Psychologist or psychotherapist … It’s hard to tell the difference. But, thanks to a few clear indications, you will certainly find yourself and make a better difference. A psychotherapist is above all a psychologist, a doctor or psychiatrist who has trained in psychotherapy. Let us shed light on the profession of psychologist and psychotherapist. Find out!

Who is the psychologist?

The psychologist (title recognized by the State) is a specialist who has done university studies (bac + 5) in relation to human behavior and its psychic functioning. There are different types of psychologist. The one who takes care of individuals with mental disorders or emotional suffering is the clinical psychologist. He can specialize in a specific area: eating disorders, depression, addiction problems (drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, etc.). You can call this clinician for any psychological or emotional disorder. It helps to treat serious disorders such as psychoses and manic-depressions.

We also meet educational psychologists. They are responsible for setting up learning methods for schools or educational establishments. As for social psychologists, they deal with human behavior in order to allow certain individuals to better integrate into society. You will also meet sports psychologists, work psychologists, etc. The psychologist therefore has a wide field of action. Please note that this specialist is not a doctor. He should therefore not prescribe medication to his patients. The psychologist is a “License / Master” or a Doctor of Psychology.

Who is the psychotherapist?

The psychotherapist intervenes in the treatment of psychological disorders like the psychologist. Do not be surprised if you see him intervene in cases of psychosomatic disorders. He uses a variety of methods to treat his patients. We can list, for example, cognitive and behavioral therapy known by the acronym “CBT”. Other techniques used by the psychotherapist are: bioenergy, analytical therapy, hypnosis, psychoanalysis … The psychotherapist is not authorized to prescribe drugs, unless he is a doctor or psychiatrist. He is forbidden to produce medical certificates. In fact, a doctor after training in psychotherapy can practice as a psychotherapist.

What is the link between the psychologist and the psychotherapist?

It should be remembered that several psychologists, psychiatrists, or doctors are psychotherapists. Thus, these specialists can obtain the title of psychotherapist by making a request to the competent authorities. A psychologist wishing to practice in the field of psychotherapy must comply with the requirements of training because logically, he is not authorized to perform psychotherapy. Psychotherapy training can extend over 4 to 6 years. Practical internships can be done in a psychiatric clinic or in an outpatient institution. Once the title of a psychologist specializing in psychotherapy obtained, he will be able to practice as an independent psychotherapist (open a practice). He can also work in a hospital clinic or an outpatient institution.