Counseling/psych after Psych NP?

[thepilgrimsoul]

I am almost finished with my first year of my Psych/Mental Health Nursing Masters and while I really like my program, there is a distinct lack of therapy or counseling techniques/theories in the curriculum (which I sort of knew coming into the program, although courses have changed since I enrolled...great) I understand that psych NP's are used quite a bit for med management in a lot of psych settings, but I am also interested in the counseling side of psychiatry and I'm not being prepared for part of the practice much...

All this being said, how does everyone on these boards feel about pursuing some sort of counseling/psychology degree post-graduation from psych NP (not immediately post graduation, but sometime soon after graduation)? Like an MA in counseling? MA in psychology? Something along those lines? Is this completely unnecessary? Impractical? Will I "learn" more concerning therapeutic theories once I begin working? Because I've been in my clinicals for 7 months by now, and I'm still feeling very unprepared in terms of counseling. I DO NOT want to feel this way when I'm out "in the real world" so to speak.

What do you all think? Have you heard of anyone doing this? Am I nuts to even consider it? I just want to incorporate therapy into my future career and I'm trying to find the best way to do this.

Thanks!

[gettingbsn2msn, MSN, RN]

Would like to see how others answer you. I am in an adult NP program right now but mostly interested in psych.

[vwde]

I'm looking into a Psych NP program in my area that allows dual certification in NP/CNS with about 6 more credits. The CNS part gives you counseling education and allows you to reimburse for counseling.

[Psychcns]

I suggest find a clinical supervisor where you can present cases , looking at your transference and countertransference issues, looking at different therapy models. Therapy training programs might also be helpful. As a psych NP your work role will likely be mainly psychopharm. It helps to have a therapy framework: psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral are my favorites but there are others. Clinical supervision helps to sort out and think about the patient encounter so you can be more fully present for your patient and do better work.