I know a lot of you have gone through therapy, and some are just starting out, so I have a couple questions for you.
My therapist (Clinical Psychologist) takes a sort of passive approach. He is not looking for diagnosis, to perscribe medication, and does not give direct advice. His goal is to ask me the right questions so that I look into myself and am able to sort out for myself what is going on and what I need to do. Is this how all therapy is? I was expecting a more direct approach, more guidance, more questions about my childhood, and so on. If this is not a typical approach, would it be wise for me to experiment with different therapists?
Another question... What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a therapist or counsellor? Or a clinical psychologist and a psychatrist? I know psychatrists perscribe medication and counsellors don't, but where does a psychologist fit into the picture?
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The idea behind therapy is that there are many ideas. There are so many different types of therapy, it's getting kinda ridiculous. And the funny thing is that therapy isn't an exact science. Nobody can quantify or categorize emotions and feelings. They try with the DSM but that more for technical purposes. A good therapist is known by the rapport and comfortability. The basic plan of most therapies would be to allow the client to figure things out on their own. Asking the right questions, which are more leading questions to the right answer. And being accepting and supporting, unconditionally. In the whole bally hoo of therapy, a therapist can't get you do something or fix anything. They have to make you "aware" of the problem. Any good therapist will tell you, you can't fix it if you aren't aware of it. Then, once you are aware, they show you tools and exercises and such, as to cope with things differently or better. Meds are looked at to stabilize more than a quick fix. But some dr.s do overprescribe. Counselors are same as psychologists...
My therapist (Clinical Psychologist) takes a sort of passive approach. He is not looking for diagnosis, to perscribe medication, and does not give direct advice. His goal is to ask me the right questions so that I look into myself and am able to sort out for myself what is going on and what I need to do. Is this how all therapy is? I was expecting a more direct approach, more guidance, more questions about my childhood, and so on. If this is not a typical approach, would it be wise for me to experiment with different therapists?
Yes, this is the typical approach if you're a typical gal with normal psychology and life issues. If you have abnormal psychology (schizophrenia, bipolar, etc) then you're going to see a psychiatrist who can prescribe meds and will take a more hardcore approach.
Basically there is nothing wrong with your brain chemistry; your problems are behavioral; therapy is not as directive.
Counsellor or therapist = general term for anyone who counsels you.
M.S. in social work and/or psychology = social worker or psychologist
PhD in psychology = Highly qualified Psychologist, training in normal and abnormal psychology, cannot prescribe medication
PhD in psychiatry = Psychiatrist, training in normal and abnormal psycholoty plus medical training, can prescribe medication
Originally posted by savethedrama4yrmama My therapist (Clinical Psychologist) takes a sort of passive approach. He is not looking for diagnosis, to perscribe medication, and does not give direct advice. His goal is to ask me the right questions so that I look into myself and am able to sort out for myself what is going on and what I need to do. Is this how all therapy is? I was expecting a more direct approach, more guidance, more questions about my childhood, and so on. If this is not a typical approach, would it be wise for me to experiment with different therapists?
Yes, this is the typical approach if you're a typical gal with normal psychology and life issues. If you have abnormal psychology (schizophrenia, bipolar, etc) then you're going to see a psychiatrist who can prescribe meds and will take a more hardcore approach.
Basically there is nothing wrong with your brain chemistry; your problems are behavioral; therapy is not as directive.
Counsellor or therapist = general term for anyone who counsels you.
M.S. in social work and/or psychology = social worker or psychologist
PhD in psychology = Highly qualified Psychologist, training in normal and abnormal psychology, cannot prescribe medication
PhD in psychiatry = Psychiatrist, training in normal and abnormal psycholoty plus medical training, can prescribe medication
Shrinks are medical doctors who have gone to medical school then chosen to specialize in shrinkology, like podiatrists specialize in feet and gynos in vaginas. It's not a "PhD" which is a doctorate of .......
Shrinks are medical doctors who have gone to medical school then chosen to specialize in shrinkology, like podiatrists specialize in feet and gynos in vaginas. It's not a "PhD" which is a doctorate of .......
Originally posted by Mr Spock
Shrinks are medical doctors who have gone to medical school then chosen to specialize in shrinkology, like podiatrists specialize in feet and gynos in vaginas. It's not a "PhD" which is a doctorate of .......
At least I don't THINK it's a "PhD"
Ph.D. - doctorate of philosophy, the philosophy of anything.
Psy.D. - doctorate of psychology
Psychiatrists go to medical school, that's why they can prescribe controlled substances. So they have and MD.
A lot of them have multiple degrees and certifications.
Yes this is how therapy is supposed to work. My mentor when I did my undergrad internship often said that 90% of the mental effort comes from the client. Only about 10% comes from the therapist. Therapist should NEVER take a parental or controlling role in client's life. It's about helping you come to greater insight to your issues, and helping you identify triggers, and giving exercises to cognitively re-train your behavioral reactions.
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I love these little people; and it is not a slight thing when they, who are so fresh from God, love us.
i think of therapists kinda like teachers. some fit your style better than others and teach or convey things in a way that you understand and get. then there are some that you may not like. maybe they seem too uncaring, maybe they are too old or too young, what ever.
that is why i suggest interviewing therapists, before committing to one. And, actually, i have been interviewed by my therapists so they could tell if they thought we would get along and benefit.
You are hiring this person, so do make sure you get what you want. and if there is something bothering you, or you want to try someone else, say so. it does them no good if you are unhappy, even if they get paid.
But then there are all sorts of Therapy Styles, and ways to try helping someone that thereapist try and favor.
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In life the answers are always present, the challenge is to associate the proper questions.
Originally posted by savethedrama4yrmama
Actually you can get a PhD in psychology or some schools call it a PsyD....lol to split hairs...my school calls it a PhD (I'm in the program)
Yeah, I worked in the grad school here at UF and apparently you can get either a PhD or a PsyD in the psych department. Oh the wonders of red tape and administrative sluggishness. Oh wait, I'm a big fat nasty bottleneck in administrative sluggishness.
Make friend's with the department head's secretary. He/she can either make your life heaven or hell.....muahahahhaaaaaaa.
When you find the right person to talk to you will know...
I suffer from anxiety attacks...I see a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist and she is absolutely wonderful! I do this without medication by my choice, but if she felt I truely needed meds I would take them, but lucky for me, she feels I don't and can handle fighting this battle without it.
We do alot of talk therapy as well, not only learning how to deal with anxiety attacks, facing fears etc...But TALK therapy. I have found out more about myself and who I am, what I want out of life, my goals, how to be a better person all around because of her.
I did see afew others before and it was horrible. Same sort of thing as you said you're going through...I knew in my gut that they were not right...SO just keep on trying various ones out and you will find someone who is suited best to help you through your stuff.
Good luck and if you need anything, feel free to PM me anytime!!
Yeah...it's still a doctorate of philosophy...it's just the most advanced degree in that field that you can get. Bachelor's, Masters, Doctorate. Psychology is your field. A PhD is the level of education you have in that field.
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I think I will give some others a try.
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