How Celebrity Couples Can Experience Therapy Differently
If you watch TV, read magazines, or go anywhere on the internet, you’ve likely seen something about celebrity couples attending therapy. And the logic would follow that the therapists the celebrities go to are paid pretty well. You’ve probably wondered what was so special about their therapists and considered looking for a more expensive therapist too. Before you do so, think hard and read on.
Celebrity Couples Therapy
So, what exactly is celebrity couples therapy? The truth is that it’s the same as your kind of therapy. Celebrities may tend to go to more exclusive or expensive therapists, but because the celebs carry a recognizable name, that therapist may become known as a “therapist to the stars.” However, there may not be much of a difference between that therapist and one you could find in your hometown. The only difference might be how much they’re being paid.
Celebrities typically have a higher income than most people, so it makes sense they’d be able to pay higher rates for the same types of services. Therapy, in many instances, is more affordable for them. Often, the cost of something is seen as reflective of its value. However, just because celebrities may be paying more for seeing a therapist doesn’t necessarily mean that that professional’s services are any better. You might be thinking you need to dish out extra money in order to get quality care. Thankfully, this is often not the case.
Celebrity Relationships
The divorce rate has been steadily dropping in the past few decades. Given what we see in tabloids and TV, however, the rate for celebrities seems to be holding steady at a very high percentage. So, assuming the divorce rate is higher for celebrities, does that mean they’re seeking therapy more often than other couples? Not necessarily. When they do seek out couples therapy, though, here are a few ways in which their experience might differ from others:
- They have the resources to get care. Often, they won’t have to worry about affording sessions, and they can have their pick of who will be their therapist. Lack of resources keeps many couples from ever seeking or receiving care.
- They might be lonelier. We all rely on our friends and family for support when we’re experiencing something hard in life. Celebrities may not have as many true friends because of their fame and fortune. Being a celebrity can make life lonelier and a couple may struggle with feeling like they have no one but their therapist to turn to.
- They have added life pressures. Celebrities carry the weight of trying to please those in the public. After all, that’s how they make their living. When both partners are celebrities, the pressure is doubled. Burnout, stress, and depression may be common.
- They may be more resistant to opening up. Celebrities regularly have to keep their walls up in different areas of their life. They don’t know who they can trust and who likes them for them—and not just for what they have. This means that celebrity couples may require more therapy sessions to get something constructive out of them. It can take a while for those walls to come down and to be vulnerable.
Celebrity couples who are in therapy will not necessarily have a completely different experience from the average couple, but their treatment can be unique for the reasons listed above. As mental health becomes a more popular topic and the stigma surrounding therapy decreases, more and more celebrities are speaking out about the power in seeking help. As it turns out, even famous people need help sometimes and are usually going through many of the same issues ordinary couples do. We all have more in common than we realize.
The Upshot?
Whether you’re a celebrity couple or not, therapy can be a rewarding and fulfilling process. The key is to make sure that you work with a therapist who is experienced, licensed, and knowledgeable. Otherwise, you are taking a risk that the individual treating you is not up to the standards that are put in place to give you the best care possible.
Here are some qualities to look for as you and your partner search for a therapist:
- Good communication skills: They know how to ask good questions and understand when you need silence or conversation.
- Observant: Over time, your therapist should get to know you well and be able to offer you important advice based on what they’re observing.
- Good listener: Therapy is about you and your partner, meaning the two of you will probably be doing most of the talking. A good therapist knows how to listen well and when it’s time to speak up or ask a question.
- Empathetic: You genuinely feel that your therapist cares about what you and your partner have to say and wants you both to get better, whatever that entails.
- Problem solving: You and your partner are in therapy because you’re experiencing something in your life that needs to be fixed. A good therapist will use different tools to make sure you can move past any hurdles thrown your way.
- Non-judgmental: Therapists hear all sorts of things during their sessions with clients. They are trained in how to keep an open mind and remain unbiased. You should feel comfortable telling your therapist whatever is on your mind and trust them with the information.
If your therapist fits this description, they are likely to deliver quality care. Couples therapists are really no different than a one-on-one therapist; they’re just working with two people instead of one. So, look for the above qualities when you and your partner are searching for one. A good couples therapist will be able to coach and lead well. They’ll be able to help the couple set goals, better communicate, and utilize tools that can help them move forward.
You and your partner should also discuss important considerations regarding your therapist and treatment plan, such as:
- Gender
- Age
- Area of specialization
- Availability
- Session length
- Homework load
Remember that picking a certain therapist doesn’t mean your decision is set in stone. If you and your partner start going and it doesn’t feel like the right match, you can always switch. Therapy is about the two of you, so you want all of your needs to be met. This is even more true when you consider how costly therapy can be. You want to be getting a quality product for the high price you may be paying.
