What exactly is therapy? Who can be called a therapist? Why do people speak of different types of therapy that they receive? If I am interested in receiving therapy, where do I start?
Broadly speaking, therapy is a process of healing and growth that happens in a therapeutic space. The therapeutic space is safe, confidential and non-judgmental. A therapist is a professional that facilitates a client’s healing and growth process. Therapy can take many forms and happen in a variety of ways, but the element of moving through healing is the common factor. The most widely recognized form of therapy, talk therapy, can be categorised as follows:
Psychiatry: Psychiatry is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis of disorders, as well as the treatment and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioural disorders. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems and prescribe pharmaceutical medication.
Clinical Psychology: Clinical Psychology is similar to psychiatry in terms of focus on clinical diagnosis of disorders. Clinical psychology emphasizes psychotherapy, assessment, and non-pharmacological treatments for mental health issues. Professionals in this field are not medical doctors. There are other forms of psychology such as Educational, Counselling, and Organisational Psychology, that are differently specialized according to each unique industry.
Counselling: Counselling is also a form of talk therapy. It is a process during which an individual, couple, or family meet with a trained counsellor to talk about other forms of psychology, such as Educational, Counselling and Organisational Psychology, through issues and problems that they are facing in their lives. Diagnosis does NOT form part of the counselling process. It is instead a space for support, guidance and lifestyle management.
Coaching: Coaching is a goal orientated type of talk therapy. It helps keep clients look to the future and achieve their goals by holding them accountable for carrying out their action plans.
All of the above are forms of talk therapy. Often an individual attends therapy sessions with more than one professional, depending on their needs, and how their needs change over time. It is important to gain clarity on the scope of the therapist whom you are seeing, especially whether or not they can legally diagnose or treat disorders. If not, they must refer you to a different professional for that to be done. Similarly, if you see a physiotherapist for an injury, you might need a referral to a neurosurgeon for further diagnosis.
This brings us to other common forms of therapy outside of talk therapy, such as beauty therapy, physiotherapy and massage therapy. These also promote healing and growth, but with less talk and more physical manipulation. Either way, these and every other form of therapy will aim to facilitate some type of healing and positive growth in individuals, couples, or groups. It is important for us to do some research and find the type, or types of therapy that will serve us best. We should also be open to exploring, as there are so many different avenues to choose from. I engage in many forms of therapy as part of my self-care. A lovely hike, a breathwork session, periodic lyno - therapy (alignment of the body) and regular counselling form part of my therapeutic practices. Oh, and how can I forget my beauty therapy appointments! Some time ago, yoga formed part of my routine too. I like to change it up from time to time just because there is so much to explore, and to benefit from.
Therapy is both an objective activity, as well as a subjective experience. For example, a couple can go for marriage counselling, which is an objective form of therapy, but in fact, not receive any therapy, subjectively. This means that no healing or growth is taking place. On the other hand, a teenager may be skipping school and catching some waves on an isolated part of the beach, which objectively doesn’t seem like therapy. Subjectively however this experience can be immensely healing for this teen, hence it qualifies as therapy.
Ultimately, we are holistic beings, so our self-care should feed each facet of our lives. The therapy we engage in should serve us physically, emotionally, behaviourally, spiritually, and relationally. Explore, experience, and enjoy!
Aneeqah Arend
ASCHP SWC24 / 6053
Specialist Wellness Counsellor
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