What Does a Therapist Do? Understanding the Role of Mental Health Professionals
When considering therapy, many people wonder, “What does a therapist do?” The answer encompasses far more than simply listening to problems. Therapists are trained mental health professionals who help individuals work through emotional and psychological challenges using evidence-based techniques and compassionate support. At Revive Counseling in Spokane, we believe understanding the therapist’s role can help you make informed decisions about your mental health journey.
TLDR: What Therapists Do
- Therapists assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions using evidence-based approaches
- They receive extensive education, supervised clinical experience, and ongoing training
- Different types of therapists specialize in various approaches (CBT, DBT, EMDR) and populations
- The therapeutic relationship itself is a powerful tool for healing
- Finding the right therapeutic approach for your specific needs significantly impacts outcomes
Ready to Start Your Therapy Journey?
Understanding what therapists do is the first step toward improved mental health. At Revive Counseling in Spokane, our team of licensed professionals offers compassionate, evidence-based care for a wide range of mental health concerns. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or simply want to enhance your emotional well-being, we’re here to help.
Don’t wait to begin your journey toward better mental health. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and take the first step toward positive change.
The Core Responsibilities of a Therapist
Therapists serve as guides in the process of mental health improvement, with responsibilities that extend beyond the traditional image of someone taking notes while a client speaks.
Assessment and Diagnosis
One of the primary functions of a therapist is to assess and diagnose mental health conditions. This process typically begins with an initial consultation where the therapist gathers information about your history, current challenges, and goals. They may use standardized assessments to help identify specific mental health disorders or challenges you’re experiencing.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, proper diagnosis is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies for conditions ranging from anxiety and depression to more complex mental illness presentations. Therapists are trained to recognize patterns and symptoms that indicate specific conditions, allowing them to create targeted treatment approaches.
Treatment Planning and Implementation
After assessment, therapists develop personalized treatment plans based on your specific needs. A licensed mental health professional considers multiple factors when creating this plan, including:
- The nature and severity of your symptoms
- Your personal goals and preferences
- Evidence-based approaches most effective for your situation
- Your cultural background and values
Treatment plans often include specific therapeutic techniques, frequency of sessions, and measurable goals to track progress. At Revive Counseling, we offer comprehensive behavioral health services that adapt to your unique situation.
Ongoing Support and Evaluation
Therapy is rarely a one-and-done process. Mental health therapists provide ongoing support, regularly evaluating progress and adjusting treatment strategies as needed. This might involve:
- Helping you develop coping mechanisms for emotional distress
- Teaching skills to manage symptoms
- Providing a safe space to process difficult experiences
- Celebrating progress and achievements
- Modifying approaches if something isn’t working
The therapeutic relationship itself becomes a powerful tool for healing, with research showing that the connection between therapist and client significantly impacts treatment outcomes.
Types of Therapy Approaches a Therapist May Use
Therapists specialize in various therapeutic modalities, each with unique benefits for different mental health concerns.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most widely practiced and researched therapeutic approaches. Often called talk therapy, CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that influence emotions and behaviors. This approach is particularly effective for treating anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders where negative thinking plays a significant role.
According to VeryWell Mind, CBT typically involves structured sessions where you learn to recognize distorted thoughts and replace them with more balanced perspectives. Research consistently shows CBT’s effectiveness across a wide range of conditions, making it a cornerstone of modern therapeutic practice.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy combines cognitive techniques with mindfulness practices. Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT has proven effective for many conditions involving emotional regulation difficulties.
At Revive, our Dialectical Behavioral Therapy approach helps clients develop four core skills:
- Mindfulness and present-moment awareness
- Distress tolerance
- Emotion regulation
- Interpersonal effectiveness
These skills help individuals manage intense emotions and improve relationships, creating a foundation for better mental well-being.
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a specialized approach for treating trauma. This evidence-based method helps the brain process traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation, typically guided eye movements.
Our EMDR therapy for trauma at Revive has helped many clients process difficult experiences and reduce symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require extensive discussion of traumatic events, making it accessible for those who find such conversations overwhelming.
Talk Therapy and Other Approaches
While specific techniques like CBT and DBT fall under the umbrella of talk therapy, therapists may also practice other approaches:
- Psychodynamic therapy explores how past experiences influence current behavior
- Humanistic therapy focuses on personal growth and self-actualization
- Family therapists work with entire family systems to improve communication and resolve conflicts
Many therapists integrate multiple approaches based on individual client needs. At Revive Counseling, we believe in matching the therapeutic approach to the person, not forcing a one-size-fits-all solution.
Education and Qualifications for Therapists
Becoming a therapist requires significant education, training, and ongoing professional development.
Required Education and Degrees
Most therapists hold at least a master’s degree in fields such as:
- Psychology
- Counseling
- Social work
- Marriage and family therapy
These programs typically take 2-3 years to complete and include coursework in human development, therapeutic techniques, ethics, and research methods. Some therapists pursue doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) for advanced clinical training, research capabilities, or teaching positions.
