Frequantly Asked Questions

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PSYCHOLOGIST AND PSYCHIATRIST?

A psychologist is someone who specialises in psychotherapy which is also called talking therapies. To become a psychologist you need to complete a BA, followed by an Honours degree in Psychology. Candidates for the master's degree have to go through a stringent selection process. If they are selected, the students will then complete the Master's degree, after which a year of internship, community service and a professional board exam make them psychologists. No, they don't have it easy because some can go even further and study to obtain their doctorate in psychology.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in the field of psychiatry. Everyone knows the other specialists in the medical field, but most South Africans don't know that psychiatrists are also specialists. It takes six years to qualify as a doctor in South Africa and another four to qualify to practise as a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists can examine, diagnose and treat patients with mental illnesses or other conditions that may lead to mental illness. Some sources indicate that there are only about 350 of these specialists in South Africa.

You will find that psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers,spiritual workers and other professionals may combine their efforts to assist a patient. No, this is not to rip you off! Neither is it an indication that there is something very, very wrong with you. The combination of the different professions is called the multidisciplinary team approach. They are actually trying to provide you with the best possible available care that will lead to a better prognosis and in the long run may even save you money.

WHY SEEK HELP FROM A PSYCHOLOGIST OR A PSYCHIATRIST?

You are responsible for your own life and how you choose to live it. No one can really force you to seek assistance. The way I see it, you can live with a problem for a long time or you can seek help and shorten the duration of the problem while at the same time you improve your quality of life! It is important to remember that your illness is not only affecting you, but everyone around you. No one lives in total isolation. You behaviour influences other people around you and their behaviour will have an impact on you. Help is available from private clinics, state hospitals and on several telephone helplines.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Eissh! There are so many stories going around and the movies do not really contribute to painting a positive picture. No one is going to throw you into a padded room and slide your food under the door while classical music is playing 24/7! People who are prepared to talk about their therapy experience will most likely portray a positive picture. They will describe an atmosphere of trust, empathy, co-operation and positive regard, although they might use different terms. To be able to talk to someone who is not going to judge, threaten or force you might have a huge effect on your perspective of the problem that you are experiencing. The bonus of course is that everything you say is confidential and the therapist will never repeat it.

TIPS ON THE RIGHT THERAPIST

It is important to make sure that you feel comfortable with the person you choose to see. It is going to be one of the most important relationships that you will ever have. You will probably have to trust this person more than you trust your doctor. Talking about things that are causing you discomfort and pain isn't for 'sissies' , which is why most people avoid it. If, after a couple of sessions, you feel that you will never be able to open up to the therapist, tell him or her this and ask to be referred. No, they won't get upset; they are professionals and will rather refer you to someone whom you might relate to than let you keep on suffering.

I DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY - WHAT NOW?

There are several options. There is a generalisation in South Africa that unless a professional is in private practice, he or she is second best. This is a major fallacy. There is no basis for such a statement. They all had to do the same amount and minimum quality of work to obtain their qualifications. There are many reasons why people choose to work for stat institutions, in the corporate world or in a private practice. State hospitals are an option. Many of the university psychology departments in South Africa render a service to the community. There are many NGOs, support groups and helplines that you can utilise. Don't forget your local church. They will easily assist you or get you the help that you need in a way that will suit your circumstances. Remember there are several fields in psychology like clinical, educational, industrial and counselling psychology. Use the right vehicle for the right journey and you will reach your destination sooner.