What Are Your Options?
When you start looking at the options in your area, you might find that not everyone has the same qualifications. You will want to look for someone who has completed their schooling, is board certified, and has been licensed by the state in which they’re operating. Let’s look at a few of the types of therapeutic professionals you might run into in your search for a couples therapist.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has also completed extensive training in mental health care. They are some of the only mental health professionals who can prescribe medication. Family doctors can prescribe medication but usually don’t have the same psychiatric training. Psychologists and other mental health professionals, on the other hand, have similar mental health training but generally cannot prescribe medications.
Psychiatrists typically focus on diagnosing mental health conditions and prescribing and managing medications for their patients. Some do practice various forms of psychotherapy, but this is rare. In addition to prescribing medications, psychiatrists can refer patients to other mental health professionals for psychotherapy or counseling.
Psychiatric Or Mental Health Nurses
These nurses have completed a master’s or doctoral-level degree in nursing, with a specialized focus on psychiatry. They are usually qualified to assess mental health, diagnose mental illness, and provide treatment in the form of therapy and — in some states — medication management. They can also provide and manage treatment for substance use disorder. Their role in mental health treatment varies by state, as each state has its standards for what psychiatric nurses are permitted to do and how much supervision they need to have from a psychiatrist.
Psychologist
A psychologist is a mental health professional with a doctoral level of education. This can be either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. Some Ph.D. programs focus heavily on psychology. For the most part, however, both Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs include extensive clinical experience. Psychologists are trained to diagnose mental health conditions and provide treatment in a group or individual therapy. They can also refer their patients to a medical professional for medication if necessary.
Psychologists receive training in a wide variety of clinical and psychotherapeutic approaches. Most of them use a mixture of these approaches and methods in their practice. Some psychologists specialize in certain methods, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and many others.
Clinical Social Workers
Clinical social workers are mental health professionals who have completed a master of social work (MSW). MSW programs provide training in a variety of therapeutic approaches, as well as social work skills such as advocacy and case management. They usually have thousands of hours of clinical experience.
Clinical social workers who perform psychotherapy or counseling are typically licensed clinical social workers (LCSW). They may evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions using therapy and counseling. Like psychologists, they generally cannot prescribe medication but may refer their patients to medical professionals if they believe that medications are necessary.
Therapists, Counselors, And Clinicians
People who have completed a master’s degree in a mental health field like psychology can work under various licenses as therapists, clinicians, and counselors. The different licenses often reflect their degrees. Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT) are more likely to have their degree in marriage and family counseling. In contrast, a licensed professional counselor (LPC) may have completed their master’s degree in psychology.
Since the requirements for these professional licenses vary by state, the education and experience of the therapists and counselors may be different depending on your location. In general, however, licensed professionals have received training in mental health evaluation and treatment and completed many hours of clinical experience.
Pastoral Counselors
Pastoral counselors are counselors who have received their education in counseling from a religious perspective. They are usually part of the clergy in various denominations. Pastoral counselors have normally met high-level certification requirements, in some cases similar to a doctoral-level degree.
Which Therapist Is Right for You?
A long list of professionals, with their varying degrees and specialties, can be daunting. How are you supposed to choose? Fortunately, you don’t have to close your eyes and stab a finger at your screen to make a decision. To help you decide on the right mental health professional, consider the type of therapy you’re looking for and the type of training most likely to meet that need.
More Education Isn’t Always Better
The mental health professionals above are listed in roughly the order of the level of degree necessary for the licenses. But that doesn’t mean that the professionals higher on the list will be better couples therapists. Despite their doctorate, a psychologist with an extensive background in individual psychotherapy may not be the best fit for you and your partner, while a licensed professional counselor with a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy might be a great match.
Not all mental health degrees teach the same things. Although a psychologist could have completed more education overall, a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) may have more training and experience working with couples. They are more likely to have taken specialized classes in working with couples and the issues that couples and families usually face.
Individual Considerations
The final thing that you should consider when deciding among mental health professionals is your circumstances. For instance, if you are a religious couple, you may be comfortable with a pastoral counselor who can help you reach relationship goals that correspond with your religious beliefs. Or perhaps your problems as a couple seem to be caused by individual mental health or addiction issues. In that case, you may want to seek couples therapy from a professional who is also qualified to help with those individual issues.
Your First Choice Isn’t Your Last Choice
Sometimes, your best option is to choose someone who seems qualified and appropriate for your needs at the time and meet with them. See whether you and your partner feel comfortable with this person. Notice whether they are supportive of your relationship goals as a couple. Decide whether you like their voice and office decor — these little things matter! You should be confident that this person knows how to help you and your partner through your relationship difficulties. You should feel comfortable meeting with them for however long that takes.
