FAQs

  • According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) refers to a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Most psychotherapy takes place one-on-one with a licensed mental health professional or with other patients in a group setting.”

    National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Psychotherapies. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies#

  • The words psychotherapy and counseling have very similar meanings and are often used interchangeably within the mental health sphere. However, counseling tends to be more short-term and focused on addressing specific behaviors and alleviating symptoms, while psychotherapy is usually long-term and focused on understanding interpersonal dynamics, subconscious patterns of thought, and how your past influences your present.

    A more important distinction is that in Florida, the word “psychotherapist” is a legally protected term that may only be used by state-licensed professionals such as Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (Florida Senate, 2025). On the other hand, the word “counselor” is not protected terminology and therefore may be used by many different types of practitioners with various levels of education and training, who may or may not be a state-licensed professional (for example, life coaches, peer counselors, and spiritual advisors).

    I prefer to use the term “psychotherapy” to describe my work because 1) my approach is depth-oriented and relies on long-term development of the therapeutic relationship (usually at least 6 months of regular sessions) to be most successful; and 2) using the term is a quick way to signify to potential clients that I am qualified, licensed, and possess a state-mandated level of competence.

    The Florida Senate. (2025). The 2025 Florida Statutes. Online Sunshine.https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0491/0491.htmlion text goes here

  • As defined by the American Psychological Association (2010): “Psychodynamic therapy focuses on the psychological roots of emotional suffering. Its hallmarks are self-reflection and self-examination, and the use of the relationship between therapist and patient as a window into problematic relationship patterns in the patient’s life. Its goal is not only to alleviate the most obvious symptoms but to help people lead healthier lives.”

    American Psychological Association. (2010, January 25). Psychodynamic psychotherapy brings lasting benefits through self-knowledge [Press release]. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2010/01/psychodynamic-therapy

  • Yes, it does! In 2010, Dr. Jonathan Shedler published the influential article “The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy” in which he concluded, “…the available evidence indicates that effect sizes for psychodynamic therapies are as large as those reported for other treatments that have been actively promoted as ‘empirically supported’ and ‘evidence based.’ It indicates that the (often unacknowledged) ‘active ingredients’ of other therapies include techniques and processes that have long been core, centrally defining features of psychodynamic treatment. Finally, the evidence indicates that the benefits of psychodynamic treatment are lasting and not just transitory and appear to extend well beyond symptom remission. For many people, psychodynamic therapy may foster inner resources and capacities that allow richer, freer, and more fulfilling lives.”

    Shedler, J. (2010). The efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy. American Psychologist, 65(2), 98–109. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0018378https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/amp-65-2-98.pdf

  • Answer coming soon.

  • 1) Board-certified therapists have higher requirements for continuing education and training (CE): In Florida, Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) are required to complete 75 hours of CE every five years; in comparison, LMHCs who are also NCCs are required to complete a total of 100 hours of CE every five years.

    2) Board-certified therapists are held to a higher standard of ethical accountability: National Certified Counselors (NCCs) adhere to their own special code of ethics set forth by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), in addition to the ACA code of ethics that all licensed professional counselors are required to follow.