Licensing and Certification
After completing their education, therapists must obtain state licensure to practice. This typically involves:
- Passing a standardized examination
- Completing a specified number of supervised clinical experience hours
- Meeting ethical and professional standards
- Background checks and verification of education
Licensed mental health professionals may hold various titles depending on their specific training and state regulations, including Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Supervised Clinical Experience and Continuing Education
Before becoming fully licensed, therapists complete thousands of hours of supervised clinical experience working with clients under the guidance of experienced practitioners. This hands-on training is crucial for developing practical skills that complement academic knowledge.
Even after licensure, mental health professionals must complete continuing education courses to maintain their credentials and stay current with advances in the field. This commitment to ongoing learning ensures therapists can provide the most effective, up-to-date care.
Different Types of Mental Health Professionals
The mental health field encompasses various professionals with different training backgrounds and approaches.
Therapists vs. Psychiatrists
While therapists focus primarily on talk therapy and behavioral interventions, psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medications for mental health disorders. Some key differences:
- Psychiatrists complete medical school and residency training
- Only psychiatrists and certain other medical professionals (like psychiatric nurses) can prescribe medications
- Many clients work with both a therapist and psychiatrist for comprehensive care
- Therapists typically provide more frequent, longer sessions focused on psychological strategies
At Revive, we coordinate care with psychiatrists when medication might benefit our clients, ensuring integrated treatment approaches.
Marriage and Family Therapists
Marriage and family therapists specialize in relationship dynamics and family systems. These professionals view psychological issues within the context of relationships and family interactions.
Our family therapy services at Revive help families improve communication, resolve conflicts, and navigate challenging transitions. Family therapists consider how each family member’s actions affect the entire system, addressing both individual and relationship concerns.
Mental Health Counselors and Other Specialists
Mental health counselors often work with specific populations or focus on particular issues:
- Addiction counselors specialize in substance use and behavioral addictions
- Grief counselors help people navigate loss and bereavement
- Trauma specialists focus on healing from traumatic experiences
- School counselors work with children and adolescents in educational settings
Other mental health professionals in the field include clinical psychologists, social workers, and pastoral counselors, each bringing unique perspectives to mental wellness.
How to Find the Right Therapist for Your Needs
Finding a therapist who matches your needs is crucial for successful therapy outcomes.
Matching Therapeutic Approaches to Mental Health Concerns
Different approaches work better for specific mental health concerns:
- CBT shows strong results for anxiety, depression, and phobias
- DBT helps with emotional regulation and interpersonal difficulties
- EMDR is specifically designed for trauma processing
- Psychodynamic therapy can help with understanding patterns that stem from childhood
At Revive Counseling, we offer mental health support that begins with a thorough assessment to match you with the right therapeutic approach for your specific situation.
What to Expect During Therapy Sessions
Therapy sessions typically last 45-60 minutes and follow a structure that may include:
- Check-in about the past week and any significant events
- Discussion of progress on previous goals or homework
- Exploration of current challenges or topics
- Learning and practicing new skills
- Setting intentions or homework for the coming week
The first few sessions usually focus on building rapport and gathering information, while later sessions delve deeper into implementing change. Most importantly, therapy sessions provide a confidential, supportive environment to address your mental health concerns.
For those struggling with depression, our specialized depression treatment programs offer evidence-based approaches to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need to see a therapist?
If you’re experiencing persistent emotional distress, significant changes in mood or behavior, difficulty managing daily tasks, or relationship problems that don’t improve with time, consulting a mental health therapist may be beneficial. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy—many people seek therapeutic support for personal growth, stress management, or navigating life transitions.
What’s the difference between a psychologist and a therapist?
While all psychologists can be therapists, not all therapists are psychologists. Psychologists hold doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) with extensive training in psychological assessment and research. Therapists may have various educational backgrounds (master’s or doctoral level) and focus primarily on providing therapy. Both can help with mental health disorders and emotional and psychological challenges.
How long does therapy typically last?
The duration of therapy depends on your specific goals, the nature of your mental health condition, and the therapeutic approach. Some brief interventions might last 8-12 sessions, while more complex issues may benefit from longer-term work. Some clients attend therapy for a few months to address specific challenges, while others find value in ongoing therapeutic support for mental well-being.
Can therapists prescribe medications?
Most therapists cannot prescribe medications. Only psychiatrists (who are medical doctors) and certain other medical professionals like psychiatric nurses with advanced training can prescribe medications for mental illness. However, therapists often work collaboratively with prescribers to provide comprehensive treatment when medication might be helpful.
What happens during the first therapy session?
The first session typically involves completing paperwork (like consent forms and insurance information), discussing confidentiality, and beginning the assessment process. Your therapist will ask about your current concerns, relevant history, and goals for therapy. This session helps establish whether you and the therapist are a good fit for working together and begins the treatment planning process.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, therapists are bound by strict confidentiality rules as part of their practice therapy ethics. However, there are some limits to confidentiality, including situations involving imminent harm to yourself or others, suspected abuse of children or vulnerable adults, or certain legal proceedings. Your therapist should discuss these limits clearly during your first session.