What is the difference between a Psychologist and Psychotherapist? - ProProfs Discuss
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What is the difference between a Psychologist and Psychotherapist?

Asked by Jessica , Last updated: Apr 20, 2024

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4 Answers

G. GRAY

G. GRAY

Just getting better day by day

G. GRAY
G. GRAY, Writer, M.A, Liverpool

Answered Dec 03, 2020

Psychologists and psychotherapists both involve talking therapy. Psychologists are trained professionals who have studied the field of psychology. They have a degree and title with the appropriate area of specialization. A psychologist primarily listens to an individual’s problems from an objective point of view.

They may or may not explain or interpret the patient’s behavior and interactions based on the conversations between the therapist and the patient. With psychologists, there is a level of understanding involved, and boundaries put into place for the sake of their professional relationship.

On the other hand, a psychotherapist may not be formally trained experts, but they are people who have been trained to talk, such as social workers. They will help encourage or uplift the person’s thoughts and feelings and listen to your problems when handling situations. They may or may not provide someone with some advice. A psychotherapist may not necessarily be a psychologist, but they may have specialized training in trauma. Psychotherapists also try to establish interpersonal relationships, as the patient learns how to help themselves.

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Christian Jackson

Christian Jackson

Christian Jackson
Christian Jackson, Content Developer, Austin

Answered Aug 06, 2020

Psychology is the practice of understanding people and what makes them tick. Psychologists listen to your problems, lift your spirits, and give sound advice. Psychologists are considered professional therapists. They are trained to unravel what is going on in your mind of someone with specific issues.

Typically, sessions are one on one, and there is privacy. A psychotherapist, on the other hand, involves him or herself into the life of a patient so that they can offer them a fresh perspective.

A psychotherapist can be a social worker or someone who specializes in treating people with trauma. However, psychotherapists are not necessarily psychologists. These people are experts at forming relationships with their patients so they may help them.

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Larry Thornton

Larry Thornton

Curious about the World

Larry Thornton
Larry Thornton, Student, MBA, Los Angles

Answered Aug 04, 2020

There are some people who are not sure if they should go to a psychologist or a psychotherapist. To help you know, you should understand the difference between the two. When you say psychotherapist, this person is a trained medical doctor.

This means that the person will have the ability to prescribe medications especially for people who are depressed or are suffering from other mental illnesses. Psychotherapists would usually provide medication management to help their patients get better.

Psychologists, on the other hand, will be focusing on doing psychotherapy. This means that they will be in charge of treating the emotional and mental trauma that has been suffered by different people.

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H.Harper

H.Harper

H.Harper
H.Harper

Answered Jul 31, 2020

Psychologists and Psychotherapists are two types of medical professionals. A psychologist will have a bachelor's degree. After they get a bachelor's degree, they must have a Ph.D. and extensive training in the field. A psychotherapist is also known as a psychiatrist. They also have a bachelor's degree, and after their degree, they will have a residency that lasts 4 years in psychiatry. Psychologists support people, and they do so by providing their patients psychotherapy. A psychotherapist's main job is to diagnose patients with a disorder. One main difference between them is in regards to medicine. Psychologists can not prescribe medicine, while a psychotherapist does not.
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