Peter Thomson Scarlett is an autonomously licensed Social Worker and Psychotherapist who works with Adolescents and Adults. Peter has been contracting his therapeutic services (primarily EMDR for trauma & PTSD) to Dr. Barbera c. psych since 2014.
His primary area of focus includes: trauma, including first-responder PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, and low self-esteem.
He contracts his services to Dr. Barbera C. Psych in Hamilton, and has his own private practice.
An interview with Registered Psychotherapist & Social Worker Peter Thomson Scarlett:
Peter (Thomson), thank you for taking the time to describe yourself and the work that you do as a registered psychotherapist and Social worker. You have worked with Dr. Barbera c. Psych since 2013 and continue to provide some supervised psychological services for trauma (particularly first-responder PTSD) using EMDR.
Can you briefly describe your educational background and training in therapy & psychology?
Yes, I hold a Social Service Worker diploma, Bachelor Degree in Psychology, Masters in Mental Heath Counselling and undergraduate courses in Social Work. My training in therapy is in CBT, Self Compassion, Trauma and PTSD, IFS and EMDR.
Can you tell me more about what made you go into psychology and psychotherapy and/or social work as a career?
I was interested in studying the human mind and how that relates to people functioning in difficult and precarious situations.
How long have you been practicing as a Psychotherapist, and what types of clients have you worked with during your career?
I have been working as a therapist since 2008. I provide individual psychotherapy to adolescents and adults in areas of trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, stress and low self-esteem.
What specific psychotherapy approaches or modalities are you trained in, and do you have any specialized certifications or areas of focus?
I am trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, IFS and EMDR. At this point in time, I am completing the certification process to be an EMDR consultant.
What qualities do you think are most important in a therapist?
Being able to establish a therapeutic rapport, providing empathy and understanding and providing psychodynamic therapy in areas that are still unresolved.
How do you ensure that you provide client-centered care and maintain a non-judgmental and empathetic stance with your clients?
I provide a Rogerian and humanistic approach where I spend much time connecting with the client on different areas of their life. I very much incorporate self compassion and self care in order for the client to be more compassionate and understanding towards themselves.
How do you feel about receiving supervision, and how often do you seek supervision for your cases?
Receiving supervision is a necessary part of my role as a therapist providing psychotherapy. It helps me with professional development and growth. On an annual basis, I seek supervision 10-12 times for more challenges dynamics that I would like to discuss, especially for complex trauma.
What methods do you use to assess the needs and goals of your clients at the beginning of therapy?
I establish a treatment plan within the first three sessions that consists of direct questioning of why the client has come to therapy and what changes they would like to see. I also use mental health measurements to help identify certain areas of concern.
How do you prioritize self-care to prevent burnout and maintain your own emotional well-being?
I prioritize self care by running regularly throughout the week, spend quality time with my wife and two children and socialize with friends on a monthly basis.
What is your favourite thing about being a therapist?
Seeing a client be less judgemental and critical of themselves and show more self compassion and understanding. See a client’s level of functioning improve when unresolved targets become resolved through EMDR treatment.
What is your least favourite thing about being a therapist?
First charging a client for a missed session after they have received multiple reminders. Recommending to a client that they are not ready for therapy or should seek another provider based on poor attendance, inconsistent effort, being argumentative.
What do you think are some of the most important factors that determine how much someone benefits from psychotherapy?
Level of functioning pertaining to mood, cognition, fulfillment, relationships.
Where do you see your career as a therapist heading in the next few years?
Becoming certified as an EMDR consultant, delivering workshops and continuing to supervise graduate level students.