Heres why psychologists also go to therapy
Indestructible? No, they are human.
In today's society there are still a lot of false beliefs and myths about the work that psychologists do or how they should be as people and professionals.
A psychologist has the capacity to help a person to face situations that, sometimes, can overcome him/her and cause great emotional discomfort. and cause great emotional discomfort. However, this does not imply that professionals in psychology do not suffer or feel distressed by circumstances of everyday life and, therefore, also need the assistance of another professional.
- Related Articles: "The 12 types of psychologists".
What is and what does a psychologist do?
A psychologist is first and foremost a person, but with the difference that thanks to his or her studies and experience he or she is able to help a large number of people and offer treatment for a wide variety of mental problems, disorders or illnesses.
All of these types of difficulties that some people go through range from small problems that interfere with daily life and require a short-term solution, to much more severe afflictions such as coping with bereavement, moving on from abuse, anxiety, depression or any chronic mental disorder.
In addition, psychologists also have the skills necessary to help people with addiction problems, serious or chronic physical illnesses, or motivational problems that pose a serious threat to their health.They also have the skills to help people with addiction problems, serious or chronic physical illnesses, or motivational problems that hinder them from achieving their goals.
These are just some of the many ways in which a qualified psychologist can assist or support any person in need, using different means and tools at his disposal.
Reasons why a psychologist also goes to therapy
But since, as mentioned above, psychologists are also human beings, there may be several reasons why a psychologist may feel the need to resort to therapy. This does not mean that he or she is less professional or less qualified to guide others in their problems or concerns.
Psychologists know the importance of mental health.
You don't have to suffer from a mental disorder or illness to decide to see a therapist, just as you don't have to wait for a mild affliction to turn into something more serious, and psychologists understand that better than anyone else.
Therefore, a psychologist, like any other person, is aware that without mental health there is no health at all, is aware that without mental health there is no health of any kind and may wish to see another professional to increase or maintain his or her state of emotional wellbeing and thus be able to enjoy a full and satisfying life.
Finally, psychologists know that enjoying positive mental health is essential for three basic reasons:
- To be able to cope with the normal difficulties that arise in day-to-day life.
- To preserve and maintain the motivation necessary to achieve personal aspirations and goals.
- To encourage and make a positive contribution to the environment around you
- The psychologist also suffers throughout his or her life.
Just like everyone else,psychologists are not superheroesTherefore, they are not immune to the misfortunes that inevitably occur throughout life.
In spite of their knowledge and skills in helping others, psychologists are not coated with a layer resistant to pain, anxiety, life's obstacles, loss, etc. So on certain occasions, it is necessary to seek the help of another psychology professional.
In addition, the advantage that a psychologist can sometimes have is that he/she may be able to identify when something is wrong and ask for help before the problem becomes too deeply rooted in him/her.
Psychological intervention can have consequences on an emotional level.
If there is one thing that characterizes the day-to-day work of a therapist, it is that he or she has to deal with extremely difficult situations.. Situations in which people reveal a series of thoughts, experiences or personal situations that, in many cases, are extreme and have a very significant psychological impact.
Situations of abuse, mistreatment or very traumatic losses also generate a series of emotions in the professional, who feels the need to remain impassive while the person relates their experiences or emotions, but that after a day's work involves a burden and psychological fatigue that sometimes requires the assistance of another therapist.
They know the effectiveness and advantages of psychological therapies.
Since a psychologist knows the different types of therapy and the different psychological currents (cognitive-behavioral therapies, third generation therapies, psychodynamic therapies, etc.), he/she is, therefore, aware of their effectiveness and how each one can be useful according to the type of difficulties or problems to be treated.
In addition, are aware that although the administration of psychotropic drugs can be useful as an impulse in some cases, they are also aware that the administration of psychotropic drugs can be useful as an impulse in some cases.In this regard, psychological intervention is fundamental and essential for the improvement of mental health, and that drugs by themselves do not solve any problem.
As for the advantages of psychological therapy over psychotropic drugs, they can be summarized as follows:
1. Therapy is more economical in the long term
Since drugs do not solve problems, they end up being consumed chronically and as an emergency resource in the face of a stressful situation, so that in the long term the investment in psychological therapy is more economical. in the long term the investment in psychiatric drugs ends up being very high..
2. It empowers the person with independence
The objective of psychotherapy is to provide the person with tools and mechanisms so that he/she is capable, by him/herself, of solving the difficulties that will appear throughout his/her life. Unlike medications, which usually end up causing some kind of dependency..
3. It has no side effects
Unlike pharmaceuticals, well conducted psychotherapy has no side effects or harmful consequences for the person in the long run. for the person in the long term.
4. As a complement to theoretical training
On certain occasions, it is necessary for the psychologist to experience the therapy in the first person as a complement to theoretical training.. In this way he/she becomes aware of what exactly happens during therapy sessions and, in certain phases or situations, helps him/her to work better with the people who come to the consultation.
5. Some psychological trends require it
In some psychological currents, specifically those of a psychodynamic or psychoanalytic nature, the therapist must undergo a psychoanalytic intervention so that his or her own subjectivity does not later influence his or her sessions with patients. his or her sessions with patients.
(Updated at Apr 14 / 2024)