Psychologists

Let’s start with the basics. With all of the different types of mental health professionals out there, it can be a bit confusing to figure out who does what. Adding to the confusion, there is some overlap between the different mental health professions. In many cases, the best treatment is a holistic approach in which specialists work together to help you in their unique areas of expertise. That means you may work with different professionals on your journey. So, what does a psychologist do in all this exactly?

Psychologists work through the entire journey of wellness. They are trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat the full spectrum of mental health conditions. Psychologists utilise a range of different treatment plans depending on the particular mental health issue and the unique needs of each person.

Talk therapy is a key component of a psychologist’s toolkit and, in some cases, it can be done in conjunction with medication provided by a psychiatrist.

There are a few key differences between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. The most important factor is their background. While both mental healthcare professionals are trained in psychology, they have taken different paths to get to where they are today.

Some of our most frequently asked questions are: Is a psychologist a doctor? How many years does it take to become a psychologist? This can be confusing because different psychologists have different specialities and educational backgrounds.

Psychologists in Singapore can have a master’s degree or a doctorate in psychology. This usually means somewhere between six to eight years of university study.

On the other hand, a psychiatrist is indeed a doctor who has completed a doctorate in psychiatry. This means completing a medical degree and then continuing with five to six years of postgraduate study.

Due to the many similarities in their work, people often confuse psychologists and therapists. The two mental health care professionals work together at many stages of the treatment process. Both healthcare professionals treat a spectrum of mental health conditions. They both offer talk therapy sessions to help identify issues and find a healthy way forward.

While both healthcare professionals receive years of training, to use the title “psychologist” in Singapore, it is essential to have a master’s degree. The title of a therapist, however, does not hold the same requirement.

The mission of a psychologist is to evaluate, diagnose, and treat mental health issues. When you get started with a psychologist, the two of you will work together to get a clearer understanding of the issues you’re facing. From there, your psychologist will be able to make a diagnosis and then move forward with a treatment plan. Together, you will work through the stages needed to create a brighter future.

Everyone can benefit from seeing a psychologist. Whether you have generally been feeling lost in your life or moods, or you are currently dealing with a major life change or loss, seeing a psychologist is beneficial.

While absolutely every person can benefit from seeing a psychologist, there are some common motives that regularly bring people to see us. Let’s look at a few of them.

What Problems Do Psychologists Deal With?

Here are a few of the most common reasons that we see every day:

• Loss of a loved one: The death of someone important to you is a complete shock to the system. People often feel like they should be able to get over it alone and grieve quietly. Of course, time will indeed help you move forward, with or without a psychologist, but it’s crucial to properly process your grief. Learning appropriate coping techniques will make a world of difference in how you feel right now as well as decades down the line when you reflect on the loss.
• Anxiety and stress: Stress is a constant in most of our lives and it’s vital to learn how to cope with it. Busy professionals with demanding schedules as well as people already suffering from anxiety can find that therapy is truly life-changing.
• Depression: Far more than just a feeling that you can shake off, depression is a serious mental condition that requires professional medical care. If you are experiencing symptoms of fatigue, anger, sadness, or any other emotions that feel unmanageable, it’s time to see a psychologist.
• Addictions and unhealthy habits: Maybe you are having trouble trying to stop drinking or smoking. Perhaps your eating has become a source of stress or you find yourself unable to sleep through the night. Whatever your habits might be, getting professional help will enable you to restructure your life.
• Phobias: If you have a fear that is holding you back in your life, it is time to get help. No matter how intense your fear may feel, it is something that you can learn to manage with the help of a mental health professional.
• Relationship issues: Whether you are having trouble with your family, colleagues, or anyone else in your life, there are solutions. It may be that you both can enter into family therapy or couples counselling. It could be that you want to come on your own to discuss the issues and learn the right approach to dealing with your problems. Whatever route you take, a psychologist can help you navigate these sensitive areas.

These are just a few of the many reasons that might bring you to therapy sessions. Maybe you relate to some of these issues, or perhaps your problem is unique. Whatever the case may be, we are here to help.

It is always a good time to see a psychologist. Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health. If you feel like something isn’t right, it’s time to see a healthcare professional.

Far too many people lose years of their lives waiting to start therapy. They ignore problems and hope that they somehow just magically disappear. Unfortunately, just like ignoring a toothache, mental health problems only become worse with time. Dealing with mental health issues as soon as possible stops you from developing unhealthy coping mechanisms. It allows you to tackle problems head-on.

A psychologist will create a comfortable and safe space where you can explore your emotions. As mental health professionals, they have years of training and experience that teaches them to ask the right questions. These right questions will help you explore your ideas and feelings to get to the root of your issues.

While most of us find that chatting with friends and family is an important outlet, there are clear limitations. Often the people around us want to spare our feelings or they are so close to us that it’s impossible to truly offer an outside perspective. A psychologist, on the other hand, not only has a bird’s eye view of your issues but is equipped to help you change things.

Working with a psychologist, you can learn how to identify the cause of key issues. You can pinpoint what is causing your unhappiness and learn techniques to help you change it. Ultimately, as you work step by step, you will find that your psychologist is giving you the toolkit to build a healthy, happy future.