BENEFITS OF SEEING AN ASSOCIATE THERAPIST
Associate Therapists are Well Educated
An associate therapist has completed their Masters degree from an accredited program and is working towards the 3000 hours needed in order to become licensed. Marriage and Family Therapy masters programs are rigorous and they must demonstrate proficiency in research, therapeutic orientations, approaches, and interventions. They must also have personal qualities of a good therapist including empathy, warm acceptance, and the ability to create a non-judgmental, comforting space.
Associate Therapists Work with Clients During their Schooling
Obtaining a Master’s degree isn’t all theoretical book work. Associate therapists work directly with clients during this time, and use these interactions to hone in on the specific methodologies they want to focus on learning and applying, all while receiving rigorous hands-on supervision and training. Your associate therapist has used her skills to help other clients and they’ve seen results.
Associate Therapists have Passed the California Law and Ethics Exam
Here in California, associate therapists must pass this exam in order to be registered as an AMFT or APCC and prior to working in a private practice setting. You can rest assured that your associate therapist will abide by privacy practices, legal requirements, and the code of ethics that is required of all therapists.
Associate Therapists are Chosen by The Licensed Therapist
When an associate therapist works for a private practice, they were chosen because they bring quality education and experience that will be valuable to the clients the practice serves. Here at Connective Intelligence we hires only associate therapists who are aligned with the practice’s mission and able to provide the same high level of care that Nicole herself provides clients. Nicole specifically selects therapists that work in a similar style to her, providing warm care, compassion, and acceptance to each client.
Associate Therapists Work Under Supervision
Associate therapists must work under the supervision of a licensed therapist. This means that as the client, you receive the benefit of the experience and knowledge of both the pre-licensed therapist, as well as the licensed therapist that provides weekly supervision. Every week, the licensed therapist reviews the associate therapists’ cases and offers feedback, answers questions, and provides ongoing training for the associate therapist. You can feel confident that your associate therapist will use this time to make sure they have the knowledge they need to best help you.
Associate Therapists are Motivated, Excited and Curious
One of the best things about working with an associate therapist is that they are eager to learn. They are excited to finally be putting their years of education to work, and they want very much to give you the best therapy experience they can. They attend ongoing training and continue to learn new methodologies throughout this time. Your associate therapist isn’t going to be burned out, stuck or jaded. Instead she’ll be curious and open to your experiences and flexible in finding the best way to work with you.
Associate Therapists are Receiving the Most up-to-date Training
The field of psychology is always evolving as we learn more about the human brain and do more research on what methods work best for different presenting issues. Associate therapists receive this up-to-date information as part of their core and ongoing training and development. If you’ve tried therapy before and didn’t find it effective, consider that your associate therapist may have learned something new that is just the right thing to help you.
Associate Therapists Achieve Treatment Results on Par with those of Licensed Therapists
A study of 591 patients at the Psychotherapy Clinic of the Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Sweden concluded “that clinically inexperienced student therapists who receive supervision from experienced supervisors can achieve treatment effects that are on a par with those of experienced licensed psychotherapists.”
Associate Therapists have Accessible Fees
You may view a lower fee as an indication of a lower quality service, but nothing could be further from the truth! Associate therapists keep their fees low and often offer sliding scale options so that their services can be accessible to people who otherwise may not be able to afford therapy or afford to be seen as often. You get the benefit of the fresh and open outlook of your associate therapist, her up-to-date training, and the experience of both the associate therapist and the licensed therapist- that’s a lot of bang for your buck!