Debunking Misconceptions About Psychologists

Although there had been an increase in campaigns and conversations on mental health, there are still a whole lot of misconceptions, myths, misunderstandings, and stereotypes in availing the services of a psychologist. These things are what hinders these individuals in seeking professional help. To fix these ongoing stigma, we have decided to determine and debunk these common misconceptions.

Psychologists Listen While You Sit On A Couch And Rant

In the past, most psychologists prefer to adopt a practice called psychoanalysis. It is the Freudian method of talking therapy, where the client tends to lay on the couch while recollecting their memories, and the therapist listens and takes note of the problems. From here, the experts base their interpretations on the unconscious processes of the mind.

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In the modern day, however, most psychologists opt to practice a more conversational approach wherein the session focuses on both the present problems and future outcomes instead of dwelling on the past. The therapist and client are equal in this strategy, which will require more active involvement from both sides.

Psychologists Do Not Have Mental Health Issues Or Life Problems

Although psychologists spend more or less six years in mastering the behavior of the human mind, it does not mean that they are already masters of life. In reality, they still consider themselves ordinary people who also face the typical challenges of life. They still experience some blind spots despite learning all of these evidence-based concepts and theories.

There are even times wherein they forget to take care of their mental health since they are busy trying to help others fix theirs. Believe it or not, they are also still a work-in-progress just like anybody else!

When most people hear the term psychologist, their immediate impression is that of a mental health professional who provides psychotherapy. Of course, this impression is not incorrect; rather, it is incomplete. — Dillon Browne Ph.D.

Psychologists Are Experts Who Can Solve Problems In One Session

It is not true! Psychologists only consider themselves as the main facilitators of the sessions. The outcome of these sessions depends on the effort of both the patient and the psychologist. In reality, psychologists only construct the road, but the clients are the ones in-charge to drive through this road and reach their destinations. In other words, they are just there to guide you to make the changes you opt to experience in your life.

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Some clients even treat their sessions, just like a grocery shopping time. They bring a long list of issues to address, and they are expecting to solve everything in only one seating. It should not be the case.

First, it is not scientifically possible to tackle multiple issues in a session. It takes time to process even just one problem. Second, psychologists are not wizards who can magically make your problems disappear. It will require trust development, rapport building, and extensive understanding from both sides to be able to comprehend the client’s issues fully.

Some cultural groups tend to express distress physically, such as in sleep problems. Then the psychologist focuses on physical problems before working on other issues, such as emotional problems. — Gordon C. Nagayama Hall, Ph.D.

Psychologists Can Always Provide A Clear Diagnosis To Their Patients

Although psychologists are trained to have a precise diagnosis of mental health issues, it does not mean that they should always provide one. Sometimes, it will take them a while to be able to figure out what’s wrong, so they opt to push back their diagnosis. At other times, some clients don’t even meet the criteria for a specific diagnosis, so psychologists do not proclaim anything.

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Yes, they may chat with you about their hunches and ideas, and they might even give you recommendations on how to move forward, but this does not mean that they are diagnosing you with something mental-health related.

Some people who work under the label of “psychologist” are primarily therapists. While others who work under this label are primarily behavioral scientists. — Glenn Geher Ph.D.

All Psychologists Can Help You

Remember, not all psychologists can help you. Be open to the possibility that sometimes psychologists and clients do not click. If you feel uncomfortable with your current psychologist, do not hesitate to open this up to them, and start looking for another one. It might be disappointing and frustrating for people who are expecting so much from their sessions, but this is the reality of it.

The best road to recovery is to find a psychologist you can gel with, whom you trust, and who you are comfortable with. It will ensure that you are maximizing your therapy experience by opening up quickly to your psychologist.

More misconceptions are lurking in the air, but these are five of the most common ones. We hope that this post helped debunk some of the myths that have been bothering your mind. So, if you need someone to help you address your problems and get your life back on track, take a brave step and set an appointment with a psychologist. Rest assured that it will be worth your time and effort.