Trained, Specialized, and Certified Therapists: Definitions
These terms represent different levels of education, expertise, and credentialing in the mental health field:
Trained (Special training)
- Basic educational qualification required to practice
- Typically refers to completing a master’s or doctoral degree program in psychology, counseling, social work, or related fields
- Includes supervised clinical hours during education
- Allows for entry-level practice under supervision
- Example: A graduate with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology who has completed coursework in a particular area or modality.
Specialized (Special training, plus experience)
- Additional focused training in specific therapeutic approaches or populations beyond basic qualifications
- Usually involves post-graduate education, workshops, or supervised experience in a particular area
- Not necessarily accompanied by formal credentials
- Example: A graduate with a Master’s in Counseling Psychology who has completed professional training and acquired significant experience in Trauma-focused therapy, eating disorders, addiction, couples counseling, or child psychology.
Certified (Special training, plus experience, plus certification)
- Formal recognition of expertise through an established credentialing body
- Requires meeting specific requirements such as:
- Educational prerequisites
- Supervised clinical hours
- Passing standardized examinations
- Demonstration of competency
- Continuing education
- Results in specific credentials or titles that can be verified
- Examples: Levels 1, 2, and 3 from the International Society of Emotion-Focused Therapy (ISEFT), Certified Synergetic Play Therapist
These terms represent a progression from general education (trained) to focused expertise (specialized) to formal recognition (certified), though they can sometimes overlap or be used differently depending on the context and location.
