Doctor of Clinical Psychology and Counselling Psychologist in London

What Does a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and a Counselling Psychologist do?

With their expertise, psychologists study and develop updated theories about human behaviour and the mind. Firstly, they use techniques such as observation, experimentation, assessment, to develop new theories and explore more information. Secondly, a clinical psychologist is a trained professional who studies human behaviour and mental processes mainly by observing along with experimenting. In other words, studying people’s behaviour patterns and their relationship with psychological processes is the main concern of a psychologist. In addition, many clinical psychologists in London work in the NHS and private practice, conduct research and interact with clients with a range of issues.

Below are some of the basic things that psychologists do while providing counselling in London:

• Conduct a scientific study to study brain function and behaviours.
• Look for patterns to understand and predict human behaviour.
• Increase the level of understanding among groups or individuals through their knowledge.
• Develop better programmes for workplace and schools’ growth.
• Diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders.
• Making and executing treatment plans on the basis of clients’ history.
• Collaborate with other social workers and mental health agencies to treat clients.

How Can a Clinical or Counselling Psychologist in London Help?

Clinical psychologists in London can help with a variety of issues. For example, people will talk to a psychologist when they are suffering from issues such as anxiety and depression. Moreover, psychologists are also trained to conduct a number of assessments for diagnosing a range of issues and inform treatment planning. These tests might study cognitive strengths and weaknesses, personality, preferences, aptitude, intellectual skills, and neuropsychological functioning.

In addition, clinical psychologists are trained in a range of evidence-based and up to date therapies. There are different styles and types of therapies, however a clinical psychologist in London will choose the best one according to the client’s needs.

When Is the Right Time to Visit a Clinical or Counselling Psychologist in London?

Although everyone would benefit a lot from visiting a psychologist for counselling, if you want reasons to do so, there are many. Firstly, psychologists are extensively trained to treat a variety of issues such as trauma, an injury or serious illness, stress, depression, anxiety, addictions, sleeping disorders, sexual issues, to name a few. Secondly, the earlier someone gets help, the easier it is to get through the problem.

To have more insight, let’s look into some of the common reasons why people go to psychologists for help. For example, if nothing you've done seems to have helped you, a psychologist can help you make positive changes that will improve your wellbeing.

Sometimes, you might be vaguely dissatisfied with your life, or worse, you might not even know what your issues are. If these feelings escalate to the point that you question whether life is worth living, seeking out a psychologist and sharing your issues can help you.

There is no certain age or time to visit a psychologist in London. Sometimes, a child needs professional help due to some behavioural issues. As a parent, you just need to figure out if things are still under your control or not. If you seem to lose grip on your problem-solving ability, seeking a psychologist can help you deal with it.

What’s The Difference Between a Clinical Psychologist and a Counselling Psychologist?

Counselling psychologists follow psychological research and theory in therapy in London. That is to say that they work closely with their clients, thus exploring the underlying issues through therapy. On the other hand, clinical psychologists also work towards the empowerment of their clients. For example, they use a variety of tests, assessments, and tools to assess their clients. In other words, they are more like a scientific practitioner.

To clarify, the difference among both is their training and perspectives. For instance Counselling psychologists focusses on the less pathological population, whereas clinical psychologists deal with clients with serious mental issues, such as psychosis.

From a training perspective, to become a counselling psychologist, students complete a BPS accredited degree to obtain Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) and a BPS accredited Doctorate degree in Counselling Psychology. Clinical psychologists complete a BPS accredited degree to obtain GBC and a BPS accredited Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

What is the difference between a Counsellor, Psychotherapist, and a Psychologist in London?

When you have decided to visit a psychologist in London, you might be confused by the terms being used for them. In fact, most of these terms are used interchangeably, but actually, they have different perspectives and treatments.

A counsellor focuses on the present only. For example, if you are dealing with a present challenge in life, such as losing a job or grief, you seek the help of a counsellor. In short, a counsellor looks into the present behaviours and symptoms and tries to solve them right away without digging deeper. On the other hand, a psychotherapist digs deep. That means psychotherapists turn their focus on deeper feelings and old memories that might be playing a role in the present. It’s a deeper approach where the client is encouraged to share and open up about the past.

Psychologists, on the other side, can be clinical and counselling psychologists. In both cases, they have studied psychology at university and then taken a road away from the research role into either of these fields. Further, they pursue doctorate degrees in either field to practise.

Difference Between a Psychologist and Psychiatrist

As mentioned above, psychologists receive training in a number of psychological therapies, including behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, systemic and psychodynamic therapies. On the other hand, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who is licensed to prescribe medication.

Psychiatrists complete a five-year degree in medicine, recognised by the General Medical Council, a two-year foundation programme of general training, three years of core training in psychiatry and three years of training in a speciality. A psychologist doesn’t attend medical school and thus, they are not medical doctors. They complete a degree accredited by the BPS (British Psychological Society), and three years of post-graduate study leading to a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, in order to become a Clinical Psychologist. They are specially trained to provide a range of assessments and evidence-based psychological therapies.