DO YOU PRACTISE PSYCHOTHERAPY? -

QUESTIONNAIRE SUMMARY

Thank you for responding to the OCSWSSW’s questionnaire pertaining to the practice of psychotherapy. Gathering this information was an important first step in learning about members who practise psychotherapy – their education and training, practice areas and how they maintain their skills. Though not exhaustive, this overview will assist the College in determining the criteria for members to practise the controlled act of psychotherapy, identify issues that will require further consideration and identify members affected by the legislation for future consultation.

This summary of the results is based on information provided by 427 members.

Indicate your education:

Members were asked to indicate all education completed. Most respondents had attained more than one degree. Seventy-eight per cent have a Master of Social Work degree (M.S.W.), a further 14% have a masters degree outside social work and over 6% have a doctorate degree. Of the 5% (n = 21) who have a Social Service Work diploma, two thirds also have a B.S.W. or M.S.W. Of the remaining 8, all but 2 have a baccalaureate degree and masters degree not in social work (e.g. Counselling Psychology, Theology) or are in the process of completing an M.S.W.

What education and/or training in addition to your social work or social service work education have you completed to gain the competence to provide psychotherapy?

Typically, members’ additional education and training were very extensive and included: completing certificate programs, for example in advanced clinical social work, narrative therapy, assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders or treatment of attachment disorders; completion of 2 year internships; completion of numerous one or two-day workshops. Some remarked that it was attendance at many conferences and workshops in combination with supervision that gave them competence to practise psychotherapy. Members also identified informal learning with colleagues and learning from clients as being important.

Many commented that a social work or other “clinical” degree alone does not adequately prepare an individual to practise psychotherapy.

How long have you practised psychotherapy following completion of your social work or social service work education?

Thirty-three per cent have practised more than 20 years, 32% between 11 and 20 years, 17% 6 to 10 years and 17% less than 5 years.

Many members indicated that while their practice of psychotherapy is now limited, they are very involved in teaching, supervising or consulting with staff and students.

In what setting(s) do you practise psychotherapy?

Members were asked to check all that are applicable. Most are self-employed (50%), with 36% practising in a hospital, 29% in a social service organization and 18% in community-based health care. Between 2% and 5% are practising in colleges or universities, schools, criminal justice/ corrections, group homes or government.

Briefly describe the modalities of psychotherapy you utilize and any area of specialization.

Not surprisingly, there was a broad range of responses. Approaches mentioned most frequently were: cognitive-behavioural, psychodynamic,  narrative, solution-focused, interpersonal therapy, systems/communications, structural, trauma, feminist and psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Members work with individuals, couples, families and groups.

What supervision do/did you receive and what is/was the professional orientation of your supervisor or supervisors? (e.g. social worker, psychiatrist)

Most respondents receive(d) supervision from social workers, though psychologists and psychiatrists were also frequently mentioned. Many members also engage in peer supervision. Members consistently emphasized the importance of ongoing supervision, whether with a supervisor or peers. Some were concerned about the lack of supervision in their workplace or geographic area, particularly members in rural areas. Others indicated they sought out and paid for their own supervision. Many also discussed the benefits of engaging in their own therapy.

How do you maintain your competence to provide psychotherapy?

Members were asked to indicate the two activities most applicable to them and many questioned why their responses were limited. The College expected that members would engage in most of these activities at some time or other. We wanted to know which ones were the most helpful and frequently engaged in. These were: conference or workshop attendance (76%) and reading the literature (63%), followed by peer consultation or study group (45%) and individual supervision or consultation (42%).

The College continues to monitor developments in the regulation of psychotherapy as well as work on steps to regulate its members who practise psychotherapy. As information becomes available, members will be informed via eBulletin, the College website (www.ocswssw.org) and Perspective newsletter. If you have questions, contact Pamela Blake, Director of Professional Practice and Education at 1-877-828-9380, x 205.