It is a subject that is very confusing; I hear many times that what does a psychologist do and what does a psychiatrist do? Who should we contact? What will happen when you get therapy? Isn't medicine the real solution? I think it is necessary to discuss this in detail.
Psychiatrist; He is a doctor who specialized in psychiatry for 4 years after graduating from medical school and has the authority to prescribe medication. He can diagnose and diagnose. Requiring hospitalization; deals with patients with severe pathology. People who receive support from them are defined as "patients".
Clinical psychologist; Having studied a 5-year psychology undergraduate degree with 4 years of preparation, and then doing a master's/graduate degree in clinical psychology for two years, as well as receiving a few more master's level therapy trainings, and the education process will never end; They are therapists. They practice psychotherapy and the person they are therapists for is called the "client".
What are the Differences in the Practice of a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
These two Even though there are mental health professionals, they are both related and need to be separated with clear lines. While psychiatrists assume that emotional and behavioral problems have a physical origin; Psychologists are of the opinion that the origin is psychological by searching for the causes of distress, difficulty, and dysfunctional thoughts. For this reason, while psychiatrists are progressing towards drug treatment, that is, trying to determine which drug is suitable for treatment; Psychologists also find the appropriate therapy method for the person and in order for the person to cope; they carry out studies. However, it should not be forgotten that medication is not the solution. Because maybe medication can help a person suppress his anxiety; However, with therapy, the person discovers the situations that cause anxiety in him/her and decides what to do to cope with them and find solutions.
Psychologists and psychiatrists generally work and should work hand in hand. In emergency cases, they are usually referred to psychiatry. Psychologists also refer people to psychiatrists if they see a need.
An important point is; The alternative to therapy is not medication. Unconscious drug use; It causes serious deterioration in the structure of the brain. It is necessary to be careful in choosing an expert. Especially the background of experts; took Their training etc. You should not receive service without researching. If a psychiatrist prescribes medication and sends you away in 5 minutes without looking at your face; If he is not a good expert or a psychologist sits down and tells you about his problems; He is not a good psychologist. For this reason, it is necessary to investigate the background of experts. Psychologists and psychiatrists have the same goal; helping people. Another common goal is; It is to enable the person to cope with his problems on his own without being dependent on medication and therapy.
What is Done in Psychotherapy?
What many people wonder about is ; What is done in psychotherapy? When viewed from the outside; There is no medicine, no surgery, how is it possible to find a cure just by communicating? This issue is a question mark for most people who have not received therapy.
In psychotherapy; The client shares his complaints, troubles, what he wants to change, and his expectations from therapy.
The client makes plans and sets small goals to achieve them. The person is active and active. In the process of participating in this active therapy; one learns to be one's own therapist. Then, when you have the strength to cope; Therapy is terminated because the patient has mastered his own road map.
How does psychotherapy benefit the person?
The person learns functional ways with psychotherapy. It is possible to discover what the distress is, what triggers it, and to notice the changes.
Another curious issue is how long psychotherapy will last. Because the person regularly; consumes time, budget and effort; This naturally raises curiosity about how long it will last. It is difficult and not correct to say this in the first session. It usually takes less than 1 year. When it is a chronic condition or there are habits of thought and behavior that are difficult to change, it may last longer than 1-2 years.
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