How do psychologists work?

---

@EternalFlower wrote:

Hi @Paperdaisy agree many people find psychologists helpful.

I think therapy is a broad term and people can also get benefit from seeing social workers, peer workers, ots or mh nurses which can all have therapeutic effect if its the right fit.

---

The problem I have with that, though, is that it makes things so confusing for the average joe, who can't make hide nor hair of all these wacky job titles.

I remember when I was first looking in to therapy, I visited several major mental health websites with information pages about the differant types of therapists that were common back then. TBH, I think these info pages were all just copy-pasted from one website to another.

What used to drive me bonkers were their explainations for "psychologists" and "councillors". Their explaination for "psychologist" was something like:

"Psychologists will talk to you about your problems and perform therapy..."

and the explaination for "councillor" was like:

"Councillors use 'talk therapy' to resolve your problems..."

I used to reread these things over and over and over again, trying to spot the differance, which ultimately I could never do. Because it was the exact same message, just reworded. To this day, I still have no idea what the heck the differance is between them. Only differance I'm aware of is in the sizes of the bills.

I just can't see the sense or reason in making the system so damned convoluted and confusing, by deviding it up with so many differant job titles, but then neglecting to offer any meaningful clarity for the average patient, as to what each one of those jobs supposedly does.

And I think one of the key divisions we need to explicitly highlight is therapists who adhere to "The Golden Rule of Therapy" (i.e. to not offer any real-world assistance or clear advice), vs. those who do not. Because a lot of patients can immediately rule out all the therapists on one side of that line, because they definitely need someone from the other side.

@chibam @Paperdaisy @EternalFlower , after looking at the 'Golden Rule of Therapy' I can only surmise the best outcome for therapy is when you finally realise you don't need it anymore, or at least can at least integrate it as a normal part of your life.

Hi @chibam deriniteky true in private system very confusing.

In my experience in the public system its a bit different...and i dont find the titles confusing becaude when you have a treating tram its very obvious how social workers work (getting you connected to community supports) and the nurses offer medication and the psychologists offer education and support about using strategies to calm and give diagnoses as well.

Therapy definitely isnt the answer or an essential for recovery imo. Im pretty anti therapy overall and anti telling people to go to therapy.

Yes, the system is definitely confusing and harmful st times.

@chibam i think most therpaists arent very good tbh.

It is very hard to find a good one so people would be advised to eb cautious in how they find one.

I wish nore info was given about how delicate and difficult it is to find one.

Its not so easy as goijg to the APS website.

The best therapists i know arent listed there. Ive found it easier to get good support by listening to other people and getting referrals and advice from friends and peers on who is good to see.

Not someone with a website claiming to hage decades of experience and won awards. In my experience thst has no relation to how good a therapist they are.

Agree with akl your points.

Hi @justanotherguy

I agree it's a good idea to keep away from people who use psychology as a weapon. Some people are manipulative and that's not fun to be around.

Personally I have known some good psychologists - I don't think they were trying to manipulate me though some might seem to do that. It's not a one-size-fits-all profession. I have met a couple I could do without - I didn't continue with either of them - we do have a choice.

Also - I have read some psychology formally - not much - a great deal privately though - it's fascinating - but I think that when dealing with people that needs to be in the back of the mind - to help and not hinder. No one likes to be manipulated.

I think that sometimes a psychologist might say something to challenge their client. I have experienced that - it takes nerve - the idea is that if the client disagrees with the suggestion then they can contradict it - we have the right to our own opinions after all - and we need to be respectful about that -

Pop psychology I can do without - it can become a battle of wits - I have noticed that in such a situation the so-called expect doesn't wait until you finish your sentence and this can become a battle of wills - and this is not good. I avoid this kind of situation too.

I hope you find your way - it's a huge field to start reading - and interesting - mostly though I keep what I know to myself unless asked - that's safer for everyone

All the best

Owlunar