Psychologist is a professional who studies human behaviour, thoughts and emotions. Psychologists are usually involved in counselling, helping people to cope with emotional difficulties, stress management, personal development and other psychological issues. Education - 4 years Bachelor's degree in Psychology + 2 years Master's degree in Psychology. Seeing a psychologist is a short-term appointment, which can last a wide range of times - once, several times or 10 times - usually around 2 months. Psychologists do not prescribe medication.
Psychotherapist - helps to address and analyse deeper human problems such as: psychological pain, sadness, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, stress and burnout, trauma, low self-esteem, loss of motivation, loss of desire to know oneself and to improve. Even personality changes are possible with consistent therapy. Educated as a psychologist or doctor + postgraduate psychotherapy studies (4 years). Seeing a psychotherapist is a long-term process - it can last from six months to several years, with one or two weekly visits. Psychotherapists do not prescribe medication.
Psychiatrist - can make a diagnosis of psychological disorders, draw up a treatment plan - for example, referral to a psychologist or psychotherapist, and administer and prescribe medication. Only a psychiatrist can prescribe medication. Medical education - to become a psychiatrist you need 6 years of medical studies + 4 years of psychiatric residency. Contact with a psychiatrist is usually about once a month - to check how the treatment is going, whether the medication is working or not. Lasts until the medication is taken. When to see a psychiatrist? - Any time when you feel your suffering is so great that you cannot do without medication. And if you have severe and chronic illnesses such as depression, anxiety, sleep, mood, eating disorders, addictions, loss of connection to reality, etc.
Clinical psychologist - specialises in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders and emotional and behavioural problems. They often work in mental health centres, hospitals or private practice.
Health psychologist - studies how behavioural, social and psychological factors affect health and illness. They work with patients to help them change health-related behaviours, such as smoking, poor diet or lack of physical activity.
Relationship psychologist (or family psychologist) - helps people to resolve problems in their relationships and interactions with family members. They provide therapy for couples or families to improve their relationship and communication skills.
School psychologist - works with students, teachers and parents to address learning, social and emotional challenges. They also carry out psychological assessments and help design personalised learning programmes.
Organisational (or business) psychologist - studies employee behaviour in the workplace and helps organisations improve performance, employee satisfaction and cooperation. They can also advise companies on recruitment, training and development strategies.
Legal psychologist - works in interaction with the legal system, investigating the psychological causes of criminal behaviour, helping to assess the mental state of litigants, and providing expert evidence and testimony in court.
Sports Psychologist - helps athletes and teams to improve their performance, cope with the stress of defeat and develop a positive mindset. They can also work on injury recovery and motivation.
Military psychologist - works with military personnel and their families to help them cope with the challenges of military service, including PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), adaptation and reintegration into civilian life.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - focuses on changing patterns of thought and behaviour to help people cope with specific problems. It is highly structured and usually short-term, and is effective in treating anxiety, depression, phobias and other problems.
Psychodynamic or psychoanalytic therapies - these approaches focus on the deeper aspects of the personality, past events and unconscious patterns that can influence current patterns of behaviour and thought. The aim of the therapy is to increase self-awareness and understanding of deeper emotional issues.
Existential Therapy - focuses on the meanings of being and the challenges of existential issues such as freedom, responsibility, death, anxiety and isolation. Encourages reflection on one's life goals, values and personal commitments. This therapy is more focused on personal freedom, choice and the ability of individuals to create meaning in their own lives, regardless of external circumstances or difficulties.
Mindfulness and awareness therapies - these therapies help people become more aware of their thoughts, feelings and body sensations. Often used to relieve stress, anxiety and depression.
Gestalt therapy - focuses on the present moment and the client's experience, promoting self-awareness and unsuccessful emotional and behavioural closures. Therapy is based on the principle that people can become aware of their feelings and behaviours and change them responsibly.
Humanistic therapy is a person-centred approach that emphasises personal growth and self-realisation. This approach asserts that all people have the capacity to develop and solve their own problems.
Systemic Family Therapy - examines problems through the prism of family interactions, including family structure, communication patterns and functions. This approach aims to improve relationships between family members and to solve problems arising from family dynamics.
Group therapy - conducted with a group of people with similar problems. It gives participants the opportunity to learn new things from the experiences of others, to get support and insights, and to share their experiences with others who understand their situation.
