<p>Friends from school and even some people here have told me that I need professional help. Thing is, what for? All psychologists do is listen to their patients and carefully screen for illogical statements. For example, if the patient tells the psychologist that everyone hates him, the psychologist will challenge that generalization. If the patient tells the psychologist that many people think he is an idiot, the psychologist will challenge the patient's thinking that he can read minds. If the patient tells the psychologist that he can't do something, the psychologist will tell him that he can. If the patient expresses constant worry over some negative event that's unlikely to happen, the psychologist will give the patient a quick lesson on basic probability. If the patient is obsessed with success, the psychologist will explain to the patient that there is more to life than subjective definitions of success. Etc.</p>
<p>So, what's the point? It seems like only idiots would benefit from talking to a psychologist.</p>
<p>It’s not just idiots who have emotional problems. Intelligent/average/stupid people can all get depressed, can all get eating disorders, can all suffer from anxiety problems, can get OCD, etc. It is not easy to convince someone (such as an eating disorder patient) to just abandon that problem - obviously if that were true, then very few people would actually have problems. You can’t just give an anorexic girl a cupcake and say, “Come on, it’s yummy, starvation is bad!” and she’ll eat it. It’s much more complicated than that. </p>
<p>There is a reason you need a Ph.D to be a Psychogist - oh, and for those of you who will argue that no, only a Bachelor’s is needed to become a Psychologist, Economist, Mathematician, Scientist, etc, sorry, but you need a reality check. </p>
<p>Most people who suffer from emotional problems can’t be convinced easily to drop the problem, so yeah, there’s plenty of people who would benefit.</p>
<p>Sometimes it’s not even that complicated. Sometimes you just need to get things off your mind, and it’s easier to talk to someone you aren’t close to about your personal problems.</p>
<p>Some people are genetically predisposed to come down with some pretty serious problems where current behavior might indicate bigger problems down the road. You can read through the DSM if you want to get an idea of the kinds of problems that psychologists may have to deal with.</p>
<p>There are also simpler counseling situations where they can provide advice that the patient doesn’t necessarily see.</p>
<p>Sometimes people see psychologists because they have to as part of a court order to avoid bigger penalties.</p>
<p>Psychologists are just as effective as taking drugs; aka very.</p>
<p>Psychologist + drugs = synergy effect of good times. If anything, it’s probably entertaining, knowing that they can’t legally repeat what you just told them (unless you have a couple hookers locked in your trunk or something).</p>
<p>I think you’re confusing Psychologists with Psychiatrists. Many Psychologists only (I use the term “only” lightly) have a Masters Degree, but it’s impossible to be a Psychiatrist without getting your PhD.</p>
<p>^ No Psychiatrists are medical doctors - they have MD’s, they go to Med school, whereas a Psychologist doesn’t usually go to Med school, instead gets a doctorate or masters degree, depending on specialty - but you’re right, some types of Psychologists only have a Masters. But some have Phd’s and call themselves therapists, and not psychologists, which makes me confused. </p>
<p>This is what I don’t get - what’s the difference between a therapist and psychologist? Maybe a psych major here will know.</p>
<p>PMVD - what do you mean, they can lock you up? There would have to be something seriously wrong with the patient in order to do that.</p>
<p>This is cognitive therapy that you described. It’s something that’s usually based on understanding, trust and a desire to change. If you resist it, then it may not work for you. Of course, it may turn out that your resistance is actually very feeble and that a skilled therapist will easily break your defenses down (at least, for confrontational therapy approaches). You won’t know this until you’re there, sitting in front of the psychologist.</p>
<p>A therapist is just another term for a clinical/counseling psychologist. They are the same thing, so don’t get confused by it Molly4190.</p>
<p>As far as why someone should see a therapist, there can be many benefits. As others have said, sometimes it’s easier to get things off of your chest to a stranger. Sometimes people also have serious psychological conditions that therapy and counseling are quite helpful at treating. Psychologists are basically doctors of the mind and human psyche. That’s why I want to become one. Yay Psych majors!</p>
<p>Oh I just realized in my last post I made it sound like I was saying “no psychiatrists are med doctors” but what I meant was "Nope, psychiatrists are med doctors who have MDs…sorry if it confused anyone. </p>
<p>Sassy - so therapist/counseling psychologist are just the same thing? ok thanks…I always wondered what the difference was. And both can have masters/phd’s, I’m guessing.</p>
<p>pmvd, you’re just rationalizing it and trying to think your way out of your own problems and yourself (that’s what I do sometimes, at least). Stop, it’s useless. See a psychologist. Even Tony Soprano sees one!</p>
<p>“so therapist/counseling psychologist are just the same thing?”</p>
<p>Actually in many locations, many cm call themselves therapists, even more cm call themselves "counselors! most will not by Psychologists. They cm be COW, Mets, drug (alcohol “counselors”. Not all psychologists are therapists. Some are researchers, sme PsDs in uducation/schook settings. To have an independent therapy practice, and call yourself a “clinical Psychologist”, I believe you must have a Phd. In California, some psychologists will get an MFT instead.</p>
<p>Thanks Shrinkrap - I guess there a lot of different types of psychologists/therapists/counselors and such. Whatever they’re called, and whether they have a masters/ph.d/mft or whatever, I think seeing one can be pretty beneficial. i understand the stigma behind it might make people embarrassed, because they think others will think they’re crazy or something…pmvd i hope you don’t feel like that. i’m sure there’s a therapist at your college you could talk to.</p>
<p>I’m not sure if seeing a therapist at your campus is a good idea. They’re probably not as qualified as a private therapist as you don’t pay anything to see them.
I went to a campus therapist and I ended up in the mental hospital over something that went way out of proportion. Now I’m mandated to see the guy because they want to make sure I’m not the next Cho Seung Hui. I think their only purpose is to screen people to make sure Virginia Tech won’t happen again. It wasn’t like I was violent, made threats or threw a tantrum.</p>
<p>i think it’s only if you get desperate and have no one to talk to. but i wouldn’t recommend it. i felt cheap and gypped. i saw a psych last year. i poured all my feelings and my personal life into her that i would never tell anyone hoping she could do something for me. all she said was, “you just need more hobbies outside of school and talk to more people. i’m a little booked for the next week, but come back if you need.” ummm gee… so i feel like crap and worthless b/c i work too much and don’t have enough communication with other people… i already knew that. i also felt like she was trying to find an excuse to explain my depressing behavior. ie: “do you or have you ever taken drugs”? I take a breath and say “no”. A few questions later, she comes back and says “when i asked if you took drugs, you hesitated. now, are you sure?” yeah… don’t go to one.</p>
<p>"cm call themselves “counselors! most will not by Psychologists. They cm be COW, Mets, drug (alcohol “counselors”. Not all psychologists are therapists. Some are researchers, sme PsDs in uducation/schook settings.”</p>
<p>Yikes! That was supposed to read…</p>
<p>…can call themselves “counselors”.Most will not by Psychologists. They can be LCSW’s, MFT’s, drug/alcohol “counselors”. Not all psychologists are therapists. Some are researchers, some PsyD’s in education/school settings…</p>