What is a Psychologist/Psychological Associate?
A psychologist/psychological associate is a professionally trained individual who has the skills and training necessary to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues. They are registered, regulated, and licensed by The College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario (CPBAO) and practice psychology under the framework of the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA).
To be registered as a psychologist/psychological associate in the Province of Ontario an individual must have a doctorate degree in psychology or its equivalent. In addition to this degree, he or she must pass professional examinations, complete supervised internships, and agree to follow ethical codes and standards of practice.
What is the difference between a Psychologist, a Psychiatrist, and a Psychotherapist?
Psychologists/Psychological Associates have a degree in psychology that includes approximately 5000 hours of clinical training and specialization in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of human emotion, thought, and behaviour. They have advanced training in counselling, psychotherapy, psychological testing, and the science of behaviour change. Psychologists/psychological associates are the only professionals qualified to use certain kinds of psychological tests to assess intelligence, emotional and behavioural problems, and neuropsychological dysfunction. Psychologist/Psychological Associate fees are covered by private payment, extended medical plans, employee assistance programs, and through government agencies or other special programs. In Ontario, The College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts licenses Psychologists.
Psychiatrists obtain a degree in medicine and then take specialized training in psychiatry, which generally refers to the study, assessment, and treatment of emotional and behavioural problems. Their treatment of choice is most often pharmacotherapy (medication), often augmented by psychotherapy. Psychiatrist’s fees are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (O.H.I.P.). In Ontario, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario licenses psychiatrists.
Psychotherapists have varied types of training and levels of experience. They treat, by means of psychotherapy, an individual's mental and emotional problems. Psychotherapist’s fees are covered by private payment and some extended medical plans. They are regulated in the province of Ontario by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO).
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy involves personal engagement in a process of exploration of various painful personal issues, emotional problems, physical symptoms, and relationship dysfunction by means of verbal and non-verbal communication, rather than with the use of medications or physical interventions.
Psychotherapy may be performed by practitioners with a number of different qualifications, including psychologists/psychological associates, psychotherapists, licensed clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, and psychiatrists.
What is our approach to psychotherapy?
Our approach at Dr. Lisa Berger & Associates is based on our respect for individuals and our belief that each person is capable of solving problems in their own unique way. We provide a process, skills, tools, and support with which to do this. Our team of trained professionals will encourage and support you to trust in your own natural healing ability and to learn how to process through your feelings.
Many people are cut off from themselves and their feelings, making them feel less human and less alive. Our emotions provide us with valuable information about who we are, where we come from, and how we wish to be. When we experience any kind of trauma it impacts our ability to deal with our emotions and to find and implement healthy ways of facing our problems.
Psychotherapy involves more than insight and understanding; its purpose is to enable you to feel, connect, and integrate life experiences whose feeling content has been split off from your awareness. This brings about an internal shift that results in relief from intense negative feelings and destructive behaviour. In therapy you learn a new way to connect to yourself and know yourself, which you will then continue to use to achieve clarity throughout your life.
We believe that as you work through your difficulties you can become more assertive, self-honouring, and appropriately reactive and that you can develop steady self-respect as you connect with your own truth.
