Psychotherapy Or Psychology (Which do you need?)
The aim of this blog is to help you choose between psychotherapy or psychology, if you are confused about which one would help you best. We will outline what psychotherapy and psychology are, the differences between the two, and how each can help you.
Psychotherapy and psychology both help with matters of the mind but, there are vivid variations between both. Recognising their differences is important so you get the appropriate treatment required for your challenges.
What Is Psychology?
Psychology is simply the scientific study of mind and behavior. Psychologists are not all counsellors, which means they do not all engage in talk therapy. Psychologists assess and analyze the state of the conscious and unconscious mind to understand the behavior of individuals or a group of people.
Psychologists use various assessments such as interviews, surveys, questionnaires, and aptitude tests.
Psychology is broad with different specialties. Some specialties in psychology are forensic psychology, cognitive psychology, educational psychology, neuropsychology, community psychology, and counselling psychology. The list goes on.
In recent times, psychology has developed immensely to the extent that it can almost be applied to every aspect of human existence. Additionally, psychologists often use psychotherapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to manage mental health problems.
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is, simply put, a talk therapy. A conversation with a licensed professional psychotherapist helps you view your challenges positively. You and your therapist will discuss your issues in a safe and confidential environment, and design desired outcomes or goals. It is a short-term path to dissecting challenges that you are currently facing and developing coping mechanisms and/or solutions for the future.
What Is The Difference Between a Psychotherapist And a Psychologist?
The chief difference between these professions is the methodology. While both use therapies like CBT to identify and manage negative thoughts and behaviors a psychologist uses tools for psychological testing such as questionnaires, aptitude tests, etc. and a psychotherapist uses a person-oriented approach.
During the session the psychotherapist helps the client understand where the challenges they face come from by asking specific questions. They then help you to build up strategies to manage your emotions while providing the support you need.
Psychotherapy or Psychology (Which do I need?)
Psychology analysis the properties of the brain to deal with complex mental health issues like:
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Panic or anxiety disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Substance abuse and addiction
- Eating disorders.
- Sexual disorders
The Psychotherapy process can be helpful to people who struggle with:
- Chronic stress
- Relationship issues
- Depression, Anxiety
- Addiction
- Negative emotions
- Family issues like divorce
- Childhood trauma/ PTSD
- Grief/loss
And so much more….
Benefits Of Psychotherapy
- Psychotherapy helps with self-discovery. It helps you know yourself well and understand why you do what you do.
- It builds self-acceptance and self-confidence. Acceptance is the key to being truly free. It helps you unravel your thoughts and develop the appropriate coping mechanisms. Helps us know and understand what is truly within us, disolve insecurities, and truly find our place in society. Psychotherapy can help us accept who we are, hence increasing self-worth and confidence.
- Provides insight to challenges and helps restructure negative thoughts. Before therapy, you might feel trapped or incapable to improve, but after you talk through your issues with a psychotherapist you will gain clarity. Your therapist will help you see the light at the end of the tunnel and how navigate yourself seamlessly through life.
- Improves your skills through talk therapy, which will improve your communication skills and effectively voice out your concerns or thoughts.
- Helps you let go of the past. Psychotherapy has the power to help open up your heart and let go of things you wish to leave in the past but can’t seem to do so on your own. Things like death and divorce.
- A good psychotherapist will make you feel heard, understood and safe so you can vent your emotions and let go of all negativity or grudge in your heart, which brings peace of mind and serenity.
The truth is life is not always easy for us. We each have our sorrows and struggles we need to conquer. Counselling with either a psychotherapist or psychologist is an investment in you for a brighter and more stable future.
Talk to a licensed professional today, to help you uproot your challenges and find the solutions you need to conquer them
0 Comments