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If you're feeling unwell, you may need therapy. But where should you turn? Let's distinguish between psychologists and psychotherapists and explore how they can help.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychotherapist?
Sometimes, you may need a psychologist for a variety of problems such as anxiety, depression or anxiety. It is not always easy to know where to go for help and who to talk to. It can also be unclear the difference between a psychologist and a psychotherapist.
Psychologists and psychotherapists are also obliged to use the methods that have been shown to have the best effect on research and follow the existing recommendations. This ensures that the care they provide is as good as possible for those who seek it. The difference between psychologists and psychotherapists is that they have different basic training. You can read more about this here.
Psychologist
A psychologist has a four-year honours degree and a master’s degree from a university. Psychologists learn evidence-based psychological treatment and neuropsychiatric assessment with cognitive testing during their training. To register, they do a one-year internship.
A psychologist works with the assessment, investigation and treatment of mental illness. They work, for example, in medical centres, in psychiatry, as school psychologists, in the prison system and private practice. Psychologists can also train to become specialists in different areas such as clinical psychology or occupational psychology.
What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!
Benedetta Osarenk
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11 FAQs about Psychologist vs. Psychotherapist
What is a psychologist?
A psychologist is a person who works to assess, investigate and treat mental health problems in public and private health care.
What is a psychotherapist?
A psychotherapist is a professional who assesses and treats mental health problems in the public and private sectors.
What is a therapist?
A therapist is a person who works as a counsellor. They have a four-year degree from a university,
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychotherapist?
The difference between these professions is that they have different basic training. Psychologists have completed a four-year honours degree and a master’s degree, while psychotherapists can be doctors, social workers, or nurses.
What methods and techniques are used in psychotherapy?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) training is the most common, but other methods are also helpful. In CBT, you work with thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to improve your mood.
What does it mean to be registered?
Being registered means that you have attended a program such as the psychologist or psychotherapist program and done the required internship before registering with the HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa). It is a quality assurance where you have patient safety and work on an evidence-based basis to ensure it is as good as possible for the person seeking care.
I am thinking of meeting a coach, what does that mean?
A coach is a person who can work with counselling to create change. This can be helpful, but coaches do not make psychological assessments or have broader knowledge of different conditions. Psychologists are also often taught coaching as part of their initial training.
Can you get psychotherapy online?
It is possible to receive treatment digitally via video. Research has shown that the outcome of the treatment is equivalent to a meeting in person.
What is a CBT therapist?
A CBT therapist is either a psychologist or psychotherapist trained in CBT.
What does it cost to attend psychotherapy?
At Lavendla, the psychologists and therapists set the price displayed on the therapist’s profile page. An individual therapy session with Lavendla therapists usually lasts 45 minutes.
Where can I go if I need help?
At Lavendla, we have experienced psychologists and therapists who can help you feel better. If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, contact 112 or the nearest emergency room.
What is a psychotherapist?
A psychotherapist has completed a psychotherapy course, which is an advanced training course for doctors, social workers and nurses, but psychologists can also take it if they want to develop further in the profession. They work mainly in the assessment and treatment of mental health problems.
What does a therapist do?
A therapist can work with conversation therapy, but it is good to know that calling yourself a therapist is not, unlike psychologists and psychotherapists, a protected title; anyone can call themselves that. Thus, there is not the same quality assurance and patient safety as with a licensed profession.
As a psychologist, you need to work with the methods that have been shown to give the best results in research, and if you, as a client, have been mistreated, you can report this. This is not the case if you go to a therapist. Registered professionals must also observe confidentiality and maintain confidentiality and record keeping.
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