Read down to find the answers to some of the questions related to psychotherapists.
What is the difference between therapists, psychotherapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, psychoanalysts, counsellors and coaches?
Psychotherapists come from different backgrounds. This explains the array of terms used to refer to them. But for you, what is of utmost importance is whether the psychotherapist has a specific, recognized training in psychotherapy (years of training in psychotherapy + experience + hundreds of hours of supervisions + personal psychotherapy). Click on the four related links below to understand more about background differences in Switzerland between psychotherapists:
- PSYCHOLOGISTS in Switzerland are university graduates registered in SASIS (Santé Suisse) who have completed at least master’s level studies in psychology. It does not enable them to work as independent psychotherapists. They can be employed and work under the guidance and supervision of mental health facilities. Their services can be charged to public insurance.
- PSYCHIATRISTS in Switzerland are medical doctors registered in FMH (Swiss Medical Association) specialized in diagnosing mental health illnesses, prescribing medication and hospitalization. Some of them are also psychotherapists thanks to additional certified training.
- PSYCHOTHERAPISTS authorized by the Canton’s Health Department to work independently have completed a long and certified training to guide clients/patients towards their stated psychological goals. The training includes hundreds of hours of supervision as well as a personal psychotherapy intended to clear up most past troubles. Psychoanalysis is the name given to the specific type of psychotherapy originally developed by Freud.
- CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS are allowed to conduct short term psychotherapy. Their training is focused on testing, differential diagnostics and reporting as well as following-up their clients towards the goals defined and stated in the report.
- THERAPISTS, COUNSELLORS OR COACHES come from other backgrounds, nursing, social work, physiotherapy, kinesiology or others. If they say they are psychotherapists, you need to check that they are certified by the Swiss Association of Psychotherapists (ASP) and authorized to practice as such locally.
In Switzerland, anyone who handles your health independently is meant to request and obtain the authorization to practice by the canton’s Health Department.
How come therapists also seem to have at times problems in their personal life?
Therapists are normal people tangled up in life like everybody else. It is commonly expected from therapists to be magicians, wise know-it-all men & women. But to be a therapist remains first of all a job. Therapists know a method to make a process happen that will make YOU get where you want to get but therapists do not hold the secret to eradicate life’s difficulties altogether!
How many types of therapies are psychotherapists meant to know?
Psychotherapists are required to specialize at least in one recognized method in order to be allowed to practice. However most experienced therapists, respectful of the diversity of clients and situations have studied over the years an array of methods and have integrated them in a meaningful, coherent and personal style.
Do all psychotherapists treat all disorders?
It is the therapist’s responsibility to know what he feels comfortable and experienced enough to treat; he will discuss this with you, usually at the beginning.
Can clients rely on the ability of the therapist to choose what method is best?
Certified psychotherapists have the training to lead psychotherapy. However, clients’ input remains essential to inform the therapist as to whether they are comfortable with the therapist’s approach.
Do therapists appreciate feedback?
Feedback is useful, even years later. It is the only way a therapist can really assess the results of what he does.