What is a CNP?

A CNP is a Certified Nurse Psychotherapist. This means that I am a nurse (in my case a Registered Nurse) who is pursuing an extra training program to become a certified psychotherapist. Not just anyone can call themselves a psychotherapist, it is a protected title and a regulated profession in Canada. A psychotherapist is a mental health professional who provides therapy (also called counselling) to individuals, couples, families, or groups. Psychotherapists have extensive training in various therapy modalities and techniques. They might specialize in certain areas, and can work in a wide range of settings and locations. They work closely with their clients to form a therapeutic relationship to help support them to work through various emotional, psychological, relational, and behavioural issues. The goal is to help the client feel supported enough to eventually move on from the therapeutic relationship, and to then be equipped with the necessary skills to better cope and continue to grow in the future. 

​

The CNP training program is for nurses to obtain the necessary skills, judgment, and experience to perform the controlled act of psychotherapy independently. The training is primarily based on the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy modality. Currently I am in the third phase of the CNP program. The first 2 phases are largely educational and theory, and in the third phase the CNP-Q (Qualifying) provides therapy to clients while under clinical supervision and mentorship. Once I have seen enough clients as a CNP-Q and completed the required number of supervised case studies, I will be a full CNP, who is then certified to practice without supervision.

​

I am excited to be taking clients while I am a CNP-Q. I appreciate the trust my clients have in me as someone who is still completing my educational program, and I look forward to opportunities for us to grow and learn together in this collaborative process! 

​

My CNP-Q certification number with the Canadian Nurse Psychotherapist Association is 10283.