Seeking and Finding Wholeness

If you are considering attending a school to become a mental health professional (counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist, etc) you probably found that you have many degree options. Psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, counselor, social workers and others have different degree and licensing options.

If you are considering seeking assistance from a mental health practitioner but feel lost when you see the different degrees and their abbreviations, this article will help you.

This article compiles all the academic degrees that all kinds of mental health professionals need to acquire. In the next article I will discuss all the certificates and licenses used by mental health professionals.

Let’s start:

PhD
PhD stands for a Doctor of philosophy. This academic degree is earned after anywhere from four to seven years of graduate study.

Many psychologists, therapists, counselors and coaches hold a doctorate of philosophy.

A PhD in psychology emphasizes research and teaches theory as well as statistics and data gathering. A lot of the PhD holders work in academic settings, as professors or researchers.

If a PhD graduate who does not work in academic setting usually practices as a Psychologist. Psychologist are fully trained in the assessment and treatment of all behavioral conditions ( i.e. anxiety, depression, anger, etc).

(Source: American Psychological Association)

PsyD

PsyD stands for Doctor of psychology. PsyD focuses on therapy and counseling rather than research.

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If you are looking at studying hypnosis or hypnotherapy in Minnesota here’s a list of local programs and a little bit of info:

2) Dynamic Minds Hypnosis, run by Susan Just. Her site is www.dynamicmindsinc.com. She teaches the 5-PATH methodology and is the representative of the Banyan Institute in MN

Banyan: http://www.hypnosiscenter.com/certified-professional-hypnotherapy-instructors.htm
Banyan Hypnosis Center for Training & Services
2565 Highway 10 Northeast
Mounds View, MN 55112
(763) 785-3390

3) Slack & Young Institute of Hypnosis http://www.susanslack.com/

4) The Meta Institute http://metainstitute.com/hyp_final2.html
They are accredited by the American Institute of Hypnosis. I never heard of this institute, doesn’t seem as famous as the rest found here

5) Roy Hunter Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy http://www.royhunter.com/training.htm – is this in MN??

If you’re looking for any school program in the US, I am pretty sure that you’ve been exposed to many internet ads (while browsing the Internet for school), magazine ads and even TV ads for all sorts of study programs, certificates and even graduate degrees. The question that comes to mind rather quickly is “How do I know the school I’m looking at is not just a diploma mill?”

Well, there are many things you could do, first start with accreditation, make sure they are accredited regionally or by the state, or other accrediting agencies.

Regional accreditation is the strongest, better accreditation. National accreditation is also strong. Programmatic (specialized) Accreditation can be trust worthy but perhaps not in all cases. Your local state university is regionally accredited.

Regionally accredited schools are predominantly academically oriented, non-profit institutions. Nationally accredited schools are predominantly for-profit and offer vocational, career or technical programs.

Knowing about all these accreditation levels, from the national, regional to state and programmatic, I would seriously discourage enrolling in any school program that is not accredited by at least one of these levels.

What is regional accreditation?

A few but well known regional accreditation agencies exist in the US. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is one example; WASC offers accreditation to schools that offer the capacity to maintain educational and financial stability and to offer educational services effectively and of a sufficient standard.

Here is a list of accrediting agencies:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Jean Avnet Morse, President
3624 Market Street, 2nd Floor Annex
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: 267-284-5000
Fax: 215-662-5501
E-mail: info@msche.org
Web: www.msche.org

New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE)
Barbara E. Brittingham, President / Director of the Commission
209 Burlington Road
Bedford, MA 01730
Phone: 781-271-0022
Fax: 781-271-0950
E-mail: CIHE@neasc.org
Web: www.neasc.org

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

The Higher Learning Commission (NCA-HLC)
Sylvia Manning, President
30 North LaSalle, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312-263-0456
Fax: 312-263-7462
E-mail: info@hlcommission.org
Web: www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Sandra E. Elman, President
8060 165th Avenue, NE, Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052
Phone: 425-558-4224
Fax: 425-376-0596
E-mail: selman@nwccu.org
Web: www.nwccu.org

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Please visit this page http://www.wholenessblog.com/related-links/hypnotherapy

As part of my graduate school (education/life planning) search methodology (view here) I am reading about people that work / or write in areas that I find interesting. You can find a list (a work in progress) of these people in the people index (view here)

I have completed or worked on the majority of the phases identified in the search methodology, namely phases 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. The two remaining phases that need more time now are phases 2  (Research the Bios of authors, professors, practitioners, and researchers that work in the fields that interest me) and 3 (recommended/ accredited programs by organizations, associations, accreditation orgs that interest me).

