WHAT IS THE DIFFERECE BETWEEN A PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST AND A NON-PROFESSIONAL ONE?

Turning to a psychologist, you may find it difficult to determine his professional level without being a specialist in this field. Here are some signs that will help you understand what to look for when working with a psychologist.

SINGS OF A NON-PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST:

● Lack of privacy – “what happened in Vegas stays in Vegas”, what is discussed in a session does not go beyond the session. If a psychologist wants to use your case for an article, post, or discuss it with a supervisor, he must ask your permission. He also has to change some details so that it is impossible to recognize you in this material.

● Romantic relationship with a client – while working with a psychotherapist, there is a feeling of closeness and complete acceptance that everyone is looking for in a romantic relationship. The client may develop a romantic interest and transfer it to the therapist, but romantic and sexual relationships between the therapist and the client are prohibited.

● Criticism and psychological abuse – if you feel some kind of criticism from a psychologist, you are unlikely to achieve any results since there is a lack of trust, empathy, and acceptance between you and your psychologist. In such a situation, it is better to immediately stop psychotherapy.

● Advice – the psychologist does not give advice but creates a safe atmosphere so that the client makes decisions, takes responsibility, and sees alternative and healthier behavioral patterns.

● Guarantee of instant results and implementation of dreams – psychological problems cannot be solved in one session. The path to maturity is a journey, not a leap. You can only jump into the abyss of disappointment. If you are looking for a magician, you will find a cheater. Do not believe in instant results.

● Amnesia – the psychologist does not remember what happened in the previous session and the name of your husband (after 5 sessions). And you have a feeling that no one is listening.

● “Let’s talk about it” – you feel that your psychotherapy is just a conversation. There are no practices, no goals, and no feeling of actually working on the problem.

SINGS OF A PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST:

● Continuous development – your psychologist has a degree in psychology or medicine, regularly attends refresher courses, conferences, and supervision groups, as well as undergoes personal therapy.

● Personal therapy – at least 100 hours, it’s like a kind of guarantee that the psychologist will not project his problems onto the client but will work them through with his psychotherapist.

● Supervision – at least 50 hours, it is an analysis of complex, ambiguous situations and mistakes from practice with a more experienced colleague. The more hours spent on supervision, the higher the competence of the specialist.

● “Do no harm” is the main commandment of a good psychologist. He maintains a trusting atmosphere, sincerely empathizes with you, focuses on your needs, and listens to you carefully. He’s tactful and charming but does not try to please you. He can gently defend his position and is ready to listen to your opinion.