A well-crafted psychotherapist resume is essential for showcasing your skills, experience, and qualifications in the mental health field.

Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, your application needs to highlight your ability to assess and support clients, apply therapeutic techniques, and collaborate with other healthcare providers.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key elements of a strong document, offer formatting tips, and provide resume samples to help you stand out to potential employers.

Psychotherapist resume examples

CBT psychotherapist resume sample

CBT psychotherapist resume template

Resume for CBT psychotherapist | Plain text

Emma Caldwell, LPC
Chicago, IL | emma.caldwell@email.com | (312) 555-8742 | linkedin.com/in/emmacaldwell

Professional Summary

Licensed psychotherapist with 9+ years of experience specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Adept at helping clients manage anxiety, depression, and OCD through evidence-based interventions. Skilled in treatment planning, crisis intervention, and psychoeducation. Passionate about empowering individuals to develop coping strategies and long-term resilience.

Skills

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
  • Cognitive Restructuring
  • Anxiety & Depression Management
  • Psychoeducation
  • Mindfulness Techniques
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Case Documentation
  • Individual & Group Therapy
  • EMR Software (TheraNest, SimplePractice)

Experience

CBT Psychotherapist

North Shore Counseling Center | Chicago, IL | January 2020 – Present

  • Provide structured CBT interventions for clients with generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and OCD.
  • Conduct weekly individual therapy sessions, incorporating mindfulness and behavioral activation techniques.
  • Develop personalized treatment plans to promote cognitive restructuring and emotional regulation.
  • Facilitate psychoeducational workshops on stress management and resilience-building strategies.
  • Collaborate with psychiatrists and social workers to ensure comprehensive client care.

Mental Health Therapist

Lakeview Behavioral Health | Chicago, IL | May 2016 – December 2019

  • Delivered CBT-based therapy to adolescents and adults coping with depression and PTSD.
  • Led weekly group therapy sessions focusing on self-esteem and coping mechanisms.
  • Implemented exposure therapy techniques to help clients overcome phobias and compulsions.
  • Maintained detailed case notes and progress reports in compliance with HIPAA regulations.

Education & Licensure

  • Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology – DePaul University, Chicago, IL (2016)
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) – State of Illinois

Certifications

  • Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT-I) – National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists
  • Trauma-Focused CBT Certification – Medical University of South Carolina

Professional Development

  • Attended the Annual CBT Conference by the Beck Institute (2025)
  • Completed Advanced Cognitive Restructuring Training (2023)

Strong sides of this psychotherapist resume example:

  • Well-organized structure that clearly separates skills, experience, and education for easy readability.
  • Strong focus on evidence-based interventions, emphasizing CBT-specific techniques and certifications.
  • Includes professional development and certifications to showcase continuous learning and expertise.
How to properly format a resume for a psychotherapist?
  • Choose a classic font – Stick to clean options like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in 11-12 pt size.
  • Keep it concise – A single-page resume is ideal for those with less than a decade of experience. Two pages work for seasoned specialists.
  • Maintain balanced margins – Use a 1-inch margin on all sides to keep the layout uncluttered.
  • Ensure proper spacing – Set line spacing to 1.15 or 1.5 for better legibility without making the page look crowded.
  • Add clear section headings – Bold or slightly enlarge headings like “Experience” and “Skills” to improve navigation.
  • Save it as a PDF – This preserves layout consistency across different devices and operating systems.
  • Excessive design elements – Keep colors, graphics, and fancy fonts to a minimum to maintain a professional look of your psychotherapist resume.
  • Follow reverse chronological order – Start with the most recent roles to highlight relevant experience efficiently.

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DBT psychotherapist resume example

Sample DBT psychotherapist resume

Mark Reynolds, LCSW
New York, NY | mark.reynolds@email.com | (646) 555-9012 | linkedin.com/in/markreynolds

Professional Summary

Compassionate psychotherapist with 10+ years of experience specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for individuals with borderline personality disorder, self-harm tendencies, and emotional dysregulation. Dedicated to providing structured therapy sessions that incorporate mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Skills

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Mindfulness-Based Interventions
  • Distress Tolerance Training
  • Emotional Regulation Techniques
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Individual & Group Therapy
  • Risk Assessment & Crisis Response
  • Case Management
  • Behavioral Chain Analysis
  • EMR Software (CareLogic, TherapyNotes)

Experience

DBT Psychotherapist

Manhattan Behavioral Health | New York, NY | March 2019 – Present

  • Conduct individual and group DBT sessions for clients diagnosed with BPD and complex PTSD.
  • Utilize behavioral chain analysis to help clients identify emotional triggers and maladaptive responses.
  • Lead weekly DBT skills training groups focusing on distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists and case managers, to coordinate treatment.
  • Provide crisis intervention services for high-risk clients struggling with self-harm and suicidal ideation.

Clinical Social Worker

Brooklyn Mental Wellness Center | Brooklyn, NY | July 2015 – February 2019

  • Provided DBT-informed therapy to adolescents and adults with mood disorders and personality disorders.
  • Assisted clients in developing coping strategies to manage impulsivity and emotional instability.
  • Led psychoeducational workshops on mindfulness and emotion regulation techniques.
  • Maintained compliance with HIPAA and state mental health documentation standards.

Education & Licensure

  • Master of Social Work (MSW) – Columbia University, New York, NY (2015)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – State of New York

Research & Publications

  • Published "The Role of DBT in Reducing Self-Harm Among Adolescents" in Journal of Clinical Psychology (2023)
  • Co-authored DBT Techniques for Managing Emotional Dysregulation (2021)

Community Engagement

  • Volunteer counselor at NYC Crisis Helpline (2019 – Present)
  • Speaker at National Association of DBT Practitioners Annual Conference (2024)

Here are a few reasons why this example of a psychotherapist resume will impress recruiters:

  • Effectively highlights specialization in Dialectical Behavior Therapy with skills tailored to DBT techniques.
  • Research and publications section adds credibility and demonstrates thought leadership in the field.
  • Community engagement reinforces dedication to mental health advocacy and professional involvement.
Should I choose a psychotherapist resume objective or summary?