As part of phase 2, I am now looking at biographies. I will start by posting an article about Peter Russell, he is one of these authors that interest me. Stay tuned.

Later on I may post articles on organisations that interest me, you can find the organisations that interest me in the Related Links page (view here)

I decided to spare you reading about my education plans, this is one of the last articles I will publish on this topic, mainly because things are clearer now in terms of grad school and other development and advancement plans.  I thought about my graduate school options for a long time, a few years actually. I also discussed the topic in this blog, you can find the first article (here) that I posted on this topic. This article was followed by this (requirements) and this (methodology).

Like everything in life, most of these areas are related, these are the tracks I find interesting in terms of grad school, research & practice.

Revised Tracks / Areas of Study:

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I took all the philosophy books off the shelves and am now reading and browsing through them. I also continue to research online, and read wikipedia pages on philosophers. I am enjoying this research a lot. I just wish I had more free time.

This article contains links to useful websites.

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I’ve always been a thinker, sometimes a compulsive one. As a child, I loved to diagnose, break down, examine, and rebuild, ideas, norms, concepts, traditions etc.. and I never stopped. I was born a thinker. I also believe that we are all born thinkers, however some of us grow out of that interest.

These are the fields of philosophy that I’m interested in:

• Ontology – Being (existence, objects’ properties identity and existence – part of Philosophy of Metaphysics)
• Epistemology (the nature and limitations of knowledge)
• Philosophy of Mind and Consciousness
• Philosophy of Psychology & Human Nature
• Philosophy of Science – Math, Physics
• Eastern philosophies & Native American philosophy
• Morals, Ethics, Politics
• Environmental Philosophy
• Philosophy of Logic / AI
• Aesthetics

These are naturopathic schools. As of now, none of these will work for me due to location (not in MN). I am not looking at naturopathy any longer.

These schools can also be found here: http://www.cnme.org/links.html

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Psychology always seemed appealing, naturally I’m investigating it as a potential candidate for my grad school. Why am I writing about psychology here? I often aim for sharing my findings with others, that’s why this blog exists, perhaps I could save you some time by offering some info you were looking for.

The collective of the information and lists below are ones I found interesting; not comprehensive or an accurate representation of all that’s out there.

In this article, I first discuss the areas I find interesting, then I go into the salaries for psychologists, then I examine local grad school programs and compare them in a table.. It seems as the MA and PSYD programs at St Thomas are the best fit.. I am waiting for more info on that program from them.

Please make sure you check the comment section as I will be adding more info as it comes there.

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To be honest with you, I am worried about the U.S. economy slipping into a depression similar in impact and severity to the great depression of the 1930’s or 1980’s. As things stand today, I am expecting a big economic disaster in main street (as opposed to Wall Street) sometime within the next 6 months in the U.S.

I have worries about the value of the U.S. dollar which is hurting due to inflation, while salaries stand stagnant and more people lose their jobs every day. This coming depression may be worse than the great depression because back then the U.S actually built products and was not billions of dollars in debt to foreign countries.

In light of the economy, I do not feel that spending money or taking loans to attend graduate school is a wise decision, since the U.S. economy is facing a real danger of collapsing.

I will not delve into all the economic news or economic indicators that lead me to my worries. I have been keeping a close watch on the market, jobless rates, freedman economics, Regan economics, the attack on the middle class, the shifting of wealth, the move away from the gold standard, the deregulation in the lending and banking industries, and the free (and unfair) trade policies, etc etc..

To tell you the truth, it is SAD, and very SCARY. But, it’s not all gloom.

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You may wonder why I want to bother spending time and effort going to grad school. I can probably become an I.T. project manager without doing that and make a good living, after all in I.T. experience and communication skills matter more than education. I can obtain needed certifications to advance my I.T. career, so why spend the time and money to study something in a new field?

