What’s the difference between a psychologist and therapist?

Have you been considering going to therapy, but unsure about who to see? Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a therapist vs psychologist?

Both psychologists and therapists play a key role in helping individuals with their mental health issues. Whether that’s navigating it or overcoming it altogether. However, there are quite important differences between the two.

The rest of this article will cover the roles of both therapists and psychologists, as well as some key differences that you may not know of!

What’s a therapist’s role?

Therapists are there to help patients cope with mental health issues and develop some form of treatment around it, like cognitive behavioural therapy.

They can work in different kinds of places, like offices, hospitals, or group homes. Therapists can work with you for a short or long amount of time. They can also work with you individually, as a couple, as a family, or as a group.

When you begin therapy with a therapist, you may find them asking you all types of questions. You may find them asking you about what brings you to therapy, your past experiences, your childhood, or your current relationships.

You can use a therapist for:

• Mental health issues
• Marriage counselling
• Life coaching

What does a psychologist do?

Psychologists specialises in how a person behaves and how their brain processes things. This can include a person’s emotional or cognitive processes, how they interact with others or how they behave when they’re by themselves.

Psychologists, like therapists, can help diagnose and treat patients.

You can use a psychologist to:

• Beat addictions
• Manage mental disorders
• Cope with behavioural issues
• Handle grief or traumatic experiences
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Key differences between a therapist and a psychologist

• Psychologists are better specialised to deal with mental disorders, learning disabilities, or behavioural issues
• Therapists are used for a wider variety of specialties and treatments
• Psychologists can conduct research, diagnose a mental disorder, and form a treatment plan
• Therapists help patients discuss their feelings and provide a support system

There are a few differences between psychologists and counsellors. Psychologists are more specialised to deal with the emotional and cognitive processes of a patient. Whereas therapists are better trained to provide emotional and mental support. But they are both there to help people overcome their mental health issues through different kinds of therapies.

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