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A **psychologist** is a graduate with a master’s degree (MA or MSc) in psychology (with various specialties and areas of expertise, e.g., clinical psychology, health psychology, occupational psychology, social psychology, sports psychology, etc.). A psychologist conducts client/patient assessments, often using psychological tests, provides consultations, conducts psychoeducation training, stress reduction sessions, and crisis intervention. They do not issue medical leave certificates (L-4), prescribe psychotropic medications, or conduct psychotherapy in a specific modality (unless they are also a psychotherapist).
A **psychotherapist** is a graduate of a psychotherapy school in a specific modality (holding a certification). According to current regulations, they may, but do not have to, have a degree in psychology. If they are not psychologists, they do not diagnose patients using diagnostic (psychological) tests, e.g., they do not assess personality structure in that way. They do not issue L-4 certificates and, like psychologists, do not prescribe psychotropic medications. They conduct psychotherapy with patients according to their chosen modality and undergo regular supervision. In other words, for example, a psychoanalyst works long-term exclusively according to psychoanalytic school procedures, while a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist works short-term—up to two years—focusing on “here and now” issues such as the patient’s beliefs and emotions.
A **therapist** is a broader term encompassing, among others, music therapists, art therapists, and hypnotherapists who have completed relevant certified long-term courses, postgraduate studies, etc. Often, they are psychologists, but there are also representatives of other professions who expand their competencies. Therapists working with medical hypnosis in their practice also undergo regular supervision.
A **psychiatrist** is a medical doctor specializing in psychiatry. Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental disorders primarily through pharmacotherapy. If they have a background in psychology or have completed psychotherapy training, they may also use other diagnostic and therapeutic tools. As medical doctors, they can issue L-4 certificates and prescribe psychotropic medications.
CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, is a psychotherapy approach characterized by its effectiveness, with research showing success rates exceeding 70%. It is used in the treatment of conditions such as depressive-anxiety disorders, PTSD, and phobias. Currently, this therapy is often combined with Mindfulness techniques. You can find more information about CBT on our blog.
Mindfulness can be described in the words of Prof. Jon Kabat-Zinn as “a particular way of paying attention: purposeful, in the present moment, and non-judgmental.” In other words, it is a state of conscious focus on sensations experienced at the moment—a full engagement in the present experience without analyzing or judging what is happening, what we think, or how we feel.
The state of mindfulness can be achieved at any chosen moment by focusing on the “here and now.” However, entering this state is not always easy, which is why it can be beneficial to seek the help of a professional who can teach you mindfulness techniques.
It’s worth noting that these techniques draw on traditional relaxation and meditation methods rooted in Buddhism but present them in a secular form. For more information on this topic, visit our blog and e-book.
**Psychological Interview** – Simply put, it is a form of conversation between the person being assessed and a specialist (e.g., a psychologist), combined with observation. Such a conversation is intended to be substantive and aims to gather specific data and information that will help the specialist understand the problems and situation of the patient/client. Without an interview, it is impossible, for example, to create a therapy plan, define goals, etc.
Psychological diagnosis is a process in which a psychologist, using appropriate diagnostic tools (such as a psychological interview, observation, selected questionnaires, and tests), seeks to identify the psychological mechanisms underlying a person’s functioning, explain emerging problems, and predict the possibilities and ways of addressing them. It is important to emphasize that psychological diagnosis is an integral part of the initial phase of treatment.
No, only a doctor can prescribe psychotropic medications. The specialist in this area is primarily a psychiatrist.
In such a situation, you should promptly consult your general practitioner, who can issue an L-4 (for a short period). For a longer sick leave, you need to see a psychiatrist.
Before a psychologist or doctor applies medical hypnosis, they conduct a preliminary interview to determine whether the patient’s health condition presents any contraindications. Examples of such contraindications include epilepsy, schizophrenia, heart diseases, implanted pacemakers, asthma, allergies, and personality disorders such as psychopathy or narcissism (in a clinical dimension).
Hypnotherapy is a method of working on oneself and overcoming personal limitations. It is a safe experience and completely natural, as it occurs during the brain’s alpha and theta wave activity. During this process, we maintain control over the experience.
Like other treatments involving medication or medical procedures, psychotherapy is an effective method, but not 100%. According to a 2006 review (Leichsenring, Hiller, Weissberg, and Leibing), CBT psychotherapy has proven effective in treating many mental disorders, including:
– Depressive disorders (9 studies in the review),
– Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (11 studies),
– Social phobia (10 studies),
– Specific phobias (5 studies),
– Obsessive-compulsive disorders (10 studies),
– Bulimia (10 studies),
– Post-traumatic stress disorder (9 studies),
– Anxiety disorders (8 studies),
– Somatic diseases and chronic pain (3 studies),
– Certain aspects and traits of borderline personality disorder (5 studies).
Further analysis is, of course, necessary, particularly regarding the effectiveness of treating various types of personality disorders.
Psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy has long been labeled as lacking evidence of effectiveness. Today, we have access to numerous studies showing effectiveness comparable to CBT in these therapeutic approaches. Moreover, the effect size increases over time following the therapy’s completion.
According to meta-analyses conducted so far, psychodynamic psychotherapy is a method that produces significant and stable therapeutic effects (Leichsenring, Rabung, and Leibing, 2004). Despite findings indicating that therapy participation leads to improvements compared to individuals with mental disorders or illnesses who do not undergo therapy, it is essential to remember that the effectiveness of this type of therapy depends on many factors (e.g., patient motivation and engagement, the specifics of the therapeutic relationship).