Remember you’re allowed to choose someone else. You don’t have to continue couples therapy with the first mental health professional that you meet. Whether you decide to meet with a few therapists before making your choice or find after a few sessions that your first choice isn’t as good a fit as you thought that it was, you get to decide and then decide again. The right therapist for you and your partner will make you both comfortable, help both of you feel supported, and accept your goals as a couple.
Couples Therapy With ReGain
A final consideration for your couples therapy is online therapy. If you’re looking for a therapist but are concerned about commuting or high costs, ReGain is an online platform that can solve those problems for you. ReGain can connect you with a certified, experienced mental health provider who knows how to help you and your partner communicate and work through your relationship concerns. That means you can log into the website and find someone whom you and your partner feel comfortable with and can communicate with remotely. You don’t have to worry about going to appointments or even leaving your house. Reach out today to get started.
You Don’t Need A Celebrity Couples Therapist
Whatever you choose in the end, remember that you don’t need a celebrity couples therapist to see change in your life. Seeing very glamorous clientele does not make a mental health professional more competent, caring, or supportive. Consider the type of counseling you’re looking for, the unique needs of your relationship, and the mental health professional with whom you feel the most comfortable. Then you can feel confident that your relationship is reaching for the stars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much do celebrity therapists make?
Being a therapist doesn't always land you a job as a therapist for celebrities or boost you to celebrity status yourself. When it does, you may make quite a lot compared to the average. However, becoming a therapist is more than how much money you are going to make. People who become therapists are often very personable and enjoy their work as they find it fulfilling to help those experiencing mental health-related concerns.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average marriage and family therapist in the United States makes around $53,000 per year, while psychologists make upwards of $83,000 per year. These are only averages; it is quite common for therapists to make more money depending on their credentials, years they have been practicing, and whether they own their own practice or not.
A therapist for celebrities might average much more. However, it's hard to be precise; celebrity therapists may not post their salary online.
Who is the most famous therapist?
In terms of modern culture, Dr. Phil is one of the most famous mental health professionals worldwide. Dr. Phil gained his quite a bit of notoriety after appearing on Oprah for several years and then starting his own TV show. That said, if we are looking at other people throughout history who made an impact in the field of psychology and clinical psychology, the most famous might include (in no particular order):
- Sigmund Freud: developed many psychological theories and treatment methods.
- F. Skinner: developed operant conditioning and helped develop behaviorism to treat patients.
- Albert Bandura: developed social learning theory and began treating patients through behaviorism and cognitive psychology methods.
How much does it usually cost to see a therapist?
Therapy costs, on average, roughly $100 to $200 per hour in the United States. However, this isn't a set rate, and the cost will vary depending on several factors. For example, therapists in New York City may charge quite a bit more than those in a more rural area. Therapists often charge based on their certifications, their years of experience, and whether they have their own practice.
Is there a difference between a therapist and a counselor?
Although these terms are often used interchangeably, there are some differences between those who are counselors and those who are therapists. Counselors typically help clients overcome a specific issue, such as substance use disorder. They will use coping mechanisms and other techniques to help them overcome and manage their symptoms. This type of mental health professional will generally see a client on a short-term basis.
On the other hand, those who practice psychotherapy focus on treating a full range of disorders, including anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. This type of therapist generally works with their client for a longer period of time. Psychotherapy or talk therapy is an umbrella term that incorporates numerous forms of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, holistic therapy, behavioral therapy, and psychoanalytic therapy. Each of these types of therapy uses different techniques and has different underlying fundamentals.
How can a therapist make six figures?
Generally speaking, one of the best ways to make six figures as a therapist is to open your own practice. However, it is not impossible.
Another way therapists can make six figures is by moving to a place where you can charge more. Keep in mind that if you do this, your cost of living will likely go up as well. Therapists in big cities often make more than those in less populated areas; your mileage may vary, though.
Lastly, if you want to make six figures as a therapist, you can also strive to become a therapist for celebrities or high-profile clients. This career path is very narrow and limited, so it might not be the easiest route.
Is being a therapist a good job?
Like most jobs, there are pros and cons to being a therapist. If you enjoy helping others and are good at listening, this may be the ideal job for you. Becoming a therapist can require a good amount of education, time, and money, so you need to decide if this is something you’re willing to invest in.
Here are some questions to ask yourself before you decide to go to school to become a therapist:
- Do you care about others and how they are feeling?
- Are you able to practice discretion?
- Are you good at listening to others speak?
- Do you feel comfortable around new people?
- Are you a problem solver?
- Are you able to take criticism from others?
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