Psychologist is a term for someone who studies psychology. A psychologist usually uses psychotherapy methods to help patients overcome problems that affect their mental condition and health.
Psychology is a science that studies or explores various things about the human mind, thoughts, and behavior. A psychologist can work with psychiatrists and doctors who treat patients. This collaboration is generally carried out when patients need counseling and treatment in the form of psychotherapy to solve psychological problems or improve patient behavior.
Types of Psychologists
A general psychologist can study different areas of psychology after graduating from a psychology undergraduate program. There are various areas of psychology that can be studied in more depth, such as industrial and organizational psychology, child and adult clinical psychology, and educational psychology.
The following is an explanation of the types of psychologists:
- Industrial and organizational psychologists
Industrial and organizational psychologists (IOPs) focus on workplace behavior and assist in the screening process of suitable employees for specific positions, as well as increasing employee productivity in a company or organization. In addition, the PIO also has the task of creating training programs for company employees to improve knowledge and skills, maximize efficiency, and reduce company losses. - Educational psychologist
An educational psychologist studies and observes how people learn. Psychologists in this field may be involved in creating instruction and strategies for teaching.
Most educational psychologists also study a person’s learning abilities and talents and how social, cognitive, and emotional factors affect a person’s ability to learn. - Clinical psychologist
Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat people with mental health problems and psychological distress through psychotherapy and counseling. Clinical psychologists typically work in hospitals, mental health clinics, or private practices. Clinical psychologists may have specific expertise in adult and child mental health or may specialize in the treatment of substance abuse. - Social psychologist
Social psychologists study and examine the behavior and thought patterns of a group of people. Social psychologists can also examine how attitudes, judgments, communication methods, interpersonal relationships, and aggressive behavior can emerge in a group of people.
Conditions or Problems That Psychologists Can Treat
Psychologists have in-depth knowledge about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment related to mental health problems. In addition, psychologists can also find out, analyze the causes, and provide solutions to psychological problems experienced by someone through changes in their attitude or lifestyle.
Some types of psychological services and disorders that can be handled by psychologists include:
- Anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD, phobias, panic attacks, or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
- Addictions, such as drugs, alcohol, or online gambling.
- Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia.
- Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder.
- Schizophrenia or other mental disorders that show hallucinations or psychosis in sufferers.
- Phobias or excessive fear of certain objects or situations.
- Psychological disorders related to traumatic events, such as being a victim of domestic violence, sexual abuse, or natural disasters.
- Patient conflicts with partners, family, friends, or other people.
Actions Taken by Psychologists
There are several things or actions that a psychologist can do, including:
- Psychological interviews and psychological tests
Psychologists will examine and assess a person’s intellectual abilities and mental health through psychological interviews and psychological tests. From these examinations, psychologists can evaluate the patient’s intellectual level, cognitive strengths and weaknesses, talents and work preferences, as well as character, personality, and psychological functions.
- Psychotherapy or counseling
Generally, after making a diagnosis, a psychologist will treat someone who has a mental disorder, trauma, or phobia, using psychotherapy.
Types of psychotherapy can include cognitive, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, humanistic, and a combination of several types of therapy or psychodynamic. Psychotherapy can be done individually, with family, couples, or in groups.
- Creating a therapy or training program
Psychologists can also create a therapy or training program that patients or clients can do at home, work, school, or other places. The therapy or training program needs to be done by the patient to control, fix problems, or improve performance.
- Hypnosis therapy
Hypnosis therapy or hypnotherapy is one of the actions that can be done by psychologists who have taken additional training in the field of hypnosis. Psychologists can perform hypnosis to help patients control anxiety problems, phobias, addictions, and mood problems.
Sometimes, there are patients who need psychotherapy and medication to cure their condition. In this condition, psychologists can work together with doctors who treat patients, such as pediatricians or psychiatrists, to provide the best care according to the patient’s condition.
The Right Time to Consult a Psychologist
You are advised to get help from a psychologist if you experience psychological complaints, such as:
- Having trouble sleeping and eating.
- Hearing or seeing voices or things that are not real.
- Losing a loved one or thing.
- Experiencing severe stress.
- Having an anxiety disorder or being restless.
- Losing interest in things you like.
- Feeling helpless.
- Experiencing depression.
- Experiencing fatigue that doesn’t go away.
- Having phobias.
- Having family or social problems.
- Having bad habits or addictions.
- Needing to improve performance for big events.
Things to Prepare Before Meeting a Psychologist
Before meeting a psychologist, you are advised to prepare the following things:
- Recording your main complaints or problems.
- Preparing yourself mentally and physically to undergo the psychological examination and treatment that you will receive.
- Inviting family or relatives to undergo therapy, if necessary.
- Answering questions and telling your problems as honestly as possible so that it is easier for the psychologist to improve your mental condition.
Clear and complete information can make it easier for psychologists to diagnose the problems or illnesses you have, so that psychologists can provide the best treatment for you. However, cooperation and commitment are still needed in overcoming the psychological disorders you are experiencing.
