The College often receives questions from registrants, employers and clients about the competency requirements for performing the controlled act of psychotherapy. College registrants, along with those from five other regulatory bodies, are authorized to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy, provided they have completed the necessary additional training to be deemed competent. To help assess readiness, the Practice Guidelines for Performing the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy contains a checklist that registrants should review to assess their readiness to provide psychotherapy services. These guidelines are crucial not only for ensuring client safety and well-being, but also for emphasizing the importance of competence, ethical practice and continuous professional development in psychotherapy. Registrants are encouraged to regularly self-assess and seek supervision to maintain the highest standards of safe and effective service.
It is important to note that the College does not consider performing the controlled act of psychotherapy to be an entry-to-practice competence. The skills, knowledge and judgment required to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy develop with time and experience and are not acquired from academic training alone, even if that training includes practicum requirements.
It is also important to note that the College may request registrants to provide evidence of their training and demonstrate how they meet the checklist requirements at any time, especially if their competence to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy is questioned. When completing the checklist below, registrants are advised to seek input and consultation from supervisors or others familiar with their practice to determine their readiness to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy.
CHECKLIST: AM I PREPARED TO PERFORM THE CONTROLLED ACT OF PSYCHOTHERAPY?
- In addition to my degree in social work/ diploma in social service work, I have:
– a further degree or diploma with a clinical focus; and/or a certificate, or equivalent, from a program with a focus on performing the controlled act of psychotherapy; and
– post-degree/diploma experience in performing the controlled act of psychotherapy (2-3 years; 2000-3000 hours of supervised experience in performing the controlled act of psychotherapy.) - My coursework and practica had a clinical focus.
- I have engaged in a period of extensive clinical supervision with an experienced supervisor following the completion of my degree/diploma.
- I continue to obtain regular supervision (individual, group, peer) appropriate to my level of experience related to performing the controlled act of psychotherapy.
- My goals in the Continuing Competence Program are heavily weighted toward performing the controlled act of psychotherapy.
- My learning activities in the Continuing Competence Program include experiential learning and opportunities to practise and/or observe clinical interventions.
- I am aware of confidentiality and boundary issues, including those raised by the use of technology, and have considered the impact of any technology I am using in my practice.
- At least some of my ongoing training is more intensive (certificate programs, externships, in-depth courses.)
- I have reviewed, considered and understand the issues raised in the “Boundaries and Sexual Misconduct” section of the Practice Guidelines for Performing the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy.
- I have reviewed, considered and understand the issues raised in the “Informed Consent and Confidentiality” section of the Practice Guidelines for Performing the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy.
- I have reviewed the Standards of Practice in their entirety and have considered the standards and interpretations relevant to performing the controlled act of psychotherapy.
- I have taken steps to ensure that I am adequately covered by professional liability insurance.
If registrants have questions about the checklist and their readiness to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy, they can Book a Consult with the Professional Practice Department or email practice@ocswssw.org.