What psychotherapy is about
Giving a general definition of psychotherapy is not an easy task, because it can look very different depending on the therapist's theoretical approach. However, in my clinical experience it became apparent to me that whatever model I was using each time, the general process of psychotherapy consisted of an attempt to understand one's self through talking to the therapist.
As stated by Socrates, ' the unexamined life is not worth living'. Feeling that we are only observers of the events taking place in our lives, not realising what triggered them off and how we could change them, could affect our lives and relationships significantly. On the contrary, understanding our selves helps us identify the processes that play a key part in our daily lives and consequently gives us a choice of maintaining or replacing them.
The means of understanding such processes depend on what model of psychotherapy the therapist has been trained with. For example, there is an option of addressing the person's past and linking what's happening currently with early life experiences. Another option would be to focus on what happens here and now in order to understand the person's thoughts and behaviours in everyday life.
The role of clinical psychologist
The field of clinical psychology covers the whole range of psychological disorders and has the aim of understanding, preventing, and treating them.
The training for clinical psychologists in the United Kingdom, where I completed my studies , consists of a 3-year postgraduate course (Doctor of Clinical Psychology/ DClinPsy). This course combines research and clinical experience in mental health services for children, adults, and older adults using various psychotherapy models (Cognitive Behaviour, Cognitive Analytic, Systemic Therapy).
As a result, when a clinical psychologist has developed a good understanding of the person's difficulties, he/she has the ability to choose what therapeutic approach suits best the needs and goals identified, in collaboration with the person concerned.
Click below for more information about the clinical psychology training in the UK.