Myths and Facts about Clinical Psychologists

Few years back, mental health professionals were commonly referred to as ‘Mad people’s doctors’, ‘doctors of lunatics’ or ‘ paagalon ka doctors’. However, immense efforts were invested and are still

being invested into generating awareness in society about mental health related issues. And here we aretoday, speaking about ‘psychiatrists’ and ‘psychologists’ (even though ‘paagalon ka doctor or ‘psychodoctor’ will never get outdated’). But the real question is do we really know who these people are andwhat they do?

Let us start with understanding basic differentiation between these professions. Two types of professionals are required to help a person who is suffering from emotional, behavioral difficulty or any mental illness. One is a clinical psychologist and the other one is a psychiatrist. A clinical psychologist is a licensed practitioner who has obtained an M.Phil. degree in clinical psychology and a license from Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). Clinical Psychologists are trained in understanding human behavior, emotions and thought process. They are also extensively trained to assess, diagnose and treat different mental illnesses. Clinical psychologists use various types of psychotherapies to target the concerned area. Psychotherapy means having one-to-one interactive sessions with the client and sometimes with family as well. Psychiatrist is also a licensed practitioner who has an M.D. or DNB degree in psychiatry post completion of MBBS. They are medical doctors who are experts of understanding and treating various mental conditions medically. Psychiatrists use various medicines to treat the condition in hand. Both clinical psychologists and psychiatrists work hand in hand to deal with difficulties such as depression, anxiety, phobia, OCD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other mental and behavioral difficulties. Although the difference between these two professions is easier to understand, many misconceptions still remain about the treatment process. A lot of fear and stigma is still present in the society about mental health related issues. So we have tried to separate 7 myths from facts about clinical psychologists in this blog.

Myth: There is no need to go to a clinical psychologist because family and friends can give you better advice. Truth: There is no doubt that your family/ friends will always love and support you in your difficult times. However it is also important to have an objective perception towards the situation that a trained clinical psychologist will be able to provide. A Clinical psychologist does not only show warmth,

unconditional love and empathy to the client but also makes an accurate diagnosis of the problem and suggests proven ways to deal with the problem. A clinical psychologist is trained in handling various emotions and difficulties arising from disturbances in those emotions.

Myth: I am not mad to go to a clinical psychologist. Truth: Anyone who is in emotional pain is NOT mad. It is natural to feel that way. Sometimes this pain can become severe and take form of a psychiatric illness such as clinical depression or anxiety. However, having a mental illness also does NOT mean that you are crazy. All that matters to us is that you are emotionally suffering and all that matters to you is that you need to come out your suffering. Bottom line, you don’t have to be mad to go to a clinical psychologist and you don’t become crazy just because you are visiting a clinical psychologist. You are just helping yourself by taking the right treatment.

Myth: Speaking with a clinical psychologist is going to worsen my problem. Truth: This myth arises from the misunderstanding that clinical psychologists use fancy technical terms and give unnecessary diagnosis to their client. The fact is that, clinical psychologists use technical terms to pinpoint precise target area and create awareness about it. An issue cannot be addressed effectively unless it is defined accurately. Clinical psychologists do not worsen any difficulty; they help you address it in most effective way.

Myth: Clinical psychologists can mind read/ face read Truth: NO. Clinical psychologists are trained to understand complexity of human thoughts, emotions and behavior. It is a scientific method and not a magic show. We formulate the best possible hypothesis based on our observations but we definitely cannot look at your face and tell you what you are thinking at the moment.

Myth: Psychologist can solve all my problems. Truth: Clinical psychologists do not have a list of correct solution to all your problems. We don’t even attempt to solve your problem. A clinical psychologist always helps their client increase their decision making and problem solving capacity. This helps the client to be able to tackle their own difficulties and make them feel more confident about themselves.

Myth: I don’t want to take medicines because I am strong. Truth: First, clinical psychologists do not prescribe medicines. They use structured and scientific methods of psychotherapy to treat the emotional difficulty. Psychiatrists on the other hand are the

authorized professionals to prescribe medicines for any particular condition. In case of mental illnesses most clients benefit from a simultaneous use of both these treatment modalities. Medicines can improve the client’s participation in therapy sessions. A licensed clinical psychologist and/ or a psychiatrist decide which treatment is required for the client after understanding the detailed history and adhering to a best treatment plan always makes the client stronger not weaker.

Myth: Psychological treatment means electric shock. Truth: As mentioned before, there are two types of psychological treatments. One is psychotherapy and other is medicines. These are always the first choice of mental health professionals when treating patients. However, another treatment option is also available for patients who are severely ill and especially when they are not able to even take care of themselves. It is called ‘Electro-convulsive-therapy (ECT)’ or what is commonly known as shock treatment given by Psychiatrists and NOT Clinical Psychologists. ECTs are given to chronic patients as a last resort only when other treatment options become less effective. ECT is a non-complicated procedure, given under anesthesia and in the presence of qualified doctors. It has minimal risk and maximum benefits and no long term side effects. Basically it does not make the patient’s hair stand or put them through any pain. But most importantly it is not given to any and every client who walks into our clinics.

We hope this blog answers at least a few of your questions. If you have any more doubts or questions, please comment below and we will address your queries. Remember, it is healthier to have doubts and get them clarified than making assumptions without knowing facts.