What is a psychologist?

A psychologist uses scientific information to help individuals understand, explain, and adapt their behavior by studying how humans think, feel, and conduct. Psychologists can work with a variety of institutions and individuals, including schools, jails, private clinics, workplaces, and sports teams.

Through counselling or other forms of therapy, a psychologist may be able to assist you in learning to manage your symptoms. Psychologists have also received training in administering psychological examinations. They may, for example, administer an IQ or personality test.

What is mental health?

Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being are all part of our mental health. It has an impact on the way we think, feel, and act. It also influences how we deal with stress, interact with others, and make decisions. Mental health is vital at all stages of life, including childhood, adolescence, and maturity.

Many factors play a role in mental condition, including:

• Biological influences.
• Life experiences.
• Abuse and trauma

Which are the mental health conditions treated by a psychologist?

Psychological treatments have been shown to benefit with a variety of mental conditions, including:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD
• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Eating disorders
• Addiction
• Personality disorders.

When should I see Psychologist?

There are many reasons to visit a psychologist. If you lose someone you loved the most, sadness/grief, fear, anxiety, mood swings or frequent emotional outbursts, hallucination, significant changes in eating or sleeping habits, unable to cope with daily activities or problems are some of the common reasons to visit a psychologist.

What are the qualifications of Psychologist?

Candidates must have a BSc or BA degree in Psychology and MSc or MA in psychology to become a Psychologist. After post graduation they will attain MPhil and PhD programmes to attain doctoral level.

Are Psychologists and Psychiatrists the same?

A psychologist and psychiatrist are not the same.Psychiatry is a field of medicine that studies the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders. They possess MBBS and MD in psychiatry. A psychiatrist can prescribe medicines whereas a psychologist cannot prescribe. Psychiatrists also have advanced residency qualifications and a psychiatry specialty. Psychiatrists are licensed to provide mental health care and practice as medical doctors.

Instead of biological elements, psychologists tend to focus on social, cultural, and environmental issues. They aid in the identification of negative thought patterns and other areas of brain function that may influence your behaviour and emotional health, as well as key environmental or life stressors.

FAQs

1) Whom should I consult; a psychologist or a psychiatrist?

There are a lot of different mental health providers to pick from. However, depending on specific occupation, credentials, training, and education, the types of support and therapy they provide can differ significantly.

2) Is the information discussed in psychotherapy confidential?

A psychologist's communication with their client is protected by law. However, there are certain exceptions to this secrecy protection.

3) What is the role of a psychologist?

Psychologists study thoughts, emotions, feelings, and behaviour in order to better understand and explain them. They construct hypotheses about how people's beliefs and feelings influence them using procedures including observation, assessment, and experimentation.

4) Is a psychologist a health doctor?

Psychologists are not medical doctors. They have a doctorate in psychology so often called doctors.

5) Can someone without a degree in psychology give psychological advice?

No. Only psychologists can give advice as they have more knowledge and experience in this field.