What is a Psychologist?

A psychologist is a person that has undergone academic training at university and obtained an undergraduate degree, an honours degree and master’s degree in psychology followed by a one-year internship. Once qualified they take the Health Professions Council of South Africa’s (HPCSA) Professional Board for Psychology national examination. Once they have passed this national exam, they may then register with the HPCSA as a psychologist and begin practising. They use a variety of psychotherapeutic methods based mostly on a therapeutic conversation, such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Rational-Emotional & Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (REBT), Mindful-based Cognitive Therapy (MBT), Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Schema-focussed therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy (P-ET), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), hypnotherapy and play therapy in the case of children, amongst many other techniques. Psychologists are also extensively trained in psychological assessment. There are various specialities within psychology that include educational, clinical, counselling, organisational and research psychology.

What is a Counselling Psychologist?

Counselling psychology is a specialist category within the profession of psychology. Counselling psychologists promote the personal, social, and educational functioning, career functioning and well-being of individuals, couples, families, groups, organisations and communities. Counselling psychologists assist people with normal developmental issues, and also prevent and treat psychological and mental health disorders. They implement counselling and psychotherapeutic interventions to enhance psychological functioning and well-being and address psychological problems, including typical life stresses and more severe issues, including developmental and adjustment problems, psychological crises and trauma, as well as mild-to-moderate mental and behavioural disorders. They also conduct psychological assessments. Counselling psychologists deliver a range of high-intensity psychological interventions that take into account the therapeutic potential of positive relationships, and people’s strengths and resources. They do this in a variety of contexts and settings that include:

• Educational settings;
• Community settings;
• Health settings (hospitals and clinics);
• Correctional settings; and
• Work or organisational contexts.

Click here to learn more about counselling psychology.

Enjoy these 15 Psychological facts that will blow your mind!

Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.