The world around us is constantly evolving. Psychotherapy has come a long way from lying on your therapist’s couch and talking while they make notes. New theories are being proposed to explain the functionings of our mind. We live in a world where anxiety and depression are common terms, social isolation is on the rise, and emotional intimacy is becoming scarce. For more information, read https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/intimacy/what-else-you-dont-know-about-erik-eriksons-intimacy-vs-isolation/. Therapy has moved into our phones. Online therapy is becoming more popular with every passing day. Here are some online and part time courses therapists can pursue to develop their skills.
1. Advanced Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Studies
Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that focuses on altering dysfunctional emotions, behaviours and thoughts by changing negative or irrational beliefs. The course gives an alternative approach to treating the patients. It can also benefit nurses, counsellors and social workers. It is a self-paced course that can be completed within six to twelve months. The course offers three core modules: Contemporary Approaches within CBT, Relationships Informed by CBT, and Working with People with Distress and Disorder. One can choose to study just one module, or all three. The fee might vary based on the number of modules chosen.
2. PG Diploma in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
PG Diploma in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy is a two year part-time course designed for psychiatrists and psychologists. Psychodynamic therapy is a perspective oriented therapy, where the client’s mental and emotional states are analysed. This deals with the subconscious mind and unconscious actions of the person.The course focuses on psychopathological syndromes, and analyses how psychodynamic psychotherapy affects and changes pathological outcomes in clients. Case study and Personal Psychodynamic Psychotherapy are two important components of this course. This specialization might increase the potential clients for online therapists.
3. Advanced Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is an effective psychological technique that is used to help clients change or regain control of their own life. The diploma course in Clinical Hypnotherapy will equip the learner to treat phobias, anxiety, substance abuse, and undesirable habits. It is a self-paced online course. The course deals with various hypnosis techniques, testing the hypnosis state, psychological testing, dream analysis, self-hypnosis, and treating various mental and physical illnesses in the hypnotic state. The progress is measured via case studies, questionnaires, and online tests. Successful completion of this course will make you an accredited hypnotherapist.
4. Diploma in Laughter Therapy
Laughing is a natural process and one might wonder why would someone go to therapy to laugh. But laughter therapy is highly beneficial in breaking negative thought patterns and aiding emotional and physiological healing. It is a six month, self-paced online course. The three modules deal with Laughter Evolution, Theories of Humour, How Laughter Occurs and Affects the Body, Laughter and Psychology, Pain Reduction, and Learning to Laugh. You can add Laughter Therapy to the therapeutic services offered after getting accredited. You can offer both individual and group sessions.
5. Certificate Course in Art Therapy
Art Therapy is used to help people express themselves and their emotions through arts such as painting, dancing, or music. It is used to treat stress, learning disabilities, behavioural or social problems in children, anxiety, depression, stress and trauma. This is a six month, self-paced online course. It can be pursued by anyone with an artistic or counselling background. The theory part of the course focuses on Foundations of Art Therapy, Techniques and Systems of Counselling, Mindfulness, Spiritual Growth and Abstract Art, Neuroplasticity, Integrative Arts and Therapy, Group Art Therapy and Mandalas, and Art Therapy for Personal Growth. The workshops focus on therapeutic relationships and group dynamics. This can be an additional skill set for therapists.
A specialization is very helpful in attracting clients looking for an expert in certain treatment methods. The therapist can also learn a couple of these courses instead of just one and adapt the best method suited to the client based on their age group, mental illness and cause of illness.