In today’s society, a large number of false beliefs and myths still remain and are maintained about the work that psychologists do or how they should be as people and professionals.
A psychologist has the ability to help a person face situations that, at times, can overcome them and cause great emotional distress. However, this does not imply that psychology professionals do not suffer or feel distressed by everyday life circumstances and, therefore, also need the assistance of another professional.
A psychologist is above all a person, but with the difference that thanks to his studies and experience he is qualified to provide help to a large number of people and offer treatment for a wide variety of problems, disorders or mental illnesses.
All these types of difficulties that some people go through include everything from small problems that interfere with daily life and that require a short-term solution, to much more severe afflictions such as overcoming grief, moving forward after having suffered abuse, anxiety, depression or any chronic mental disorder.
In addition, Psychologists also have the necessary skills to help people with addiction problems, serious or chronic physical illnesses or with motivation problems that represent an obstacle for the person when it comes to achieving their goals.
These are just a few, among many other things, in which a qualified psychologist can assist or support anyone who needs it, using different means and tools at their disposal.
Reasons why a psychologist also goes to therapy
But given that, as mentioned above, psychologists are also human beings, there may be several reasons why a psychologist may feel the need to resort to therapy. Without this meaning that he is less professional or less qualified to guide other people in their problems or concerns.
Psychologists know the importance of mental health
It is not necessary to suffer from a mental disorder or illness to decide to go to a therapist, just as it is not necessary to wait for a mild affliction to turn into something more serious, and psychologists understand this better than anyone.
Therefore, a psychologist, like any other person, You are aware that without mental health there is no health of any kind and you may wish to see another professional to increase or maintain your state of emotional well-being and thus be able to enjoy a full and satisfying life.
Finally, psychologists know that enjoying positive mental health is essential for three basic reasons:
Like the rest of the people,psychologists are not superheroes and therefore they are not immune to the misfortunes that inevitably occur throughout life.
Despite their knowledge and skills in helping others, psychologists are not covered with a layer of resistance to pain, anxiety, life’s obstacles, losses, etc. Therefore, on certain occasions, it is necessary to request the help of another psychology professional.
In addition, the advantage that a psychologist can sometimes have is that he or she may be able to identify when something is not right and ask for help before the problem becomes too deeply rooted in him or her.
Psychological intervention can have consequences on an emotional level
If there is something that characterizes the day-to-day work of a therapist, it is that he has to face extremely difficult situations Situations in which people reveal a series of thoughts, experiences or personal situations that, in many cases, are extreme and have a very important psychological impact.
Situations of abuse, mistreatment or very traumatic losses also generate a series of emotions in the professional, who feels the need to remain impassive while the person relates their experiences or emotions, but after a day of work they imply a burden and psychological fatigue. which sometimes requires the assistance of another therapist.
They know the effectiveness and advantages of psychological therapies
Since a psychologist knows the different types of therapy and the different psychological currents (cognitive-behavioral therapies, third generation therapies, psychodynamic therapies, etc.), he is, therefore, knowledgeable about the effectiveness of these and how each one can be useful. depending on the type of difficulties or problems to be treated.
Besides, They are aware that although the administration of psychotropic drugs can be useful as an impulse in some cases psychological intervention is fundamental and essential for improving mental health, and that drugs by themselves do not solve any problem.
Regarding the advantages of psychological therapy over psychotropic drugs, they can be summarized as:
Since drugs do not solve problems, they end up being consumed chronically and as an emergency resource in a stressful situation, so In the long term, the investment in psychiatric drugs ends up being very high
2. Empower the person with independence
Psychotherapy aims to provide the person with tools and mechanisms so that they are able, on their own, to solve the difficulties that will appear throughout their life. Unlike medications, which usually end up causing some type of dependency
3. It has no side effects
Unlike drugs, Well-carried out psychotherapy has no side effects or harmful consequences for the person in the long term.
4. As a complement to theoretical training
On certain occasions, It is necessary for the psychology professional to experience therapy firsthand as a complement to theoretical training In this way you become aware of what exactly happens during the therapy sessions and, in some phases or certain situations, help you work better with the people who come for consultation.
5. Some psychological currents require it
In some psychological currents, specifically those of a psychodynamic or psychoanalytic nature, the therapist must undergo a psychoanalytic intervention so that his own subjectivity does not subsequently influence in his sessions with patients.