You also may suggest that I obtain certifications in holistic areas, learn acupuncture or massage; after all these will give me the knowledge I seek and allow me to help people much quicker than a graduate school program would while saving me a lot of time and money.

In this article I respond to these suggestions and tell you why I am looking for a grad school program even though my interest revolves around complementary and alternative mind, body health practices.

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I went through all the graduate programs offered by Northwestern College, per my previous article. This article is part of phase 1.2

1. Northwestern College of Chiropractic
Founded in 1941, Northwestern College of Chiropractic (NWCC) is a visionary school whose innovative ideas and practices have led, and will continue to lead, generations of chiropractic doctors to the forefront of their profession. Northwestern’s basic sciences, clinical, chiropractic and business education is excellent in preparing students to pass the National Boards and successfully enter clinical practice.

For more than six decades, excellence has been nurtured and inspired at Northwestern College of Chiropractic. The international reputation we have earned has been created in large part by our approach to educating our students.

Northwestern has pioneered an extraordinary and unique clinical experience, with a University public clinic system, more than 150 internship sites in private practice clinics, a range of clinical partnerships with community-based social service agencies, and final term preceptorship opportunities around the world. The University’s public clinic system records more than 72,000 patient visits a year, making Northwestern the largest provider of natural health care services in Minnesota.

Northwestern’s Doctor of Chiropractic program is a full-time day program consisting of more than 4,300 contact hours over 10 trimesters. The University admits new chiropractic students in January and September of each calendar year. Classes are held Monday through Friday.
Chiropractic students at Northwestern may also complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology while enrolled in the chiropractic program. Additional information about the Bachelor of Science degree program is available through the Office of Admissions.
2. Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
The Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MCAOM) is the largest and oldest school in the state of Minnesota offering master’s degree programs accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Founded in 1990 as the Minnesota Institute of Acupuncture and Herbal Studies, MCAOM has established itself in the Twin Cities area as a premier provider of education and clinical services in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. MCAOM student interns provide acupuncture and Oriental medicine services in the Edith Davis Teaching Clinic on the University campus, as well as health care clinics and community agencies throughout the metropolitan area.

MCAOM offers two graduate programs leading to the master of acupuncture and master of Oriental medicine degrees. MCAOM also offers an herbal medicine certificate for licensed acupuncture practitioners who want to expand their skills in Chinese herbal medicine.

The master’s degree programs in acupuncture and Oriental medicine emphasize the unified understanding of the mind, body and spirit inherent in traditional Chinese medicine. MCAOM has gathered a multi-national faculty committed to academic and professional excellence and to teaching the extensive body of knowledge and skills necessary for safe and effective practice. Our graduates have the education and skills necessary to develop a successful practice based on their own personal style.

The curriculum for the Master of Oriental Medicine program provides about 3,000 hours of didactic and clinical instruction in acupuncture, Chinese herbology, and related studies such as Tui Na, Tai Ji, Nei Jing, introductory Chinese language skills and practice management. The program takes three years of full-time enrollment to complete.

The curriculum for the Master of Acupuncture program is similar to that of the Oriental medicine program, but does not include herbal studies. This program includes more than 2,300 hours of instruction, taking two and two-thirds years of full-time enrollment to complete.

MCAOM admits new acupuncture and Oriental medicine students into the graduate programs in January and September of each calendar year. Transfer students may be allowed to enter in the Summer trimester, which begins in May.

The Herbal Medicine Certificate program is a part-time program for licensed acupuncturists to develop the skills necessary for the safe and effective practice of Chinese herbal medicine. New students are admitted into the herbal medicine certificate program in September and May.

MCAOM offers two degree programs, leading to the master of acupuncture and the master of Oriental medicine.

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I went through all the graduate programs offered Minnesota State University in Mankato, per my previous article.

This article is part of phase 1.2

1. Masters in Health Science

The Department of Health Science offers a Master’s of Science degree in two programs: Community Health and School Health. The Community Health program is designed for the professional interested in Health Promotion in either public, private or voluntary organizations. The Community Health Program also offers an Emphasis in Alcohol and Drug Studies, which allows students to complete alcohol and drug related coursework in their allowed electives.The School Health Program is for licensed teachers seeking advanced study in Health Education. http://ahn.mnsu.edu/health/graduate/

2. Clinical Psychology
full time

http://sbs.mnsu.edu/clinicalpsychology/

I went through all the graduate programs offered by the Metropolitan State University, per my previous article.

