What's The Difference?

So, In going through the long list of therapists available to me here in NYC (I think this must be the therapy capital of the world) I discovered quite an array of titles, acronyms and specialties listed with each person's names.

Here is a rundown of who's who and what's what:

Psychiatrist - a physician who specializes in mental health. Because they are medical doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medication.

Psychologist - Psychologists have a doctoral degree in psychology (PhD PsyD or EdD) and aside from research, therapy, and counseling they can also do psychological testing.

Clinical Social Worker - Social Workers have a Master's degree in social work (MSW or CSW) along with additional clinical training. They work towards the prevention and treatment of mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders. LCSW have put in extensive postgraduate hours in a clinal setting.

Psychoanalyst - the truth is anyone can use this title, but most have studied at an accredited Psychoanalytic Institute after receiving an advanced degree in Social Work, Psychiatry or Psychology.

Marriage and Family Therapist - have a Master's degree and clinical experience in marriage and family therapy

Counselor - have received specialized training or an advanced degree and deal with specific problems such as career goals or alcohol and drug addiction.

Psychiatric Nurse - a registered nurse who has recieved specialized training in the treatment of people with mental disorders and distress.

Authentic, Just Not Happy

I just took a handful of the the tests on the Authentic Happiness Site.

I scored pretty low on the tests you're supposed to score high on, and pretty high on the tests you're supposed to score low on.


Yes, true...I took these tests while sitting in a cubical of a evil e-business and am slightly upset with not only the way that they are treating customers but the amount of money that they are paying me to do their dirty work.

Apparently I am supposed to contact a mental health professional.

Luckily, that is already in my plan.


Maybe you should take the tests too?

I'd recommend...

• Authentic Happiness Inventory
• CES-D Questionnaire
• Fordyce Emotions Questionnaire
• PANAS Questionnaire
• General Happiness Scale
• VIA Signature Strengths

Then Again...Maybe I Should

I was watching a TED Talk on my iPhone on the way home from a horrible temp job in the city today and came to a realization: It's okay that I need therapy.

Sure, it's somewhat cliche...I'm a guy in his late twenties living in Brooklyn with thick plastic framed glasses circa 1977 Woody Allen, commuting from a temp job that is paying my bills between my own creative endeavors, back to my moderately affordable one bedroom in a soon-to-be-gentrified neighborhood...BUT...that's okay.


Everyone can use therapy...Psychology should be...

"as concerned with making the lives of normal people fulfilling and with nurturing high talent as with healing pathology."

Maybe watch the video and see/hear for yourself...

TED TALK: What Positive Psychology Can Help You Become