Psychotherapy

Hi.

My name is Jim Michael. I’m a licensed psychotherapist in Los Angeles, California. My license number is MFC 46995.

What’s the difference between a Psychiatrist, a Psychologist, and a Psychotherapist? (Good Question).

A PSYCHIATRIST is a Medical Doctor who specializes in Mental Health issues. He or she is the person who prescribes medicine such as Prozac, Wellbutrin, and the like. Often a psychotherapist will refer a client to a Psychiatrist for a client’s medications. It’s the Psychiatrist who generally prescribes the medicines, without doing the therapy and sessions are very short.

A PSYCHOLOGIST has obtained his or her doctorate (PH.D or Psy.D) and while he or she may do counseling with clients, more often a Psychologist will do Psychological testing for personality traits, symptoms of (A.D.H.D.) and things like that. A Psychologist cannot prescribe medicine.

A PSYCHOTHERAPIST (A Marriage and Family Therapist or an MFT) has obtained his or her Master’s Degree, generally in Counseling Psychology, and does counseling with individuals couples and families. A Psychotherapist cannot prescribe medicine.

Why Get Therapy??

Sometimes we have problems or issues that are tough to live with. Sometimes we can get so upset with someone or something that we just don’t want to go there or just don’t want to see that person…it could even affect our wanting to go to work. The truth is, what may seem to be the smallest of issues may be affecting how fully we live and express our lives.

It’s my intention to provide a space in which you feel safe, and comfortable enough, for you to truly express what’s on your mind and in your heart so that you can clear the way to live more fully.

As a client, and even as a potential client, I invite each person to explore their choices, to know that he or she has choices, and to express those feelings that they may have had some reluctance to express in the past. Together, we’ll explore those feelings safely, and find resolution.