Psychologists, psychiatrists and psychotherapists
The terms psychologist, psychiatrist and psychotherapist are sometimes confused because they all provide therapy services, but there are significant differences between the three professions even though sometimes they overlap. They require a different educational background and, in order to make a clear distinction between the three professions, it is necessary to define the disciplines that are the object of their study and work.1
WARM UP
• Choose the right option.
a. The terms psychologist and psychotherapist are synonyms which refer to the same type of job.
b. A psychologist and a psychotherapist do completely different jobs.
c. A psychotherapist is a psychologist with specific training.
DO
1 Four of the following five scientists are considered the founding fathers of human Psychology: William James, Ivan Pavlov, Sigmund Freud, Alfred Adler and Cari Jung. Which is the odd man out?
Psychologists
A psychologist has a degree in Psychology.
Psychology is the study of people: how they think, how they act, react and interact. Psychology is concerned with all aspects of behaviour and the thoughts, feelings and motivation underlying such behaviour.
Therefore, psychologists conduct scientific studies of behaviour and brain function. They observe, interview and survey individuals. They are able to identify psychological, emotional and behavioural issues and diagnose disorders. They work with clients to help them change their behaviour through a variety of therapies and provide counselling.
Psychiatrists
A psychiatrist has a degree in Medicine and is therefore the only one of the three who can prescribe medicine.
Psychiatry is the study of mental disorders and their diagnosis, management and prevention.
Psychiatrists deal with mental health, including substance use disorders.
They analyse and evaluate patient data and examine the findings to diagnose the nature and the extent of a mental disorder. Therefore, they prescribe, direct and administer treatment or medication to treat mental, emotional or behavioural disorders.1
Psychotherapists
Psychotherapists can be both psychiatrists or psychologists with further specialist training in Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is conducted with individuals, groups, couples and families.
Psychotherapists work with clients who are affected by difficulties such as depression, phobias, stress, anxiety, emotional and relationship problems, physical or psychosomatic disorders and behavioural problems. They can carry out hypno-psychotherapy, helping clients to understand and address their inner conflicts.
MORE
1 Neurotics build castles in the sky. Psychotics live in them. Psychiatrists collect the rent ...