Myths vs reality: What does a psychologist do?

The mental health sub-sector is shrouded in many myths and misconceptions that affect people’s health seeking behavior.

These misconceptions are not limited to the role of psychiatrists and the medical treatment alone, but also the role and need for psychotherapy typically offered by counsellors and psychologists.

Some of the common misconceptions includes phrase like psychologists just read people’s minds; psychologists only focus on problems; they just apply common sense to advice; psychologists have perfect lives; only the mentally ill people need therapy; psychologists just nod and listen; all Psychologists diagnose mental illnesses and talking about problems only makes them worse. In reality psychologists play a multifaceted role in the mental healthcare and assist individuals and communities live more balanced and fulfilling lives.

They apply sound scientific and evidence based principles to assist in cases of emotional, behavioral and psychological challenges. They do this while assisting in stress management, life coaching, self-awareness concepts, personal growth intra- and interpersonal relationships.

Some of the roles played by psychologists in our day to day lives includes but not limited to promotion of behavioral health by adopting healthy lifestyles and behavior and offering therapeutic intervention individually or in collaboration with other specialists.

They use talk therapy while applying various techniques like cognitive behavior therapy. This focuses on interplay between thoughts, feelings and behavior or acceptance and commitment therapy. It combines mindfulness strategies and behavior change techniques to assist one enhance psychological  flexibly and eventually leads to a more value driven life among other techniques.

The reality

Psychologists are involved in emotional support and coping strategies, providing individual or groups with a safe space to express their feelings in cases of illness, grief, anxiety, frustration or any other major life changes.

They assist in helping individuals build resilience and adjustments when faced by major life changes. They collaborate with other professionals to influence policy that promotes mental and general wellness.

Psychologists are involved in trainings, education and research in order to devise strategies that are best suited in addressing the prevalent mental health and life challenges.

In Kenya psychologists are regulated and licensed by the counsellors and psychologist board, under the Ministry of health. It is imperative for us to ensure that we seek services from validly trained and licensed individuals in order to benefit from knowledge, strategies and techniques approved through sound training.

There are various specialties under the pychology subsector including general psychologists and clinical psychologists who focus on treatment of various mental, emotional, mental and behavioral disorders.

Counselling psychologists help individuals cope with everyday issues and serious life challenges. Sports psychologists helping on the mental aspect of sports, enhancing performance through mental training techniques.

School psychologists work within learning institutions helping students address psychological issues that affect academic performances. Cognitive psychologists focus on mental processes like memory, thinking and problem solving.

Industrial or organizational psychologists apply certain principles at the work environment to improve productivity, employee satisfaction and promote organizational culture. Finally, neuropsychologists assist by examining relationships between brain function and behavior.

- The writer is a licensed psychologist/psychiatrist clinical officer and lecturer KMTC Meru Campus