What's The Difference Between Being A Therapist & A Physiologist?

Question

They seem the same to me. Can you help me straighten them out, please? I have to talk to my guidence counsler about this and I don't wanna sound stupid.

Answer 1

First of all, I am fairly sure you mean a psychologist, not a physiologist. A physiologist studies the human body, while a psychologist is an expert in the mind, or mental conditions.

A psychologist generally has a PhD in psychology, which requires 4-5 years of education beyond 4-year college degree. A psychologist may do counseling, or research, or teaching, or consult to schools, prisons, industry, etc. Many psychologists counsel people as their main occupation. Some do psychological testing as well as counseling.

A therapist does psychological counseling, but generally does not do all those other activities. The therapist may have a B.A. degree, or an M.A degree, and has specialized in counseling. They do not have nearly the education nor the training as a psychologist. Without an M.A. degree, they may not be able to be licensed to practice in many states.

It can be a little confusing, because both counselors and psychologists are sometimes referred to as therapists, because they both may do psychotherapy.

Answer 2

A therapist is a general term that can be applied to folks who have counseling degrees-either masters level or Ph. D. You can have a Ph. D. in counseling as well.

A Psychologist refers to someone who has a masters degree or better in Psychology. If you have a Ph. D. you can teach school, or practice as a therapist-or a counselor.

A masters level psychologist has to be supervised-generally if a therapist is a psychologist and does therapy-they prefer to be called a clinical psychologist.

If you pass the national licensing test as someone with a masters degree you can practice therapy with people as a psychologist-a clinical psychologist.

Psychologists in general look down on counseling degrees as inferior. I don't know why-I just know its a reality.

There is a national board of Counseling that will list reputable therapists and psychologists.

Mainly the difference is what the person majored in while in college and their post graduate work.

Here are some certifications for therapists

1. American Association of Pastoral Counselors Certified
2. American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
3. Licensed Professional Counselor
4. Licensed Clinical Social Worker
5. Licensed Counseling Psychologist
6. Licensed Social Worker
7. Licensed Independent Social Worker
8. Certified Play Therapist

Peace,
Dwight

Answer 3

A psychologist needs a PhD to practice.

Anyone can claim to be a therapist. Check out credentials thoroughly if you plan to see one...or send someone to one.