What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Psychologist are trained professionals that work towards helping people with a wide range of problems ranging from emotional, relational, interpersonal and personality issues through the use of psychotherapy and without prescribing medicine while psychiatrists are medical professionals that are trained to deal with neurobiological aspect of clinical disorder through the use of prescribing medicinal drugs.
When do I know I need help?
Needing help has to do with aspects of our lives that we feel dissatisfied with. Just the way we visit a doctor for medical/biological issues bothering us, be it as common as a cold the same way any concern that you feel you have regarding your personal, professional or occupational life can be a sign of needing help.
Does talking problems out actually help with problems?
Research undoubtedly supports catharsis in feeling better though that’s not all what psychotherapy is comprised of. Talking to your therapist helps you become aware of a lot that you perhaps otherwise did not think of. It helps you identify, introspect, analyse your internal world and your behavioural patterns. Moreover, it helps you structure your thoughts and devise a plan in collaboration with you therapist regarding how you want to solve the issues you are currently facing. Problems do not go away on their own, but after taking therapy you can become resourceful enough to deal with those problems.
Would it not be better to work things out by speaking with friends/family?
Despite having the best of intentions at times friends and family cannot be a source of help as the dynamic you share with them interferes in looking at problem objectively. The second issue arises in dealing with problem as a commonly held belief revolves around the fact that therapy involves giving advice. Therapy involves healing and equipping people with tools to deal with problems for the present and future. Friends and family are usually not trained to provide such an intervention. Moreover, they have their own baggage and problems going on as well.
Does therapy always work?
Therapy ALWAYS works if professional protocols are adhered to. This involves competence of the therapist as well as the client’s motivation, effort and ability to acknowledge the positive changes. Nothing happens overnight nor are there shortcuts and quick fixes to dealing with the mind, behaviour and personality. It is essential for people to understand that they have developed behavioural patterns based on psychological wounds for years and need to be mentally prepared to allow the therapeutic processes their due time. Some people notice differences instantly while others may take a longer period to acknowledge the difference therapy makes in their lives. But it works!
Are anti-depressants and sedatives better than therapy?
Medication is designed to deal with the symptoms a disorder it never heals the disorder or manages the reason that caused it. In severe psychiatric conditions medicine is used as a supplement with psychotherapy. Latest research shows that medicine should only be used if therapy is not available to the user at all. Otherwise, medication is never recommended, and it causes problems like drug dependence and tolerance. It down regulates receptor sites in the brain and has many side-effects with efficacy levels equal to those of placebo pills.
People who chronically use medication will most often report that symptoms reappear as soon as the medication is stopped.
How can I trust my therapist?
Confidentiality is the basic premise of therapy where what is shared between the client and therapist remains between them only except when
- You are a minor
- You are a risk to yourself and/or can potentially harm yourself
- You are a risk to someone else and/or can potentially harm someone else.
A detailed agreement between the therapist and the client before therapy formally begins and all the terms and conditions are explained at length. Therapy is contingent upon the client’s agreement to these terms. Feel free to discuss this with your therapist till you feel satisfied.
What if I hesitate in sharing personal details with my therapist because of fear of being judged?
Therapists are there to help people over come the difficulties not to make them feel bad about the choices the made in their past. It is human to associate some level of guilt/shame to an event/choice/decision made in the past. This feeling may be warranted or unwarranted.
Regardless of that, a professional therapist helps you to move past that emotional state to work towards making the present better for yourself. Therapist at growing edge are highly competent and well trained in what they do. What sets our professionals apart from other people in Pakistan is that they have taken therapy themselves and have worked through their own issues. Hence your therapist is aware of what it feels like to be a client.
How long are the sessions and Do I need to prepare for my first session?
All therapy sessions last for 50 mins. There is no preparation required for a session. Your therapist will psycho-educate you during this time explaining to you what course of therapy can be used with your presenting complaint. Details like time, place, cost, procedure for cancellation of an appointment and the duration of sessions will be discussed. You are welcome to ask questions regarding the therapist’s training and experience. We, at Growing Edge are happy to answer any quarries that our clients may have and strive to deliver the best form of therapeutic service.