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The world of psychotherapy can be confusing, a situation that is made worse by the lack of available information to help one make an informed decision. The term psychological therapy is a collective one, used to describe many models of treatment.
However, common to each feature is "talk therapy" designed to help you understand and deal with life's challenges, improve the quality of relationships, identify and assist in childhood development problems, deal with traumatic events and in more serious cases, diagnose and treat mental illness.
There are a number of different types of professionals specially trained and skilled to deal with certain types of problems. Here are a few:
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are not psychologists. Psychiatrists train first as medical doctors, then specialise in psychiatry. They tend to treat more serious mental illnesses, often with the help of medication, as opposed to providing therapy only.
Psychologists
These specialists work with clients to reduce psychological suffering and promote wellbeing through talk therapy. Clinical, counselling, child, health and educational psychologists fall into this broad category.
Up to now the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has divided the various types of psychologists into different registrations, but they will soon form one central category – clinical psychologists.
They are trained to work with a variety of mental health problems, from anxiety and depression to addictive behaviours, personal problems, family relationships, learning disabilities and developmental problems.
A clinical psychologist typically studies for seven years, including an internship year, and sometimes also holds a PhD degree. They must be registered with the HPCSA to practise.
Counsellors
Counsellors work in mental health care clinics and institutions under the supervision of clinical psychologists. Traditionally, counsellors provide basic,
short-term and supportive counselling to patients.
They hold a four-year university degree and undergo a six-month internship at approved institutions. Counsellors are not permitted to practise privately because they have not been exposed to the same intensity or duration of training as psychologists.
Neuropsychologists
Neuropsychologists are highly specialised psychologists who work closely with neurologists and neurosurgeons. They specialise in the diagnosis and assessment of brain trauma, whether it was physically induced or caused by disease. Most neuropsychologists work in hospitals but some also work in private practice.
In South Africa clinical psychologists have traditionally been providing this service, but new training is increasingly producing more specialised professionals in this field.
Neuropsychologists undergo four years of university training. They then spend a further two years specialising in theoretical and clinical neuropsychology.
Occupational Therapists
Self-care, work and play are used to help people(often with disabilities) function independently, enhance development and prevent disability.
The primary focus is on improving functional performance and aiding rehabilitation.
Training involves a four-year university degree, three of which include psychology theory. An occupational therapist has a specific area of expertise and is not trained to provide clients with the same type of service as a psychologist.
Other Therapists
Other therapists, including life coaches are not psychologists and are not permitted to offer psychological therapy in accordance with the regulations of the HPCSA.
Make sure you check a prospective therapist's registration number and verify it with the Council at www.hpcsa.co.za if you considering serious psychological therapy.
