Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Group Therapy
Psychological therapy is an intentional interpersonal relationship used by trained psychologists to aid a client in problems of living. It aims to increase the individual's sense of well being and reduce their subjective sense of discomfort. Pychologists employ a range of techniques based on experiential relationship building, dialogue, communication and behaviorchange and that are designed to improve the mental health of a client or patient, or to improve group relationships (such as in a family).
Most forms of Psychological Therapy uses spoken converstaion. Some also use various other forms of communication such as the written word, artwork, drama, narrative story or music. Psychological Therapy and Assessment occur within a structured encounter between a Psychologist and client(s).
Therapy is generally employed in response to a variety of specific or non-specific manifestations of clinically diagnosable and/or existential crises. Some such problems are Personality disorders, depression, anxiety related issues, addictions, eating disorders, trauma and family/relational issues. It is also used when client/patient presents with everyday problems.
Psychology often includes techniques to increase awareness, for example, or to enable other choices of thought, feeling or action; to increase the sense of well-being and to better manage subjective discomfort or distress. Psychology can be provided on a one-to-one basis or in group therapy. Its time frame may be a matter of weeks or many years. Therapy may address specific forms of diagnosable mental illness, or everyday problems in managing or maintaining person relationships or meeting personal goals.
Pychologists employ a range of techniques to influence or persuade the client to adapt or change in the direction the client has chosen. These can be based on clear thinking about their options; experiential relationship building; dialogue, communication and adoption of behavior change strategies. Each is designed to improve the mental health of a client or patient, or to improve group relationships (as in a family). Because sensitive topics are often discussed during Psychology, Psychologists are expected and are legally bound, to respect client or patient confidentiallity.
Pychologists are often trained, certified, and licensed, with a range of different certifications and licensing requirements.
Sometimes people confuse the role to the Psychologist with that of the Psychiatrist. Psychiatrists have medical qualifications and may administer prescription medication. The primary training of a psychiatrist focuses on the biological aspects of mental health conditions, with some training in Psychology. Psychologists have more training in psychological assessment and research and, in addition, specialized psychotherapeutic training, tackling the problem through discussion and conversation instead of through medication.