FYI: Our local practice group requires 5 years of professional experience
before any professional can participate in collaborative cases, which would by
definition leave out interns. The APA is using interns in their research
project in the DC area. These are just two models. I personally think
experience with a seasoned therapist is critical to the functioning of a
collaborative case.
jan
Jan D. Hembree PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Family Mediator
2940 N. Lynnhaven Rd Ste 110
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists, Past President 2005 -2007
Cell Phone & Confidential Voice Mail 757.409.0800
Fax 757.498.1048
_www.sharedparentingmediation.org_ (http://www.sharedparentingmediation.org/)
_www.apapo.org/DrJanHembree/_ (http://www.apapo.org/DrJanHembree/)
In a message dated 1/22/2009 1:32:22 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
bburns@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
I would recommend caution in considering using a mental health intern in the
role of child specialist or coach. Even though a person may be
extraordinarily talented and experienced in important ways, there is nothing
that can
replace the training, supervision, and experience that goes into the licensure
process of the mental health professions. These roles require the professional
to understand intimately relationship dynamics, boundaries, and how to
maintain leverage and neutrality with both spouses (in the case of a one-coach
model), while also facilitating an emotionally safe environment where parties
can
make tough, important decisions. I realize there is some degree of
debate/discussion about the Mental Health Roles, and qualifications out there.
For
now, the practice group in Minnesota that I am a part of requires that all
Coaches and Child Specialists be licensed in their field, as well as have
additional experience and training around domestic violence, mediation, family
systems, and child development for Child Specialists.
I'm also interested in what others have to say about this question.
Brian Burns
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
St. Paul, MN
