Who is a Therapist?
Empower yourself to make an informed decision
While treating any physical ailments, you approach specialists—experts, don't you? We book appointments with dermatologists for skin issues, gastroenterologists for concerns of the digestive tract, and so on. Would you not like to have the same clarity about the qualifications of mental health professionals before booking an appointment? Unfortunately, many of us lack this clarity.
The decision to seek help for mental health related concerns is a difficult one in itself. But the question, ‘Who will be able to help me best?’ might be more difficult to answer, owing to the sheer doubt and misinformation about the qualifications of mental health professionals.
In this write up, I aim to lay out information about the general minimum qualifications of various mental health professionals as crisply as possible. I shall also briefly state when to approach which professional.
Psychiatrist: They are doctors who have completed MD (Psychiatry). Psychiatrists are qualified to prescribe medication for intense, chronic mental health disturbances; or for psychological symptoms that interfere with work and life significantly. Many persons hesitate to consume medication owing to stigma, misconceptions about the nature and function of these drugs, or from fear of side effects. It is important to discuss these doubts, reservations and objections with a psychiatrist and make an informed decision.
Psychologist: A person with an MPhil and/ or a doctorate degree in Psychology. A psychologist, more specifically a clinical psychologist is trained to work with people healing from significant, chronic psychological disturbances. Psychologists also work with caregivers of such persons to manage caregiver stress and to make the caregiving process more effective.
Counsellor: A professional with a minimum qualification of Masters in Psychology. They might have additional qualifications such as diplomas in specific fields of counselling. For example, ‘Diploma in child and family counselling’, ‘Diploma in Relationship Counselling’, etc.
Psychotherapist: They are professionals with a minimum qualification of a Master's in Psychology, and additional training and certifications in one or more forms of psychotherapy. For example, Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing EMDR, etc. Psychotherapy differs from a counselling approach in that, psychotherapy is defined in its philosophy, methods of intervention and techniques. Whereas, the counselling process rests more on general psychological principles, and affords more professional creativity in suggesting strategies.
While choosing a professional, I would urge you to understand their qualifications, and discuss with them what therapeutic approach is best for your unique psychological make-up.
Many a times, mental health professionals work in collaboration to offer you the best of help. For example, a person’s symptoms might require medical intervention from a psychiatrist as well as a psychotherapeutic intervention. This is best decided after a discussion with your team of professionals.
Avoid getting into the trap of, ‘The internet said so’, and diagnosing yourself or deciding therapeutic interventions for yourself. Remember, your goal is to help yourself. That will best be done by trusting the expertise and skills of the mental health professionals you are working with, whilst being vigilant about the effectivity of the therapeutic process.
Unfortunately, there are hardly any licensing norms for counsellors and psychotherapists in India. Nor are the available norms mandatory for all professionals. This puts responsibility on you—the client, to choose your experts wisely and make responsible decisions.
Know—discuss—make an informed choice—keep the discussion with your professionals alive at all stages of your healing and development.
Pop your questions/ comments about qualifications of mental health professionals, or regarding choosing your professionals, all in the comments section. I shall be happy to answer :)- Ketaki Joshi MA (Counselling Psychology), Advance Practicum in REBT, Albert Ellis Institute, New York
