So, you're thinking of entering therapy for the first time? The problem is that you don't know who to go to. Not only that but you heard so much talk about different types of therapy that you're not sure which one is the best for you. Maybe the therapy isn't for you. Maybe it's for your son or daughter or spouse or friend. How can you help them help themselves? At first glance it does appear to be a minefield of confusion. This book, based on the best seller
Psychotherapy - Approaches and Theories (
2015) by the same author, will guide you step by step. It will explain to you the differences between Approaches, Therapies and Theories. It will also elucidate the job descriptions of General Practitioners, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Psychotherapists and Counsellors. To begin with let's call the Approaches, Therapies and Theories just simply therapies. And, let's call the professionals, therapists. Each therapist uses a particular method of therapy. They may use one method or they may use several methods. By method I mean Gestalt, CBT, Person Centred, Psychoanalysis etc. Many therapists also specialise in a particular area or areas. Some specialise in Bereavement, or Children, or Relationships or Addiction. You get the picture. So, if you are thinking of therapy for yourself or someone else you need to find out what method they use, what they specialise in and whether they are any good for you. There is no point in going to someone with whom you cannot develop a rapport. But more about that later. Let's start with the difference between a Medical Practitioner, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Psychotherapist and Counsellor? A Medical Practitioner, usually referred to as a GP is a medical doctor. Normally, they don't involve themselves in counselling unless they specialise. Some doctors go on to become surgeons, eye specialists etc and some go on to become psychiatrists. Accordingly, psychiatrists are first trained as medical doctors and then specialise in mental health and become psychiatrists. They can prescribe medication. Patients (who are called clients in psychotherapy) usually only attend a psychiatrist for serious mental issues where medication will be necessary. Next we have psychologists. Psychologists are not medical doctors. They usually have a doctorate degree and can call themselves "Doctor" but (except in certain American States and a very limited number of countries) they cannot prescribe medication. Psychologists deal with clients who have serious and long-term psychological problems. Then we have Psychotherapists, Counsellors and Therapists. These three titles cover the same type of professional. They deal with people with mental and general life problems. Usually, they are well qualified and accredited. At the moment, some therapists are not accredited. This does not mean they are not experienced in what they do. But they are not classically trained, qualified and accredited. Psychotherapy is a serious issue and it's important that the one you attend is highly trained, skilled, experienced and knows exactly what they are doing.
You may come across therapists who call themselves Life Coaches or Psychodynamic Therapists or Spiritual Counsellors. They may be very good at what they do but they may not necessarily be accredited. If you are going to choose a particular therapist make sure you find out their qualifications first.