People begin to think about the professional help of a specialist in times of depression, stress, disappointment and anxiety. However, at this stage, they are often lost in the ocean of proposals and do not understand who they should turn to - a psychologist or a psychiatrist? Are there any differences between these professions and, if so, what are they?
Doctor or charlatan?
Sometimes people think of psychologists as charlatans who make big money from gullible patients simply by listening to their problems, playing the role of their best friend. Others are sure that psychologists are able to hypnotize people, often mixing their professional capabilities with the capabilities of almost sorcerers and healers, who can help not only get rid of stress, but also completely improve a person's life.
Practicing psychologists for the most part do not really have a higher medical education and do not undergo specialization in psychological therapy.
Since the psychologist is not a licensed physician, he is not allowed to prescribe medications of the type of antidepressants or sedatives to the patient, which are usually used for severe clinical depression, phobias or panic attacks. The only thing that a psychologist can apply is methods of psychotherapeutic interaction with his patient. A psychiatrist, unlike a psychologist, is a certified physician who works with more serious psychological and mental disorders, having every right to prescribe a course of treatment and other necessary procedures.
Treatment by a psychologist
In the process of treatment with a psychologist, the patient gets the opportunity, with his assistance, to consider his problem more objectively, as well as to understand the reasons that caused it. The psychologist not only listens to the patient - he gives professional advice that allows the patient to use his inner resources, look into the darkest corners and bring out childhood experiences that most often cause depression, anxiety and complexes.
Private psychologists are more effective than psychologists in a polyclinic, since they can devote much more time and attention to the client.
The choice of a psychologist should be very careful. Often in psychotherapy centers, you can find offices of clairvoyants, fortunetellers and astrologers next to his office, to which patients go directly from the office of a non-professional psychologist, hoping to find help elsewhere. A competent psychologist will teach you how to find a way out of various crisis situations, help you believe in yourself, gain confidence, cope with a depressed mood, find a common language with loved ones and go through a difficult divorce. If the problem lies in a different plane and the person suffers from serious mental disorders, the psychologist will not be able to help him - then heavy artillery comes to the rescue in the form of a psychiatrist.
