Myths vs reality: What does a psychologist really do?

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

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 include phrases 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 mental healthcare and assist individuals and communities to live more balanced and fulfilling lives.

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

Some of the roles played by psychologists in our day-to-day lives include but are not limited to the promotion of behavioural health by adopting healthy lifestyles and behaviour and offering therapeutic intervention individually or in collaboration with other specialists.

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

The reality

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

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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 training, education and research in order to devise strategies that are best suited to 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 specialities under the psychology subsector including general psychologists and clinical psychologists who focus on the treatment of various mental, emotional, mental and behavioural disorders.

Counselling psychologists help individuals cope with everyday issues and serious life challenges. Sports psychologists help with 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 performance. Cognitive psychologists focus on mental processes like memory, thinking and problem-solving.

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

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