Credentialing after graduation: A Review for Counselors and Psychotherapists.
Credentialing is an essential aspect of professional development in counseling, offering both recognition of expertise in specialized areas and opportunities for further growth. After graduation, there are a plethora of credentialing options available to counseling students, based on their interests and desired career paths.
Below are some credentials and their professional organizations where you can learn more about each. Please note that this list does not include information licensure or on getting an additional degree — credentialing in counseling is about developing expertise and supporting the profession.
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Credentials post masters
Play Therapy:
Credential: Registered Play Therapist (RPT)
Description: Play therapists work with children to explore and resolve psychosocial issues through play. This credential signifies expertise in therapeutic play techniques.
Play therapy association: https://www.a4pt.org/
Sex Therapy:
Credential: Certified Sex Therapist (CST)
Description: Specializes in addressing sexual dysfunctions and helping clients navigate various sexual challenges.
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT): https://www.aasect.org/
Career Counseling:
Credential: Certified Career Counselor (CCC)
Description: Professionals in this field assist individuals in making informed career choices, planning career changes, and achieving career goals.
National Career Development Association://ncda.org/aws/NCDA/pt/sp/credentialing_ccc
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Credential: Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
Description: CBT professionals help clients address maladaptive thinking patterns and behaviors, making it a widely used therapy for various issues. The Beck Institute is just one of many places that offers certification in multiple forms of CBT trainings.
The Beck Insitute: https://beckinstitute.org/
Addictions:
Credential: Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC)
Description: Specializes in treating individuals with substance abuse and addiction problems.
The National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals: https://www.naadac.org/certification
Expressive Arts Therapy:
Credential: Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT)
Description: This approach integrates visual arts, movement, drama, music, writing, and other creative processes to promote emotional, mental, and physical health.
International Expressive Arts Therapy Association: https://www.ieata.org/
Psychedelic Therapies:
Credential: It varies by region, but generally involves specialized training in the therapeutic use of psychedelics.
Description: Emerging field where professionals are trained in facilitating therapeutic experiences using psychedelic substances in controlled settings.
psychedelic medicine association: https://psychedelicmedicineassociation.org/
Mindfulness:
Credential: There are many certifications out there for becoming a mindfulness practitioner. For example, Certified Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) or Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Practitioner or similar titles.
Description: Focuses on integrating mindfulness strategies, often drawn from Buddhist meditative practices, into therapeutic modalities.
Many hospitals will offer formal training to become Certified in mindfulness. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is closely associated with the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Founded by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979, this center has been at the forefront of mindfulness research and training.
While the Center for Mindfulness isn’t a “professional organization” in the same sense as associations with membership dues, conferences, and the like, it is the primary and original institutional body for MBSR. The center provides intensive training for MBSR instructors, conducts research, and holds the annual “Scientific Conference for Mindfulness.”
However, it’s worth noting that as mindfulness and MBSR have gained in popularity, various organizations and institutions around the world now offer MBSR training and related programs. If someone is looking to get trained or find resources on MBSR, the Center for Mindfulness at UMass is an excellent place to start, but there are many other reputable institutions and trainers globally.
National Certified Counselor (NCC):
Credential: NCC
Description: A general certification indicating a high standard of professional practice for counselors.
National Board for Certified Counseling (NBCC): https://www.nbcc.org/
The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) is a well-known certification body for counselors in the United States. As of my last training data in January 2022, the NBCC offers several core certifications for counseling professionals:
- National Certified Counselor (NCC): This is a foundational certification for counselors, indicating a high standard of professionalism in counseling.
- Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC): This is a specialty certification for those counselors who focus on clinical mental health counseling.
- Master Addictions Counselor (MAC): This certification is for professionals who work with individuals struggling with substance use or addictive behaviors.
- National Certified School Counselor (NCSC): This specialty certification is for school counselors.
In addition to these certifications, the NBCC also partners with other organizations to offer additional specialty certifications. It’s worth noting that each of these certifications has its own set of education, examination, and experience requirements. Professionals interested in these certifications should refer to the NBCC’s official website or contact the organization directly to get the most up-to-date and detailed information.
Telehealth Counseling:
Credential: Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider (BC-TMH)
Description: Special training to provide counseling services via telecommunication tools. This is especially relevant given the recent growth in online therapy platforms.
Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider: https://www.cce-global.org/credentialing/bctmh
Trauma work certifications:
Credential: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Certified Therapist
Description: For those trained in EMDR therapy for trauma and PTSD.
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). EMDRIA provides training, certification, and resources for therapists interested in or currently practicing EMDR.: https://www.emdria.org/emdr-training/emdr-certification-2/
Trauma-informed expressive therapies: You can receive training and certification from Kathy Malchiodi, PhD, is a leading expert in the fields of expressive therapies and trauma-informed practices. She has authored numerous books, articles, and chapters on the subject, and she offers training and workshops in trauma-informed expressive therapies.
Expressive therapies, sometimes called creative arts therapies, encompass a range of modalities, including art therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, dance/movement therapy, and more. When these therapies are trauma-informed, they incorporate an understanding of the impact of trauma and emphasize principles of safety, empowerment, and choice for participants.
Dr. Kathy Malchiodi’s approach to trauma-informed expressive therapies integrates neurobiological knowledge, somatic approaches, and mindfulness practices with the power of the expressive arts.
Professionals interested in trauma-informed expressive therapies and training may consider checking out resources, courses, and workshops offered by Kathy Malchiodi. Her books, workshops, and courses are known for being comprehensive and insightful for both clinicians and educators in the field.
I have taken several of her trainings and love her work. Her classes are reasonably priced as well.
Kathy’s site: https://www.trauma-informedpractice.com/
Trauma and Loss Specialist (TLS) or Certified Trauma Professional (CTP):
- The International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP) offers the Certified Trauma Professional (CTP) designation. You can find more information about their certification and other resources on their website: https://www.traumapro.net/
Certified Eating Disorders Specialist (CEDS):
- The International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (iaedp) is responsible for the CEDS certification. Their official website provides details about the certification process, training, and resources: https://www.iaedp.com/
Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP):
- The American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) offers the CGP certification. For more details about group psychotherapy and the certification process, you can visit their official website: https://www.agpa.org/
Students should note that each of these credentials may require specific coursework, supervised hours, examination, and continuous education. Additionally, licensing and credentialing requirements can vary significantly by state or country, so it’s essential to be aware of local regulations and standards.
