Financial Tips from Advisor Tim Ernst

Well here we are….spring has begun and yet these cold temperatures have stuck with us.  Last month we began with an introduction to Financial Planning, now we expand on this concept in more detail.  We begin building our financial house (so to speak), a lifelong plan towards financial security.

What is a Psychotherapist?

At Bliss Therapy we are often asked what differentiates a Pyschotherapist from other Mental Health Practitioners.  That is a great question and one that we hope this blog will help to decipher. 

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*

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)

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. 

Melissa Reid, MSW, RSW

     

     Tonya Beattie, MSW, BSW, RSW

Tammy Benwell, MSW, RSW 

Lindsay Kenna, MSW, BSW, RSW 

Heather Stuart, MA, MSW, RSW  

Kelly McDonnell-Arnold, MA, MBA, RSW  

             Certified Clinical Sexologist

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.

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.

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. 

Kelly McDonnell-Arnold, MA, MBA, RSW  

             Certified Clinical Sexologist

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.

Happy International Women's Day!

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  In celebrating this years theme for International Women’s Day- EQUALITY FOR WOMEN IS PROGRESS FOR ALL- I would like to ask you to contemplate that thought for a moment…
  

Guest Blog from Financial Advisor Tim Ernst

Allow me to begin by introducing myself.  My name is Tim Ernst and I am an Advisor at SunLife Financial in Waterloo. 

Combatting the Post-Holiday Blues

Now that the holiday season is over and the presents are unwrapped, family has returned home and the sweets have been gobbled up, it is time to return to the normalcy of the day to day.  

How To Deal With Holiday Stress

“We’re so busy watching out for what’s just ahead of us that we don’t take time to enjoy where we are.” — Bill Watterson

An Introduction Written by Owner and Founder of Bliss

I believe that our struggles are simply part of the human condition, everyone struggles with issues related to self-esteem, identity, navigating relationships, coping with various life traumas, managing stress or challenges in creating the life we want. Therapy is a healthy and proactive approach to dealing with challenges.

There are hundreds of reasons why I love what I do. I have seen what perseverance mixed with enthusiasm can accomplish and I feel honoured every day that I am able to support my clients in gaining clarity, feeling more confident and finding full satisfying relationships.

My primary goal in developing Bliss Therapy was to establish a premier resource in the KW community for relationship coaching, sex therapy and tailored counselling services. This specialized therapy model provides support to individuals and couples while they work towards personal fulfillment and healthy relationships. In the development of Bliss Therapy, I pulled together like-minded therapists who were passionate about specializing in their designated areas of focus. I believe Bliss therapists offer clients a more tailored, engaging and enriching experience with therapy. Any persons wanting to improve the quality of their lives will benefit from Bliss Therapy.

The specialist’s at Bliss are committed to quality therapeutic practices provided in a collaborative effort with clients to improve emotional, psychological and relational wellbeing. I am committed to the continued development and enhancement of services offered by our confidential and comfortable boutique style practice.

Bliss Therapy will effect change by demystifying the stigma associated with counselling services and sex therapy. Bliss is about helping our clients to cultivate their emotional resilience, and resourcefulness, capacity to cope with stress and catastrophe. Bliss Therapy will help individuals to develop the strengths and virtues that make life more fulfilling, enabling our clients to thrive. It’s not about curing mental illness. The specialists at Bliss use evidence based practices to help individuals, families and couples to navigate crossroads to enhance health by reducing anxiety associated with relationships, illness, grief and loss, life stressors and life transitions.

I welcome you to get in touch with Bliss to book a free consultation today!

Sincerely yours,

Kelly