Decoding the Specialities
M.D. = (Medical Doctor) Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. They may or may not be experts on psychotherapy, but they are the only mental health professionals that can prescribe medication.
MSW= (Masters in Social Work) Social workers have some training in psychotherapy, but only minimal training in psychology. Some social workers complete additional studies in psychotherapy and are experts on its practice.
MFT= (Masters in Family Therapy) As the name implies, these are clinicians who focus on issues related to marriage and family.
PhD./PsyD = Psychologists either have a Masters or a PhD. in psychology. They are experts on the mind, but depending on whether their studies were research oriented or clinical, they may or may not be experts on psychotherapy.
Numerous research efforts have demonstrated that the relationship between a patient and his or her doctor is at least equally important to what the doctor chooses to do for the patient. If you feel like your doctor knows what he or she is doing, you have a much better chance of getting better. Choosing a therapist involves figuring out what kind of therapy will work for you. Ask yourself these questions:
What is my budget?
How often do I want to see my doctor?
How quickly do I expect results?
Will there be homework?
These questions will help direct your choice of therapy, and your choice of doctor. Make sure the doctor you choose is experienced in the therapy you need.
The more therapies a particular clinician has under his/her belt, the more likely he/she can customize an approach.
Long-term versus short-term psychotherapy: Short-term psychotherapies are very problem-oriented, and often cost-effective solutions. You will spend one to three sessions choosing a particular area of your life that needs improvement, or a target symptom that you would like to address. Then you will meet with your doctor once or twice a week for between 12-20 sessions. Nearly seventy percent of the patients who receive short-term psychotherapy see at least a fifty percent improvement in their target symptom by week twelve.
Long-term psychotherapies usually focus on the inner-self and aim to improve overall well-being. They can change your life, but it takes time- at least a year if not longer. They are not the ideal jumping off point for dealing with a behavior you want to stop now. There is very little research that demonstrates how effective these therapies are. One thing is certain- in long-term psychotherapy, a good outcome depends on a strong relationship between patient and doctor.
Behavioral therapies are short-term psychotherapies focused on action. They universally involve significant time commitments for homework outside of the scheduled therapy hour. Behavioral therapies are often a cost-effective solution for a variety of problems including panic and anxiety disorder, OCD, addiction, and depression. The most common form of behavioral therapy is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and it has been extensively researched and refined.
Dynamics-based therapies focus on psychodynamic issues. They include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, DBT, and Intensive Short-Term Dynamics-based Psychotherapy, or ISTDP. These are conscious and unconscious thoughts and feelings that have evolved from our experiences with our family. By understanding how experiences from our childhood and from our present interact, we are often able to alter how we perceive a situation affecting us, and respond more appropriately. These changes can have a profound impact on our quality of life.
Supportive psychotherapy is just that. It's psychotherapy designed to support a person during a stressful time. Whether it be divorce, recovery, trauma, loss, or a return to work, supportive psychotherapy is for people who are having trouble day to day.
Dr. Martorano is an expert in several short-term and long-term psychotherapies. To find out more click here. To find out what past clients have to say about working with Dr. Martorano, Click here to view testimonials.
ALL THERAPISTS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL
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