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Do normal people need counselling? I thought only “crazy” people seek counselling. How do I know if I need to see a psychologist? Who will know that I am coming for counselling? How can I best benefit from counselling? What's the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist? Receiving Services from a Chartered Psychologist?
Counselling involves the development of a relationship between a client and a trained professional (e.g., psychologist) that focuses on the client’s concerns and difficulties. It is a process in which individuals have the opportunity to improve upon their understanding of themselves, including their patterns of thoughts, behaviours, feelings, and the ways in which these may have been problematic in their lives. Counselling also provides individuals with opportunities to examine how to tap into existing resources or develop new ones that make for more effective living and relationships. Counselling is a collaborative effort as it involves the client and psychologist working together to identify goals. Top The idea that only “crazy” people seek out counselling is a common myth. In fact, a large segment of society will benefit from counselling at some point in their lives. Individuals seeking out counselling face normal developmental
and life concerns. Difficulties
managing stress, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, identity concerns,
poor self-esteem, relationship problems, and loneliness are only a few
of the reasons for which people may choose to engage in the counselling
process. University students seek
counselling for the above issues along with more population-specific concerns
such as career indecision, exam anxiety, academic pressures, homesickness,
adjustment to their new surroundings, and difficulties balancing work,
school and home life. Top It may be an appropriate time to consult with a psychologist or counsellor if you are experiencing any of the following:
Unless you decide to inform
others (e.g., family, friends, partner) that you are seeking out psychotherapy,
no one will know. For example,
if a relative or professor contacts our office for any information about
you, including whether or not you have kept an appointment, we cannot
and will not disclose this information. In accordance with the Psychology Professions Act, Chartered Psychologists adhere to a strict policy of maintaining confidentiality regarding your involvement in counselling. Should you request your psychologist to communicate with an external source, written consent must be obtained in order for us to release any information. Keep in mind that there are exceptions to this rule. There are circumstances when psychologists are ethically and legally entitled to break confidentiality. These circumstances are as follows:
As a client, there are certain responsibilities that you
have that can help make the counselling process more beneficial to you. We
recommend the following:
According to the occupational
profile listed on the Alberta Human Resources and Employment’s web site
(www.alis.gov.ab.ca/occinfo),
psychologists “are concerned with the study and management of human behaviour.” To work as a counselling or
clinical psychologist, psychologists must be licensed and registered with
the provincial regulating body. In
Alberta, psychologists are registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists. The role of the College is to set up standards for the provision
of psychological services. “Its
role is to monitor and regulate the practice of psychology in the best
interests of the public” (College of Alberta Psychologists, 2001). Once members of the provincial regulatory body, psychologists
are required to adhere to a Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics.
Only individuals who are registered with the College can use the
titles “psychologist”, or “provisional psychologist”.
Individuals who refer to themselves as “counsellors” or provide
“counselling” are not to be confused with psychologists who offer counseling,
psychotherapy or other therapy services. Anyone,
regardless of training, can technically refer to himself or herself as
a “counsellor”. Thus, “Buyer
Beware”. In the province of Alberta,
psychologists require, at minimum, a Master’s degree in psychology.
Post-graduation, individuals must then work under the supervision
of a Chartered Psychologist for a minimum of 1600 hours. In addition to
completing these supervised hours, written and oral exams must be passed. Only
after successfully completing these requirements are individuals allowed
to become members of the profession. The
training required for entry is quite comprehensive. Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness and emotional disorders. Psychiatrists attend medical school and receive Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. Following the completion of this degree, individuals are then required to complete a post-graduate residency-training program with a specialization in psychiatry. Treatment approaches may be more biologically based. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists are able to prescribe psychotropic medications. Top Individuals who suffer from certain conditions (e.g.,
severe anxiety, depression) may require and benefit from medication. If
you are uncertain about whether you could benefit from medication, discuss
this issue with your psychologist or counsellor and a referral to either
a psychiatrist or general practitioner may then be made. A referral to a physician for a physical/check-up may also be made by your psychologist in order to ensure that your symptoms are not caused by a physical disorder. Many physical conditions (e.g., hypothyroidism) can produce changes in mood, energy level, and concentration. It is good practice to rule out physical explanations for symptoms at the initial start of therapy. Top At the University of Alberta,
Student Counselling Services (SCS) is the only agency on campus that offers
professional psychological assistance to students. Individuals
employed by SCS are either Chartered Psychologists or are graduate students
at the masters or doctoral level often in the process of becoming chartered. A
graduate student working for SCS is directly supervised by a Chartered
Psychologist. SCS differs from other counselling-type agencies on campus in that workers and volunteers in these services are generally peer counsellors and have limited training. These services are beneficial in that they do provide the benefits of being able to meet with fellow students and peers. Top Sources:
Alberta Human Resources and Employment: www.alis.gov.ab.ca/occinfo.
College of Alberta Psychologists (2001). Receiving Services from a Chartered Psychologist: An Introduction to Important Professional Considerations Your Psychologist will Follow in Working with You. Pamphlet. This information was compiled by Sonya L. Flessati, Ph.D., C.Psych. on March 20, 2002.
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Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. 