Additionally, we have broken down the different designations that are held by Bliss Specialists so that our Bliss community can make the most informed choice when looking for a therapist.
How is a Psychotherapist Different from Other Types of Counsellors or Therapists?
A psychotherapist or counsellor is a term used by therapists who employ a “talk therapy” approach with clients to establish rapport in order to work toward improvement in: quality of life, relationship satisfaction, healthy and rewarding functioning in work, home and play, general health and well-being. Psychotherapists have diverse educational and training backgrounds. Here are a few of the professions and/or educational designations that may refer to themselves as psychotherapists:
Registered Social Worker or Master of Social Work*
Master of Counselling Psychology*
Pastoral Counselor and/or Master of Divinity
Marriage and Family Therapist
Master of Sexology*
Certified Psychologist*
Certified Psychologist*
There are many more professions and designations….
*Designations that work at Bliss
What is the Difference Between the Different Education Designations at Bliss?
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
*Designations that work at Bliss
What is the Difference Between the Different Education Designations at Bliss?
Registered Social Worker (RSW)
A Social Worker may have a Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate degree in Social Work. Most counselling services provided in Ontario are with a Masters Level Registered Social Worker. In Ontario, a Social Worker does not have the ability to prescribe medication or make a clinical mental health diagnosis. Social Workers employ a variety of social theories to understand client problems; working from a biopsychosocial model Social Workers explore the client’s physical, psychological and social relationships, environment and societal influences. In therapy, Social Workers utilize a variety of tools including (but not limited to): Psycheducation, CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Client-Centred Therapy in addition to many others. Social Work is informed using evidenced based, culturally sensitive practice. At this time counselling services provided by a Social Worker are not covered by OHIP. Many employee benefit plans are beginning to cover the services of Master Level, Registered Social Workers; check your plan to see if MSW or RSW counselling is covered.
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| Melissa Reid, MSW, RSW |
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Tonya Beattie, MSW, BSW, RSW
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| Tammy Benwell, MSW, RSW |
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| Lindsay Kenna, MSW, BSW, RSW |
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Heather Stuart, MA, MSW, RSW
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Kelly McDonnell-Arnold, MA, MBA, RSW
Certified Clinical Sexologist
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Master of Counselling Psychology
A therapist with a Master of Counselling Psychology has obtained a 4 year undergraduate degree, with a focus in Psychology - the science or study of the mind and behaviour. In addition to the undergraduate degree, this designation requires two or more years of study at a graduate level. A therapist with a Master of Counselling Psychology is able to provide brief or long term counselling to individuals, families or groups. They are trained in a variety of theories, models and approaches and practice in a culturally sensitive and ethical way. A therapist with a Master in Counselling Psychology practices from a biopsychosocial model - biological, psychological and social factors and are encouraged to use evidence based practice. They are required to belong to a professional organization in order to practice under the title of Psychotherapist and Counsellor, such as the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists. In Ontario, a Master of Counselling Psychology does not have the ability to prescribe medication or make a clinical mental health diagnosis. At this time counselling services provided by a Master of Counselling Psychology are not covered by OHIP. Many employee benefit plans are beginning to cover the services of Psychotherapists and Counsellors; check your plan to see if a Masters level Counsellor or Psychotherapist is covered.
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| Jenna Luelo, MA Counselling Psych. |
Psychologist
Psychologists may work in private practice and provide counselling and psychological services. Psychologists provide counselling intervention using the latest research approaches that are specifically tailored to each individual. Clinical Psychologists are responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, and evidenced-based treatment, and prevention of mental disorders. Clinical Psychologists are able to conduct psychological (including Psych-Ed) diagnostic testing and assessments, in addition to having the capability to diagnosis psychiatric conditions. Psychologist services are not covered by OHIP. Many employee benefit plans are beginning to cover the services of Psychological Services; check your plan to see if a Psychologist is covered.
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| Heather Anderson M.Ed., C. Psychologist |
Certified Clinical Sexologist
Sexology refers to the scientific study of human sexuality. A therapist with a Master of Sexology specializes in providing effective talk therapy for both individuals and couples with respect to the confidential treatment of relational and sexual concerns. Sexological study includes; ones experience with love and sexuality, human relationships, pleasure and fulfillment, sexual emotions, human sexual response, sexual function, changes throughout life, diversity, fetishes, desire, fixations, arousal, human reproduction and sexual health, cross cultural sexual practices, and many more topics. Most Sexologists are certified through the American College of Sexologists as well as a professional association in order to practice under the title of Psychotherapist and Counsellor, such as the Ontario Association of Consultants, Counsellors, Psychometrists and Psychotherapists. In Ontario, a Sexologist does not have the ability to prescribe medication or make a clinical mental health diagnosis. At this time counselling services provided by a Sexologist are not covered by OHIP. Many employee benefit plans are beginning to cover the services of Psychotherapists and Counsellors; check your plan to see if a Masters level Counsellor or Psychotherapist is covered.
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Kelly McDonnell-Arnold, MA, MBA, RSW
Certified Clinical Sexologist
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While Bliss does not have a psychiatrist on staff, we have added a synopsis of their scope of practice to further educate our Bliss community so that you can make the most informed choice for your therapy needs!
A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor that has specialized in psychiatry. In Ontario you require a referral from your family doctor in order to access the services of a Psychiatrist. A Psychiatrist specializes in the diagnosing and treatment of mental illness, typically through the prescription of medication and ongoing management of the client’s mental health. Psychiatrist services ARE covered by OHIP in Ontario.