Psychotherapy – how is a psychologist different from a psychotherapist?

Some people use the term psychologist and psychotherapist interchangeably, meaning a specialist who solves mental and emotional problems. Only partially, the scope of responsibilities of these two people is similar – in practice, the distinction results from the fact that one of them completed a 5-year master’s degree in psychology, and the other extended his education with an additional specialization lasting from 4 to 6 years. Find out about the competences of each specialist and find out who to go to and ask for help in solving your problems.

A psychologist and psychotherapist are specialists who help people suffering from emotional and mental disorders. Although the scope of their duties is apparently similar, in practice they differ in terms of their competences. These are primarily due to the powers that psychologists and psychotherapists obtain during their studies and after their completion (at additional faculties, specializations as well as training and qualification courses). After getting to know what they do, you will know who to turn to in case of your own problems or those consuming a loved one.

Psychologist – who is he?

Psychologist is a graduate of the same-name faculty, usually at a humanities college. Already 5-year studies are enough to obtain the title and qualifications to perform work in this position. At any time, you can also decide to continue your education and improve your qualifications by participating in courses, specializations, postgraduate studies and training.

NOTE: Polish education still assumes that psychological studies can only be conducted in a uniform, master’s system. Of course, the period of the pandemic forced some changes, such as partial distance learning, but it did not make it possible to become a psychologist without high school diploma, after graduating from post-secondary or other school that promises to obtain qualifications in less than 5 years.

What specializations may a psychologist have? Depending on what the psychologist’s area of interest is and what specialization he chooses during his studies, he or she may obtain, for example, the title:

psychologist,
child psychologist,
sports psychologist,
disability and rehabilitation psychologist,
educational psychologist, school,
business psychologist,
clinical psychologist.

Such a large selection means that each person can improve their qualifications in the area that he is most interested and where he feels best. However, nothing prevents you from expanding your competences, e.g. by two specializations, and then additionally doing a training that gives you psychotherapeutic qualifications.

Psychologist , contrary to appearances, not only talking to patients and giving them tissues (such an image is probably the result of watching movies and series, which usually present the profession of a psychologist in this way and sessions “on the couch”). It also works in other areas:

conducts and interprets scientific research,
issues psychological opinions,
conducts psychological tests,
intervenes in crisis situations,
participates in mediation, e.g. between spouses,
provides preventive support,
selects appropriate diagnostic tools,
refers the patient to other specialists.
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A very wide range of duties as well as professional development opportunities along with continuous access to valuable training courses or courses make psychology an interesting and desired direction among young people for years. However, it is worth remembering that the work is demanding, often very engaging, requiring a lot of knowledge, intuition and skilful selection of therapeutic methods. Also, not everyone has the appropriate character traits to hold this position with a vocation and real pleasure.

Psychotherapist – who is he?

Typically psychotherapists can boast a university degree and a master’s degree in humanities or medicine . Usually it is sociology, psychiatry, pedagogy. However, this is not enough to obtain the qualifications necessary for this profession. Before a graduate will be able to conduct psychotherapy on his own, he will have to obtain a certificate, which is respected in Poland, issued by a psychotherapeutic association. To conduct activities and undertake work, e.g. during an internship, he is also entitled to a certificate confirming that a given person is undergoing certification. training.

The theory alone in this profession is definitely not enough, therefore a comprehensive program of studies and subsequent preparation for working in independent positions includes:

practical training,
completing a clinical internship,
undergoing your own therapy,
undergoing regular supervision, i.e. control over your work.

Sam a psychotherapist is not a doctor, although, of course, a person with a medical college diploma can direct his education and professional career in such a way that he will become a certified psychotherapist. This is important because if the person conducting the psychotherapy is not a psychiatrist, he / she cannot issue a prescription for medications, e.g. tranquilizers or anti-depressants. If during the course of treatment it turns out that the patient needs pharmacology, the patient will be referred or suggested to see a psychiatrist.

The role of the psychotherapist is to accompany the patient in the entire, sometimes difficult process of dealing with problems and emotions. They usually have their roots in the past – in childhood, school, professional and social failures, traumas caused by separation or the death of a loved one.

The task of a psychotherapist is to discover the cause of a given disorder and understand the entire mechanism that guides the patient. It is possible thanks to conversations, therapeutic activities, drawings, games, group sessions.

Psychotherapy – what is it?

Psychotherapy are different methods whose elements combine and permeate to solve emotional problems and mental health of the patient. In this form, great emphasis is placed on direct contact between the patient and the psychotherapist, both in the form of individual and group meetings. In many comparisons, psychotherapy appears to be a way into oneself, while the specialist who conducts it is a kind of spiritual guide of the patient.

Psychotherapy can be:

individual or group
based on one main method or combining several, e.g. psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive behavioral or solution therapy,
focused on solving the problem, also using other methods (often psychotherapy is combined with pharmacological therapy ordered by a psychiatrist or neurologist).

Who is psychotherapy for? Not only for those suffering from emotional or psychological disorders. Today, people who want to: visit the psychological clinic in Wołomin

improve the comfort of your everyday life,
improve relationships with other people,
increase self-confidence,
make changes in your personal and professional life .

Good psychotherapist and psychologist

The very decision to visit a child psychologist or go to a psychotherapist with your own problems is not an easy one. However, if you are already behind this step and understand the need to take action with the support of a specialist, it is time to move on to finding the best offer. Today, it is possible to conduct psychotherapy not only in a stationary form, but also online psychotherapy , which increases your sense of comfort and security.

If you, or a loved one, notice any symptoms that may indicate a mental or emotional disorder, first steps should be directed to a child psychologist or for adults . Only during the interview, after getting to know the symptoms and causes of the dysfunction, the specialist can propose an extension of the diagnosis, therapy or psychotherapy requiring the support of medications. A psychiatrist can prescribe these, so you will need to see him or her. Usually, the treatment is twofold and brings good results (alleviation of symptoms, complete recovery of the patient).