Another increasingly popular approach in psychotherapy is the Milton Ericksonian approach, which incorporates “utilization” (leveraging certain phenomena as beneficial and useful) of hypnosis in therapy. Therapists using this approach recommend using terms like clinical hypnosis or medical hypnosis, emphasizing that it is a method employed by specially trained professionals who adhere to specific principles and apply it for therapeutic purposes (Yapko, 2019). Research on hypnosis focuses on two main areas: the characteristics of the therapeutic process involving hypnosis and its effectiveness.
The hypnotherapy process includes elements such as focused attention, concentration on internal processes, relaxation, development of automatic and unconscious responses to hypnotic suggestions, and a return to a “normal” state of consciousness with a sense that something significant has occurred related to the therapeutic goals (Yapko, 2019). Incorporating hypnosis into psychotherapy increases its effectiveness (Cowen, 2016; Moore & Tasso, 2008).
Research highlights the effectiveness of this form of psychotherapy, particularly for psychosomatic disorders such as:
– Irritable bowel syndrome (Carolusson, 2014; Hauser et al., 2016; Palsson, 2017),
– Post-traumatic stress disorder (Christensen, 2017),
– Dermatological issues (Delaitre, Denis & Maillard, 2020),
– Sleep disorders (Cordi, Rossier & Rasch, 2020),
– Headaches and migraines (De Benedittis, 2017; Hammond, 2007).
Meta-analyses indicate the positive impact of using hypnosis with patients preparing for and undergoing surgery, both adults (Hammond, 2008) and children (Arnon, Hanan & Mogilner, 2018). Hauser et al. analyzed 391 articles and selected 5 meta-analyses confirming that hypnosis reduces pain and stress during medical procedures (Hauser et al., 2016) and alleviates pain sensations and chronic pain (Richardson et al., 2006; Thompson et al., 2019).
The effectiveness of clinical hypnosis has also been confirmed in psychotherapy for depression (McCann & Landes, 2010; Yapko, 2010), post-traumatic stress disorder (Christensen, 2017), and anxiety (Golden, 2012; Peter, 2017). Another group of studies focuses on systemic aspects of the Ericksonian approach, meaning strategic family therapy. Reports in this area highlight its effectiveness in treating depression within a systemic context (Yapko, 1999; Loriedo & Torti, 2010).
Research (Munoz, Beardslee & Leykin, 2012) indicates that hypnotherapy is not only a therapeutic factor but also has preventative value.
According to research and current knowledge, the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT) is estimated to exceed 70%. Other psychotherapeutic approaches also demonstrate high effectiveness, comparable to CBT. The highest effectiveness rate, however, is attributed to hypnotherapy, with approximately 93%.
Stress reduction sessions can be conducted by both psychologists and psychotherapists.
Medical hypnosis is a method that can only be used by qualified professionals holding a certificate confirming completion of relevant training. It is employed by psychologists, psychotherapists, and medical doctors. It is also used by therapists from other specialties. Before deciding on clinical hypnosis, check the credentials of the person conducting the session.
A psychological consultation can take place either in person or online. Its purpose is to diagnose the issue the patient/client is presenting, provide psychological assistance, support the patient/client, and help reduce stress.
Support groups play a significant role in the therapeutic process. As the name suggests, these groups consist of individuals facing similar issues. Examples include support groups for individuals experiencing abuse or those dealing with codependency. The aim of these groups is to provide mutual support under the guidance of a psychologist or therapist.
The main benefit is helping participants realize they are not alone in their struggles. It shows them that, like others in similar situations, they can face challenges and rely on the support of fellow group members.
Does an online psychological consultation or therapy make sense? Absolutely, as both in-person and online sessions are effective. Of course, they have their limitations but also significant advantages. Primarily, they can be an excellent solution for individuals who are unable to attend traditional, in-person sessions, or whose health conditions (e.g., disabilities) make it difficult to visit a specialist.
Conducting online sessions is not only possible but also equally effective for those who cannot attend in-person therapy. This applies to stress-reduction sessions as well, which may use techniques derived from the Mindfulness approach (meditation) or medical hypnosis.
Just like diagnostic sessions, psychological consultations, and stress-reduction sessions, medical hypnosis can also be conducted online.
Medical (clinical) hypnosis is a deep state of relaxation for both the body and mind, aimed at bypassing the critical function of the conscious mind to access the subconscious mind. In contrast, self-hypnosis involves independently engaging in deep work with the subconscious (it goes beyond affirmations).
If a patient presents such issues, it is essential to first rule out neurological causes of these problems (with memory, attention, and concentration). If the issues stem from stress or result from entrenched behaviors detrimental to cognitive functions (e.g., substance abuse, behavioral addictions) or factors such as poor nutrition, chronic sleep deprivation, a psychologist’s or hypnotherapist’s assistance can be invaluable.
Depression comes in many forms, meaning it has various manifestations and intensities. The decision to use pharmacotherapy is made by a psychiatrist, not a psychologist, psychotherapist, or therapist. For a first depressive episode of mild intensity, psychoeducation and psychotherapy are usually sufficient. However, if the condition recurs (with increased severity), the doctor typically recommends antidepressant medications.
Anxiety disorders encompass a wide spectrum of conditions, and their treatment primarily involves psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, medical hypnosis, and therapy utilizing Mindfulness techniques. However, in cases of severe anxiety disorders, a psychiatrist may recommend the temporary use of psychotropic medications.
Insomnia is not a disorder but a symptom.
To treat it effectively, it is essential to diagnose the underlying issue. As for medications, they are not always necessary—only when other methods prove ineffective. Psychotropic medications for insomnia are prescribed by a psychiatrist and only for a short period. One method of addressing this symptom is medical hypnosis; however, meditation is also helpful in coping with such difficulties.
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Copyright © 2024 PSYCHOLOGICZNE PRZEBUDZENIE.
All rights reserved.
Powered by asz.studio
