Psychologist

A psychologist helps people with psychological, emotional and behavioural problems. Examples include stress, anxiety, low mood, worrying, burnout or mental problems after a major life event. 

A psychologist will work with you to explore where the problems come from and help you to cope better with them or reduce them. This usually happens through conversations, exercises and practical advice. A psychologist does not prescribe medication; for this you can see a GP or psychiatrist.

What does a psychologist do?

A psychologist first maps out the problems and possible causes. They will then draw up a treatment plan with you that suits your situation. During treatment you will, for example, learn to deal differently with thoughts, feelings or behaviour. Common treatment methods are cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and schema therapy. Which treatment fits best depends on the nature of the problems.

Different types of psychologists

There are different types of psychologists, each with their own expertise.

• Psychologist: Supports people with a wide range of psychological problems.

• Healthcare psychologist: After a psychology degree has completed a recognised further training and is BIG-registered. A healthcare psychologist treats common psychological disorders.

• Clinical psychologist: Specialises in the treatment of complex psychological problems and often works in hospitals or specialised mental health institutions.

• Neuropsychologist: Focuses on the relationship between the brain and behaviour, for example after a stroke or brain injury.

• Child and adolescent psychologist: Supports children, young people and their parents with psychological, emotional or behavioural problems.

The relationship between physical symptoms and psychology

Body and mind are closely connected. Long-term pain can lead to stress, anxiety or low mood. Conversely, stress and psychological tension can cause physical symptoms or worsen existing problems. People with persistent back, neck or shoulder problems, for example, often experience more pain if they are very stressed or worried.

There is therefore some overlap between the work of physiotherapists and psychologists. A physiotherapist helps you to move better again and regain confidence in your body. A psychosomatic physiotherapist specialises in problems in which physical and psychological factors influence each other, such as persistent pain, stress-related problems, tiredness, hyperventilation or physical symptoms due to stress.

A psychologist also helps with coping with pain, fear of movement, stress or other factors that influence recovery. Addressing both aspects often increases the chance of a good and sustainable recovery.

When to see a psychologist?

Consider seeing a psychologist if psychological problems affect your daily life. Also, when physical symptoms persist for longer and stress, anxiety or low mood seem to play a role, guidance from a psychologist can be a valuable addition to treatment by, for example, a physiotherapist.