What is a Psychotherapist?
Psychotherapists are trained mental health professionals who specialize in psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy — essentially, dialogue between patient and therapist. They use psychological methods, instead of medication, to help patients overcome mental and emotional issues and deal with their problematic beliefs, thoughts, behaviors, or compulsions.
By observing and talking to patients, psychotherapists are able to understand their problems, analyze and assess their emotional state, develop suitable treatment methods, and record their progress.
What does a Psychotherapist do?
Psychotherapists use certain styles of talk therapy when treating specific conditions. Their approaches are taken from the five broad categories of psychotherapy, as defined by the American Psychological Association (APA):
Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies are central to the approach that focuses on changing problematic behaviors, feelings, and thoughts by discovering their unconscious meanings and motivations. Psychoanalytically oriented therapies are characterized by a close working partnership between therapist and patient. Patients learn about themselves by exploring their interactions in the therapeutic relationship. While psychoanalysis is closely identified with Sigmund Freud, it has been extended and modified since his early formulations. Psychodynamic therapy is commonly used to treat anxiety and depression.
Behavioral therapy focuses on learning’s role in developing both normal and abnormal behaviors. The goal of behavioral therapy is to reduce or eliminate self-destructive or unhealthy behaviors by addressing them and also by reinforcing desirable behaviors. One variation of behavioral therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on both thoughts and behaviors. CBT is often used to treat anxiety disorders and depression.
Cognitive therapy emphasizes what people think rather than what they do. When a psychotherapist takes this approach, they believe that it is dysfunctional thinking that is leading to their patient’s dysfunctional emotions or behaviors. The premise of cognitive therapy is that by changing their thoughts, people can change how they feel and what they do.
Humanistic therapy emphasizes people’s capacity to make rational choices and develop to their maximum potential. Concern and respect for others are also important themes within this approach. Three types of humanistic therapy are especially influential:
Client-centered therapy rejects the idea of therapists as authorities on their clients’ inner experiences. Instead, therapists help clients change by emphasizing their concern, care, and interest.
Gestalt therapy emphasizes what it calls ‘organismic holism’ – the importance of being aware of the here and now and accepting responsibility for yourself.
Existential therapy focuses on free will, self-determination, and the search for meaning.
Integrative or holistic therapy combines elements from different theories. Therapists who use an integrative style don’t tie themselves to any one approach. Instead, they blend elements from different theories and approaches and tailor their treatment according to each client’s needs.
In addition to understanding and effectively applying the therapies described above in one-on-one sessions, the job portfolio of a psychotherapist typically includes:
- Facilitating group therapy sessions for clients with similar challenges
- Conducting therapy sessions for couples with marital problems
- Accurately maintaining patient data and keeping the information confidential and safe
- Understanding social, cultural, and ethical issues that may affect clients
- Understanding research as applied to clinical practice
- Measuring the efficacy of their therapeutic approach
- Writing professional correspondence and case reports consistent with the American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines
- Being consistently aware of the impact of their own personality, insights, and judgment on the therapeutic relationship and the efficacy of treatment
- Attending conferences to stay up to date on evolving topics and issues
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What is the workplace of a Psychotherapist like?
Psychotherapists often have a private practice. They may also work in hospitals, schools, prisons, mental health clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
Regardless of the clinical setting in which they practise, all psychotherapists spend the majority of their time observing and interacting with their patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clinical Psychologist vs Psychotherapist
Clinical psychologist and psychotherapist are two distinct roles in the field of mental health, although there can be some overlap in their functions. Here's a comparison between the two:
- Clinical Psychologist: A clinical psychologist is a mental health professional who has completed doctoral-level training in clinical psychology. They are trained in various aspects of psychological assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Clinical psychologists often work with individuals experiencing mental health disorders or psychological distress. They employ evidence-based therapeutic techniques and interventions to help clients manage their symptoms, improve their well-being, and address underlying psychological issues. They may also conduct research, provide psychological assessments, and work in diverse settings such as private practice, hospitals, and mental health clinics.
- Psychotherapist: A psychotherapist is a broader term that refers to professionals who provide therapy or counseling to individuals, couples, families, or groups. While some psychotherapists may have a background in psychology, they can come from various disciplines, including psychology, counseling, social work, or psychiatry. Psychotherapists focus on providing talk therapy to clients, helping them explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors to promote personal growth, alleviate distress, and improve mental well-being. They employ different therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, or humanistic therapy, based on their training and theoretical orientation.
In summary, a clinical psychologist is a mental health professional with specialized training in clinical psychology, equipped to diagnose and treat mental health disorders using a range of therapeutic techniques. On the other hand, a psychotherapist is a broader term that encompasses professionals from various disciplines who provide therapy or counseling, utilizing different therapeutic approaches to address clients' psychological and emotional challenges.
Psychotherapists are also known as:
Disorders Analyst
Mental Health Counselor