This is the reason why psychologists also go to therapy
In today's society there still remain and a lot of false beliefs and myths about the work of psychologists or how they should be as people and professionals.
A psychologist has the ability to help the person to face situations that, sometimes, can overcome and cause great emotional distress. However, this does not imply that professionals in psychology do not suffer or feel anguished by circumstances of daily life and, therefore, also need the assistance of another professional.
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What is and what a psychologist does?
A psychologist is first and foremost a person, but with the difference that thanks to his studies and experience he is able to help a large number of people and offer treatment for a wide variety of problems, disorders or mental illnesses.
Among all these types of difficulties that some people go through include small problems that interfere in daily life and that require a short-term solution, to much more severe afflictions such as overcoming a mourning, the advance after having suffered an abuse, anxiety, depression or any chronic mental disorder.
Likewise, Psychologists also have the necessary faculties to help people with addiction problems, with serious or chronic physical illnesses , or with motivation problems that pose an obstacle for the person to reach their goals.
These are just some, among many other things, in a qualified psychologist can assist or support any person who needs it, using different means and tools at their fingertips.
Reasons why a psychologist also goes to therapy
But since, 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 implying that he is less professional or less able to guide other people in their problems or concerns.
Psychologists know the importance of mental health
It is not necessary to suffer a disorder or a mental illness to decide to go to a therapist, just as it is not necessary to wait until a slight affliction becomes something more serious, and psychologists understand that better than anyone else.
Therefore, a psychologist, like any other person, is aware that without mental health there is no health of any kind and you may wish to go to 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:
- To be able to face the normal difficulties that arise in the day to day
- To maintain and maintain the necessary motivation to achieve personal aspirations and goals
- To favor and contribute positively in the environment that surrounds you
- The psychologist also suffers throughout his life
Like the rest of people,psychologists are not superheroes , and therefore are not immune to the misfortunes that inevitably occur throughout life.
Despite their knowledge and skills to help others, psychologists are not covered in a layer resistant to pain, anxiety, life's obstacles, losses, etc. So in certain occasions, it is necessary to request the help of another professional in psychology.
In addition, the advantage that a psychologist can sometimes have is that he may be able to identify when something is not right and ask for help before the problem takes too much root in him.
The psychological intervention can have consequences at an emotional level
If there is something that characterizes the day to day work of a therapist is that it has to face extremely harsh 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 capacity.
Situations of abuse, abuse or very traumatic losses also generate a series of emotions in the professional, which feels the need to remain impassive while the person recounts their experiences or emotions, but after a day of work they involve a burden and a psychological tiredness that 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 aware of the effectiveness of these and how each one can be useful according to the type of difficulties or problems to be treated.
Further, are aware that although the administration of psychotropic drugs may be useful as an impulse in some cases , the psychological intervention in fundamental and essential for the improvement of the mental health, and that the drugs by themselves do not solve any problem.
Regarding the advantages of psychological therapy against psychotropic drugs can be summarized in:
1. Therapy is more economical in the long term
Since the drugs do not solve problems these end up being consumed chronically and as an emergency resource in a stressful situation, so In the long term, investment in psychiatric drugs ends up being very high .
2. Train the person of independence
Psychotherapy aims to provide the person with tools and mechanisms to be able, by itself, to solve the difficulties that will appear throughout his life. Unlike medicines, which usually end up causing some kind of dependence .
3. It has no side effects
Unlike drugs, a well-conducted psychotherapy has no side effects or harmful consequences for the long-term person.
4. As a complement to theoretical training
On certain occasions, It is necessary for the professional is psychology to experience first-person therapy as a complement to theoretical training . In this way he becomes aware of exactly what happens during the therapy sessions and, in certain phases or situations, help him to work better with the people who come for consultation.
5. Some psychological currents demand it
In some psychological currents, specifically those of a psychodynamic or psychoanalytic nature, the therapist must undergo a psychoanalytic intervention with the aim that his own subjectivity does not influence later in your sessions with patients.