherapist do, does anyone know how they approach marital counseling, if they do?
Do they usually have training in this area?

Has anyone been to a psychotherapist or know of anyone who has for marital counseling? Experiences?

thanks,
GC

I know a lot of therapist of all sorts that do nt focus on marital recovery... in their focus... focus on the individiual and what that ind. wants.. this is what scares me aobut your h going to this person, esp if his mom went to her and his mom is not in agreement with saving your marriage, and his moms marriage ended in D.

Pray, I am so sorry for the situation and how hard it is. He is to counsel with steve, right?

I am so sorry he is having all this wavering... we went through wavering a lot with ow number one.

I think it will get better.... do not do anything... plan b and a when you see him.

Hugs, HONEY

he was supposed to counsel with Steve at 6am tomorrow, with me at 11am, but cancelled.

I took his 6am appointment, wanted to get in there asap.

he said he didnt want to talk to two therapists in a day, wanted to see what this other therapist said, he might reconsider Steve but it does not look probable. Also, he told me that his mom is paying for his therapy if he goes to this one.

Why is it when someone finds out about a life threatning illness, they go to the doctor, many get a second opinion.

Why don't people do this with their marriages, after all, it does affect the rest of their life.

bump

I am remembering from college Psych class that the biggest difference is that one, the psychologist, has a MD while the analyst just has BS, MS or PhD. This difference means that the psychologist, the MD, can perscribe meds while the PhD can't. All of them have different base beliefs on the underlying reasons for behaviour ie Freudians, Jungists etc etc

I would suggest someone who specializes in family and marriage counseling. Ask friends, clergy etc for referrals. I also like your idea of trying several and discussing with them how they approach the counseling.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor, the guy who prescribes the meds.

A psychologist has a PhD in psychology and practices "psychotherapy" thus the term "psychotherapist". They may go by "doctor" because anyone with a PhD(in anything) can legitimately use that title.

An MFT is a Master's level prepared person who completes a specific course of study in counseling thus the "MFT" or marriage and family therapist. They are "therapists" or "counselors"

Both psychologists and MFTs must refer you to a psychiatrist or other medical doctor for a prescription for medication.

Psychiatrists do not generally do any form of counseling, they are a medical doctor. Exceptions may be if you live in a very remote area and there is no access to a psychologist /psychotherapist or MFT

No telling who prescribes to what views. That would be completely an individual thing.

Hope this helps!