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Sometimes, therapy may be required for various reasons, but knowing where to seek help is not always easy. Here, we will define a therapist and explain how to access support.
Who is a therapist?
A therapist helps people deal with mental, emotional, behavioural, or relational problems and syndromes. Therapists can have different educational backgrounds and specializations, and the term can cover a wide range of mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, counsellors, and social workers.
The term therapist is not protected, meaning anyone can call themselves a therapist. Legitimation means that patient safety is guaranteed in the treatment and that you must work according to the methods research has shown to have good results. Therapy can improve many problems.
What is the difference between therapists?
The difference between therapists depends on their training, specialization and treatment methods:
- Psychologists and psychotherapists Have an honours degree in psychology and a Master’s degree before registering with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Part of the HPCSA registration requirement includes successful completion of the National Examination of the Professional Board for Psychology. A psychologist or psychotherapist must complete an internship and a mini dissertation before registering. They can assess, diagnose, and treat mental and behavioural problems with talk therapy.
- Psychiatrists are specialized doctors who have qualified as medical doctors and then specialized in psychiatry. They can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. Psychiatrists are registered with the HPCSA.
- Counsellor: To become a counsellor, one must obtain a higher certificate, a vocational diploma, or an undergraduate bachelor’s degree in psychology and counselling. Counsellors are registered with the HPCSA
- A coach specializes in specific areas, such as relationships or careers, and offers goal-oriented therapy and support. Although a person does not need formal training to call themselves a coach, ensure that you receive coaching from someone who has received the relevant training.
The choice of therapist may depend on the client’s specific needs and preferences regarding the treatment method and problem area.
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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What can a therapist help with?
A therapist can help with a wide range of mental, emotional, behavioural and relational problems. Here are some examples of what a therapist can help with:
- Anxiety and depression: Therapists often work with clients suffering from anxiety, depression and other affective problems, offering strategies to manage symptoms and exploring the underlying causes of these feelings.
- Stress management: They may offer techniques and strategies to manage stress and improve the client’s ability to cope with life’s stresses.
- Sleep problems: Therapists can help with sleep problems and insomnia, which is the diagnosis for more severe sleep problems.
- Relationship problems: Therapy offers a space to work through problems in relationships, whether in couple relationships, family dynamics or problems in relationships with friends or colleagues.
- Self-esteem and self-image: Therapists help individuals work on issues related to low self-esteem and negative self-image to promote a more positive self-perception.
- Crises and life changes: They can assist people who are struggling with behavioural issues or who are facing major life changes, such as career change, loss, or big decisions.
- Trauma and PTSD: Specialized therapists work with clients who have experienced trauma and suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Addiction and abuse: Therapists can provide support and treatment for people struggling with addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or other behavioural problems.
- Eating disorders: They can help people with eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating to understand and treat the underlying psychological causes of their behaviour.
- Personal development: Therapy can also be a personal development tool, helping individuals understand themselves better, develop personal strengths and work towards their goals.
Therapists adapt their treatment based on the client’s needs and goals, and they may use different therapeutic techniques to help their clients improve their mental and emotional well-being.
Book a meeting
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How do I know which therapist to choose?
The choice of therapist depends on the client’s specific needs, the therapist’s therapeutic orientation, and the therapist’s professional background and skills. There is research showing that some methods are better than others for specific problem areas, so it is important to find a form that works. It is also important for clients to feel comfortable with their therapist and have a sense of trust, as this is fundamental to a successful therapeutic process.
How does a therapist work?
Therapists use different methods and techniques to help their clients, depending on their specific needs and problems. These can include talk therapy, behavioural therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, family therapy, couples therapy and many other forms of therapy.
The goal of therapy is often to help the client understand and process their emotions, improve their relationships, develop healthier patterns of behaviour, and increase their overall well-being.
Why Lavendla?
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45, 60 or 90 min sessions
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12 FAQs about Therapists
What is a therapist?
A therapist works to help people deal with mental, emotional, behavioural or relational problems and syndromes.
Who is a therapist?
Therapists can have different educational backgrounds and specializations, and the term can cover a wide range of mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, counsellors, and social workers.
Is the therapist a protected title?
No, the term therapist is not protected, which means that anyone can call themselves a therapist, but a licensed professional category is a protected title according to the National Board of Health and Welfare.
What does legitimation mean?
Legitimation means that patient safety is ensured during treatment and that you work according to methods that, according to research, have shown good results.
What is a psychologist?
Licensed psychologists have completed five years of professional training and service before being licensed by the National Board of Health and Welfare. They can assess, diagnose and treat mental and behavioural problems with talk therapy.
What is a psychotherapist?
A psychotherapist is a postgraduate qualification in psychotherapy for doctors and psychologists to help with emotional and psychological problems.
What is a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists are trained doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication.
What is a counsellor?
A counsellor is a professional who completes a degree and then offers therapy and counselling to address social and personal problems.
What is a coach?
Coaches specialize in specific areas, such as relationships or careers, and provide targeted therapy and support.
What can a therapist help with?
A therapist can help with a range of mental, emotional, behavioural and relationship problems. Read more in the text above.
How do therapists work?
Therapists use different methods to help their clients. These can include talk therapy, behavioural therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, family therapy, couples therapy, and other forms of therapy.
Where can I seek help?
We recommend contacting a licensed psychologist or therapist if you want to seek therapy. You can book a first appointment with one of our therapists here at Lavendla. We make the hard things easier.
Treatment with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Treatment approaches can differ between different schools of therapy. This is what a treatment can look like with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is a method that can be used for many different problem areas and conditions:
Understanding and assessment
The first step is to understand the problem and that it is okay to seek help for it. A licensed psychologist can help you assess your situation based on your life situation. You can also fill in assessment forms.
Psychoeducation and objectives
You will learn about the problem and how it affects you physically and mentally. Understanding what is happening in your body, thoughts and feelings is important. It also involves setting goals for treatment.
Tools to change behaviours and patterns
This works on identifying and changing thinking patterns linked to the problem. It will help you develop a more nuanced picture, increase your ability to manage emotions and thoughts, and change behaviours. You will explore situations with your therapist and learn how to deal with them. You will also be given homework to practice between sessions.
Follow up and evaluate progress
Your psychologist will support you throughout the process. At the end of the treatment, you will also receive a plan to continue practising and maintain your progress over time. Feel free to book a first session with a licensed psychologist or therapist to see how we can help you.
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