This article is part of phase 1.2

1. Master of Arts in Psychology (M.A.)

The Master of Arts in Psychology degree provides access to high quality graduate education in psychology to students who are interested in the application of psychology to a variety of community and organizational-related issues. The program’s theoretical orientation requires students to examine the complex relationships among individual, family and community well-being and the impact of the wider environment in which we live and work.

The program emphasizes community-based interventions rather than individualistic models of implementing change. (This is not a clinical or counseling psychology program.) The program’s specialization in community psychology trains people to work with communities and organizations to help them develop, implement and evaluate innovative solutions to social problems. Prevention (rather than treatment) is a primary focus in this program along with empowerment, health promotion, community organizing and community development. Emphasis is placed on interventions that are designed around the needs and strengths of the community, and rooted in the wisdom and work of community members. Additional information about community psychology, including careers and resources, can be found at www.metrostate.edu/cps/psych/grad/whatis.html.
Desired Program Outcomes

The goal of the psychology master’s program is to provide students with an opportunity for both breadth and depth in an area of particular relevance to them. Students graduating from this program will have attained the following:

* an advanced understanding of the science and practice of psychology;
* an understanding of the intersection of race, class and gender issues and psychological theory;
* the ability to apply psychological principles to issues of concern in communities and organizations;
* skills and knowledge to assist in their work with communities and groups to create and sustain healthy settings;
* the ability to assess the impact of interventions;
* the ability to be critical consumers of the existing social science and psychological literature;
* the ability to pursue an in-depth study of the topic and community of most interest to the student; and
* the ability to independently conduct relevant applied research.

Source: www.metrostate.edu

I went through all the graduate programs offered by the The College of Saint Scholastica, per my previous article.

This article is part of phase 1.2

1. Master of Arts in Health Information Management

The Health Information Management (HIM) discipline is focused on ensuring the integrity of information resources and assuring the confidentiality of that information. HIM professionals have historically focused on information in paper-based form and are now engaged within the computer-based world of health care to support the entire spectrum of users of health care information.

HIM professionals team with technology professionals and collaborate with physicians, nurses, clinicians, and administrators in developing and data collection and reporting systems. The outcome is accessible pertinent information for these health care professionals to use in patient care, education, administration, and research.

Program Description

The HIM graduate program is structured to facilitate the career advancement of practicing Health Information Management professionals. The program emphasizes quality health care data as the foundation for organizational information and knowledge management systems.

The curriculum focuses on emerging frameworks for creating integrated health care information, data management and decision support systems. It is specifically designed to prepare professionals to thrive in a technology-supported and information-driven health care environment.

This advanced education prepares the HIM professional for responsibilities in areas such as health care data resources administration, health care data security oversight, strategic and operational information resource planning, clinical data analysis, information systems development and implementation.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the Health Information Management program at The College of St. Scholastica, the graduate will be able to:

* Integrate advanced knowledge and skills in health care data and information management.
* Evaluate, select and implement information technologies to manage health care data resources.
* Leverage health care information to drive integrated clinical and administrative decision-making, strategic planning and outcomes management.
* Take the leadership role in establishing an organizational culture that embraces the ethical use of confidential information and information technologies.
* Apply effective communication skills and strategies in interactions with multidisciplinary and multi-facility professionals.
* Assume increasingly challenging administrative and leadership positions in complex provider organizations and related entities in the health care arena.
* Thrive professionally in a practice environment that is undergoing fundamental change.

The program is offered in a distance learning format which allows professionals to maintain their current employment status while enhancing their knowledge and skills. The HIM program can be completed in two years with two to three courses per semester and two one-week on-campus intensives in a retreat-like setting, starting and ending the program on-campus. The student has the option of attending one of several sessions offered throughout the year in Minnesota or in California.

2. Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy

The purpose of occupational therapy is to help individuals achieve a maximum level of independent living. Occupational therapy is needed when an individual’s ability to live independently, to care for personal needs, and to participate in work, school, family and community life is disrupted by illness or injury. Occupational therapists also provide support for wellness and prevention concerns. Program faculty have a keen interest to respond to the needs unique to rural practice and explore alternative service delivery models.

Program Description

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I went through all the graduate programs offered by the St. Thomas, per my previous article.

This article is part of my grad school search, phase 1.2

1. Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology

The Master of Arts degree in counseling psychology is designed to prepare students for licensure in Minnesota as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC). As a general counseling psychology training program, the M.A. introduces students to a variety of psychological theories and techniques. The program requires successful completion of a minimum of 48 semester credits of study and a comprehensive examination.

The core M.A. course of study prepares students to work as counselors in a variety of mental health, counseling and human service settings. Graduates may sit for the national and state exams in counseling and be licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) to practice independently.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to research the field and be aware of licensing and employment options.

http://www.stthomas.edu/academics/programs/default.html

I went through all the graduate programs offered by the College of St. Catherine, per my previous article.

This article is part of phase 1.2

1. Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies (MAHS)

The Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies (MAHS) is an innovative graduate program that invites individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to study the philosophy, science and art of the holistic model of health and healing.

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I went through all the graduate programs offered by the U, per my previous article. These are captions from the U’s website describing the ones that I am considering, even if a little. This article is part of phase 1.2

I will select finalists based on likability and suitability:

1. Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics
The biochemistry, molecular biology, and biophysics program focuses on an explanation at the molecular level of the structures and processes that occur in living organisms. In the broadest sense, the program encompasses the chemistry, physics, and biology of living systems. Included is the study of the structure and function of biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates), enzyme catalysis, metabolic pathways, bioenergetics, and the biochemical nature of genetic information storage and transmission, as well as the control, regulation, and integration of these processes. The program has four areas of emphasis: regulatory biochemistry, molecular biology, microbial biotechnology, and molecular biophysics. All students are expected to demonstrate a minimum level of competence in these areas but emphasize that area most related to their thesis project. The program involves faculty from the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, as well as many faculty members from several other departments in the College of Biological Sciences, Medical School, Institute of Technology, and College of Veterinary Medicine.

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I make a good living with my I.T. career. I do like the I.T. field and have advanced well in this field since I graduated from college; In fact I would recommend this field to anyone I do like my current job as well, I honestly cannot complain about my job and be fair.

A couple years ago you would’ve found me exclusively researching graduate school programs related to IT Management. But, my passion for knowledge and expansion along with my interest in physics, biology, chemistry, anthropology, medicine, philosophy, and pondering humanity and our existence got strengthened recently due to a few life events, now these diverse interests of mine are influencing my graduate school research.

I was considering an I.T. Management/MBA degree. Now I find myself broadening my horizons looking at degrees that combine my lifelong passions, my childhood passions.

Again, I have to emphasize that I do like my current job, the IT career and that field of work in general. I love the benefits of working in I.T. Having said that, I find myself reading and seeking things other than I.T. in my free time, I can’t say why but possibly because I want to ‘diversify’ and broaden my mind and satisfy my thirst for knowledge in these other areas of interest. Having said that, I find myself seeking a more meaningful interaction with people in a way where I could offer life-changing tools.

I don’t know what graduate / or undergraduate degree to pursue now, I don’t know what the degree will be called, or if one even exists. How do I know what degrees to look for? Maybe the question should be, what are my passions? Another question should be, which passions should remain as hobbies/interests and which ones could be taken further into graduate education, a career, and future publications? More questions come to mind like is it worth the cost? Can I give up working on computers and the internet and being so connected to the world via the internet? etc..

I’ve always been a kind of person that likes to know a little about a lot of things, and often like to know a lot about a lot of things. I also liked to ponder larger issues. This explains why my interests are varied and why I’m not just a pure I.T. guy or just a researcher or just an artist or handy man, an entrepreneur, or just one of anything..

I think humans should be broad and should know and do a lot of different things. Specializing and branding yourself with one label can be restrictive to your abilities, talents and full potential.

Here’s a list of my life-long passions, based on my present memory, if you care to read it:

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