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Psychotherapist

Psychotherapists help individuals, couples or groups identify, understand, and manage emotional and behavioural problems.

 

Tasks & duties

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Psychotherapists may do some or all of the following:

  • offer therapy to a range of clients
  • do an initial assessment of their clients
  • discuss with clients the effect of their early influences
  • talk about and explore issues with clients
  • help clients understand themselves, their needs, and how to meet them
  • help clients to understand and manage their emotions
  • discuss ideas about how to achieve the client's desired changes in behaviour
  • evaluate the effects of treatment given
  • undergo their own therapy
  • supervise other psychotherapists
  • run workshops and courses

 

Skills & knowledge

Psychotherapists need to have:

  • an understanding of different areas of psychotherapy and psychodynamic therapy (therapeutic approaches that aim to get the client to bring their true feelings to the surface)
  • knowledge of human relationships and how to relate to people
  • understanding of social and cultural issues that may affect their clients
  • the ability to influence people
  • skill in analysing and evaluating human behaviour
  • research skills

 

Entry requirements

To become a psychotherapist you need to have a psychotherapy qualification, which includes supervised practical work and undergoing your own therapy.

From January 1, 2009, it is expected that you will have to a have a post-graduate qualification in psychotherapy to practice. This is because people wishing to use the title of psychotherapist will have to be registered with the Psychotherapists Board of New Zealand, which is expected to require this level of degree.

 

Training on the job

Skills are developed on the job. Psychotherapists are required to work with supervisors and undergo their own therapy as part of their ongoing learning and development.

 

Registration

From January 1 2009, you will need to be registered with the Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand and have an annual practising certificate to be able to use the title of psychotherapist.

 

Useful experience

Experience as a social worker, community worker or counsellor is useful for psychotherapists. Life experience and any work that involves helping or caring for people is an advantage, as is any research in related fields.

 

Related courses

Community Client Care
Counselling
Support for the Older Person
Youth Work

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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