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Previously we discussed the reasons why you might want to consider getting additional help to maintain your mental wellbeing. In this article, we are going to discuss the different kinds of therapists practising mental wellness which you can choose from. This will assist you with making choices that are best for you and your reason for seeking external help for your mental wellbeing.
Although it may be a daunting task, it still requires some research from your side to ensure that you end up with the right person to guide you through the challenges you are facing. There are many different forms of counselling and each approach is practised by specialists in their field. But before we look at the types of therapists, we must highlight the myths related to seeking the assistance of a healthcare professional. These are briefly discussed below.
Therapy is not only for ‘crazy’ people but is there for anyone looking for outside feedback and support. Seeking therapy does not mean you have a mental health problem, it assists individuals in overcoming obstacles and challenges they are facing and wanting to overcome. A therapist does not only say “… and how does that make you feel?” Unfortunately, myths have been popularized by movies and television. What is important to remember is that each therapy session is FOR YOU. You guide the discussion and the progress of sessions will be led by you and how hard you work BETWEEN sessions.
So, where do I start? Let us have a look at the different types of therapists.
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in psychotherapy. Almost like a paediatrician, a medical doctor who then specialised in treating children. These specialists can prescribe medication to their patients. You usually need a reference from another medical professional to see a psychiatrist.
Psychologist
Psychologists train to develop tools and techniques within a specific therapeutic field and then practice within that field. There are also different types of psychologists:
- Clinical psychologist – identify and diagnose psychological, emotional and behavioural disorders;
- Counselling psychologists – alleviate distress, resolve dilemmas and help people cope with crises (like in times of grief);
- Educational psychologists – focus specifically on learning difficulties in both children and adults;
- Industrial psychologists – study and apply psychological theories in the workplace and organisations;
- Sports psychologists – these specialists look after the psychological well-being of athletes, their performance improvement and motivational techniques.
- Neuropsychologists – these professionals diagnose and treat disorders of higher cerebral (brain) functioning.
Like doctors, these professionals specialise in their fields of interest and work within that framework. Psychologists also specialised in the type of work that they do and the type of patients they see. Psychologists do not prescribe medication and deal with mental illnesses (like depression) but also with day-to-day challenges faced by their patients.
A professional counsellor or mental health counsellor
As with psychologists, there are many types of counsellors, also choosing their speciality according to the type of therapy they choose to practice and the patience they prefer to work with. For example, a rehabilitation counsellor works specifically with addictions and provides techniques to overcome substance abuse problems. Or a marriage and family counsellor will assist with marital challenges or family issues. To register as a counsellor, the practitioner should have a Master’s degree in counselling or equivalent.
Clinical social worker
Clinical social workers have degrees in social work and work in community-related fields or private practice. They also have different types of sessions – individual, family, groups or couples. They will assess, diagnose and treat the prevention of mental illnesses, emotional challenges and other behavioural issues. They usually have a network of health care professionals to whom they refer specific issues.
Coaches
As with other health care professionals, there are many different types of coaches. Coaches specialise and practice in their fields of choice and assist individuals to perform at their peak within their fields by developing specific skills and achieving goals. There are up to 31 types of coaches, for example, life coaches, business coaches, career coaches, relationship coaches, team coaches, and sports coaches, to name a few… Coaches listen actively to their conversation partners, allow the person to take accountability for their goals, support unconditionally, give constructive feedback and provide unbiased guidance. Their focus is to keep you focused!
For each challenge, you face there is a solution and a healthcare professional who focuses on the challenge or issue you are facing. Some therapists will also apply a mix of techniques. You must find the right ‘fit’ for you.
You are in the driver’s seat (so to speak) and if you choose a specific therapist and you feel that you do not progress, it is your choice whether you continue with that therapist or find another therapist. It is a relationship you enter into, and like any relationship, you have to find someone who is right for you. Remember, the therapist will try and get as much information about your challenges in the first session so that they can – with you – decide on the way forward. They might ask different questions to get you to start talking about the challenges you are facing. Usually, after the first session, the therapist will advise you on how often s/he would like to see you. This will depend on your openness in the session. Also, it will depend on you and how often you would like to see the health care professional. You should ask yourself after each session – Did the session challenge me? Did it help? Did they guide you to your goals?
Be prepared to be confronted with questions that might challenge your way of thinking – that is why you are there right – to seek help because you are ‘stuck’ within a challenge and need guidance to overcome it.
Remember, your mental health is equally important to all the other pillars of wellness and you have the choice to be the best and most productive version of yourself. Seeking external health care professionals to cope with the challenges you are facing is not only responsible but also admirable.
