Therapist or Psychologist?

Question

Is it better to see a therapist or a psychologist? Is one better than the other?

Answer 1

very, very few psychologists work as therapists. Most psychologists hate therapy and counseling. never-the-less, I would suggest you see a psychologist anyway. "Therapists", most of whom are social workers, are typically judgemental, and base any "therapy" they try to do on thier own pristine image. Social workers are the prostitutes of the mental health profession. For example, if someone else is paying for the "therapy" a social worker does, then the social worker seeks to mollify the one with the money. The client is secondary. The male social workers seem to be a little better. Do you have kids? Social workers love to take children out of thier homes - they claim a parent is unfit and represents a danger to the kids. They will latch onto anything you say that they can justify removing the children. They watch for opportunities like that, and often re-direct the conversation to issues that may include the children. A psychologist is all business. He/she will evaluate you and your complaint and help you develop a plan to combat it. Because all you need is a little direction. You are bright enough to deal with anything that comes your way. Otherwise, you wouldn't be asking such a question. Good luck!

Answer 2

"Therapist" is a generic term and a therapist may be a behavior analyst, a psychologist, a psychiatrist, a social worker. There are massage therapists, new age Reiki therapists, religious therapists and pastoral caregivers give therapy, hypnotherapists. There are wacko kinds of crazy therapies that have therapists, too.

It really depends on what you are seeking help with. If you are suffering from a serious condition like depression, grieving, possible mental illness, contact a psychologist or a psychiatrist. If you have a behavioral problem or a disability, a behavior analyst might be the way to go. If you are having trouble with personal challenges that are causing you difficulties, you might go with a social worker or licensed counsellor.

If you are having trouble making decisions about where your life is going or setting goals, a certified life coach might offer a great alternative to therapy.

Good luck to you!

Answer 3

When you see a psychologist, it means that this person has a PhD in psychology--that equals much education and training.

Some therapists have at least a Master's Degree--but some do not. It is easy to hang up a "therapist" sign on a door, and the person has basically no training. If you choose to see a therapist, be sure of his or her credentials.

Answer 4

Depends on the issue. Actually when I took psychology in college I learned that most theraputic problems can be worked out by the one that has the problem if only they have someone that will actually listen. So there are many cases where a good friend is just as good as a therapist or psychologist.

Answer 5

A psychologist is a therapist. Go to who you feel comfortable with. Just check out their credentials.

To the above answer, a psychologist can NOT prescribe medication. Only a psychiatrist can do that.

Answer 6

I don't think that one is necessarily better than the other. It depends on what your problem is. A psychologist can help you discover the mental dynamics behind a certain problem, and a therapist treats a problem.

Answer 7

It depends on who you are moe comfortable with. They both use talk therapy and both have their own techniques. A psychologist will cost more but he has a higher level of training. also a psychologist is a PhD, not an MD so he cannot prescribe medications. He may work in a group that has psyciatrists then they can coordinate your care.

Answer 8

A psychologist would be more behavioral while a therapist would be more clinical. So it would depend on wheather you're searching for understanding or a cure.

Answer 9

It depends what your looking for. If your just looking for someone to talk to , you might consider a therapist. But if your looking for a doctor to prescribe medicine, a psychologist might be better for you.

Answer 10

Same thing