Live Your Best Life

What's the difference between the difference is between a psychiatrist, a psychologist and a therapist/psychotherapist? As a psychotherapist, I get asked that question a lot!  Clients know what they want/need but often don't know where to get it? A psychiatrist is an MD who has completed medical school and has specialized in psychiatry.  A psychiatrist can prescribe medication and although is well versed in psychiatry is not trained as a therapist.  Psychiatrists are trained from the theoretical perspective of pathology – which says a patient is sick and this what I can give them to feel better.  (So if you need medication - start here.)   A psychologist has their PhD in clinical psychology or a related field, is called a doctor but is not a medical doctor.  A psychologist has been trained in research and testing as well as the therapist model..   A psychologist cannot prescribe medication but can do extensive psychological testing as we...

(A therapists journey of learning and understanding)   After being a psychotherapist for over 20 years, I’ve discovered a thing or two.  My clients have been my greatest teachers. One of the things I love the most about being a therapist is that I am not the expert on anyone else’s life.  I get to suggest options, insights and psycho-education but at the end of the day; the client is the expert on his or her own life.  That’s so very powerful!   People often tell me “I don’t know how you do what you do! I would be so depressed – listening to people’s problems all day.”  The truth of the matter is that I love what I do!   Being a therapist is so much more than listening to people’s problems; it’s being given the opportunity to listen/bear witness to another person’s story; it’s validating that person’s experience and perspective on the events recalled.  Being a therapist means I get to see people’s eyes soften as ...