Many people are often confused about the role of a psychologist. In fact, people often confuse psychology and psychiatry, but there is a considerable difference. Both deal with mental health issues, of course, however the treatment is quite different. A psychiatrist studies as a medical doctor first, and then specialises in psychiatry, therefore, they often deal with treatments such as medication. Psychologists aren't medical doctors, rather they have focused on specific psychology training.
So, to make it a little clearer, here is some information about what psychologists do and how they can help.
What conditions do psychologists treat?
Clinical psychologists can both diagnose and treat mental health conditions. In fact, psychologists and psychiatrists often work together. If a psychologist diagnoses a patient to have severe problems requiring medication such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, they may refer them to a psychiatrist. Likewise, if a psychiatrist believes a patient's mental health concerns can be more appropriately managed by a psychologist, they may also make a referral.
A clinical psychologist can help with a range of issues, including:
● ADD & ADHD
● Addictions
● Adjustment
● Anger management
● Anxiety and phobias
● Bipolar disorder
● Burn-out syndrome
● Complex mood disorders
● Complex pain syndromes
● Conversion & Somatoform disorders
● Depression
● Gender, identity and sexuality issues
● Personality disorder
● Pre and post-partum
● Psychotic and schizophrenic phenomena
● Relations issues
● Stress management
● Trauma (including PTSD)
This list is not exhaustive, but they are some of the more common issues that you may visit a psychologist for.
What types of treatment can I expect?
There are several different types of psychotherapy that a psychologist may recommend. As part of your treatment plan, you may participate in one or several of these treatments.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) addresses the relationship between thoughts and behaviours. Treatment includes developing skills to help challenge and respond to negative thoughts, essentially re-training your brain to focus on positive rather than negatives. This type of therapy is particularly good at dealing with symptoms of distress, such as anxiety, fear or depression. Following treatment, a patient should be able to navigate future sources of discomfort and distress with more confidence.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a modified form of cognitive behavioural therapy. In this form of treatments, patients develop skills to better cope with distress, beyond just the thought processes that are challenged with CBT. Patients also learn to regulate their emotions, and to express their needs more effectively. DBT is particularly useful with a range of personality disorders, but can also be beneficial for those suffering from anxiety, symptoms of stress or depression.
Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
Eye-movement desensitisation and reprocessing is a technique used to assist people suffering from trauma. Trauma can be described as any past event that has caused significant discomfort or distress, and these events often have a long-lasting, negative effect. This cutting-edge technique works with neurological brain processes to help people stop reliving a traumatic event.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Finally, if you visit a psychologist, you are likely to participate in psychodynamic psychotherapy. This is often referred to as 'talk therapy', but it's a lot more targeted than just a casual chat. Ultimately, this type of therapy aims to address the underlying cause of psychological symptoms.