I’ve had a few people tell me therapy might be a good idea but Im seeing a psychologist atm and I haven’t the faintest idea what the difference is.
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Tl;dr:
therapist usually means psychologist, but there are some people who will claim to do therapy without training in psychology (life coaches, for example). Make sure the therapist is a psychologist. Psychologists can diagnose disorders and treat them with therapies, but cannot prescribe medications. Only a psychiatrist or doctor can do that.
Usually when people say therapist they are referring to a psychologist. They will talk to you, give different ways of approaching your life or responding to intrusive and negative thoughts and behaviors.
Their are therapists who specialize in different types of therapy. One of the more evidence-backed types of therapy is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, particularly for anxiety disorders.
A psychologist has a doctorate degree (meaning an extensive research degree, not a medical degree). They can diagnose you with a mental disorder. _but_ they do not prescribe medications. Only a person with a medical degree, meaning a doctor (general practitioner) or a psychiatrist, can prescribe you medications for serious mental health issues.
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