Select a resume summary if you have experience and want to highlight key achievements.

Psychotherapist resume summary sample:

Licensed psychotherapist with 8+ years in mental health counseling. Skilled in cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-focused care, and crisis intervention. Passionate about guiding clients through personalized treatment strategies to improve well-being.

Opt for a resume objective if you’re entering the field or shifting careers and need to emphasize goals.

Psychotherapist resume objective example:

Dedicated psychology graduate eager to apply strong interpersonal and counseling abilities in an entry-level psychotherapist role. Seeking to contribute to a supportive clinical team while developing expertise in therapeutic techniques.

How to showcase your psychotherapist resume skills?

The skills section provides a quick snapshot of your strengths, making it easier for employers to assess your qualifications.

  • Hard skills are technical abilities gained through education, training, or certifications.
  • Soft skills relate to interpersonal traits and emotional intelligence, developed through experience and practice.

Psychotherapist resume hard skills:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Crisis intervention
  • Psychological assessment
  • Trauma-focused care
  • Case management
  • Group therapy facilitation
  • Treatment planning
  • EMDR therapy
  • Clinical documentation

Soft skills for psychotherapist resume:

  • Active listening
  • Empathy
  • Communication
  • Patience
  • Problem-solving
  • Adaptability
  • Conflict resolution
  • Cultural awareness
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Stress management

Somatic psychotherapist resume template

Somatic psychotherapist resume sample

Resume for somatic psychotherapist | Text version

Sophie Bennett, LMFT
San Francisco, CA | sophie.bennett@email.com | (415) 555-6732 | linkedin.com/in/sophiebennett

Professional Summary

Experienced somatic psychotherapist with a holistic approach to mental health, integrating body-centered therapies with traditional psychotherapy. Over 11 years of experience helping individuals heal from trauma, chronic stress, and dissociation through movement-based interventions, breathwork, and mindfulness practices.

Skills

  • Somatic Experiencing (SE)
  • Trauma-Informed Therapy
  • Polyvagal Theory Applications
  • Mind-Body Connection Techniques
  • Breathwork & Movement Therapy
  • EMDR Therapy
  • Stress & Anxiety Reduction
  • Mindfulness & Meditation Practices
  • Body Awareness Training
  • Client-Centered Therapy

Experience

Somatic Psychotherapist

Golden Gate Wellness Center | San Francisco, CA | June 2018 – Present

  • Integrate somatic experiencing techniques with talk therapy to help clients release trauma stored in the body.
  • Guide clients through body awareness exercises and mindfulness techniques to improve emotional regulation.
  • Develop individualized treatment plans incorporating breathwork, grounding exercises, and movement therapy.
  • Work collaboratively with yoga instructors, acupuncturists, and holistic health practitioners to support client healing.
  • Educate clients on the nervous system’s role in trauma responses and strategies for self-regulation.

Marriage & Family Therapist

Bay Area Integrative Counseling | Oakland, CA | September 2014 – May 2018

  • Provided trauma-focused therapy to individuals and couples, using body-based interventions to facilitate healing.
  • Conducted workshops on stress management, resilience, and self-compassion using somatic techniques.
  • Assisted clients in reconnecting with bodily sensations to reduce dissociation and chronic tension.
  • Maintained accurate documentation and progress reports while ensuring confidentiality compliance.

Education & Licensure

  • Master of Science in Counseling Psychology – University of San Francisco, CA (2014)
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) – State of California

Workshops & Training

  • Certification in Polyvagal Theory for Trauma Healing – Somatic Experiencing Institute
  • Advanced Breathwork Therapy Training – California Institute of Integral Studies

Holistic Approach & Integrative Care

  • Collaborated with holistic health practitioners to integrate acupuncture and yoga into therapy plans
  • Designed movement-based therapy sessions incorporating dance and expressive arts for trauma recovery

This sample psychotherapist resume is effective for several reasons:

  • Holistic approach is well-represented through a skills section that includes body-centered techniques.
  • Workshops and training strengthen expertise by showcasing specialized education beyond formal degrees.
  • Integrative care highlights collaboration with other health professionals, adding depth to the therapeutic approach.
What academic credentials should I add to my psychotherapist resume?

The education section demonstrates your qualifications and eligibility for the role. A strong academic background is crucial in this field.

What to include in the education resume section:

  • Your highest degree in psychology, counseling, or social work
  • Institution name and graduation year
  • Certifications or specialized training (e.g., trauma therapy, CBT certification)
  • Relevant coursework if you’re a recent graduate
  • Licenses required for practice in your region
How to organize the experience section in a psychotherapist resume?
  • Arrange roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.
  • Add job title, company name, location, and dates of employment.
  • Use bullet points to outline key contributions and responsibilities.
  • Begin each point with a strong action verb (e.g., "Provided," "Implemented," "Developed").
  • Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., “Led therapy sessions for 20+ clients weekly”).
  • Emphasize expertise in various therapeutic approaches (CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care).
  • Showcase collaboration with healthcare teams, social workers, or family members.

Conclusion

A strong psychotherapist resume should effectively highlight your clinical expertise, therapeutic skills, and ability to support clients.

By structuring your document with clear sections, emphasizing relevant experience, and tailoring it to each job application, you increase your chances of securing interviews.

With a polished and well-organized resume, you’ll be one step closer to advancing your career in psychotherapy.

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