Psychologist

A psychologist helps people with psychological, emotional, and behavioral problems. Think, for example, of stress, anxiety, low mood, rumination, burnout, or mental problems after a major life event. 

A psychologist works with you to explore where the symptoms come from and helps you cope better with them or reduce them. This usually happens through conversations, exercises, and practical advice. A psychologist does not prescribe medication; for that you can see a family doctor or psychiatrist.

What does a psychologist do?

A psychologist first maps out the symptoms and possible causes. Then, together with you, they draw up a treatment plan that suits your situation. During treatment you learn, for example, to deal differently with thoughts, feelings, or behavior. Common treatment methods are cognitive behavioral 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 symptoms.

Different types of psychologists

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

• General psychologist: Guides people with a wide range of psychological symptoms.

• GZ-psychologist: After training as a psychologist, has completed a recognized further training and is BIG-registered. A GZ-psychologist treats common psychological disorders.

• Clinical psychologist: Specializes in treating complex psychological problems and often works in hospitals or specialized mental health institutions.

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

• Child and adolescent psychologist: Guides children, adolescents, and their parents with psychological, emotional, or behavioral problems.

The relationship between physical symptoms and psychology

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

There is therefore some overlap between the work of physical therapists and psychologists. A physical therapist helps you move better again and regain confidence in your body. A psychosomatic physical therapist specializes in symptoms in which physical and psychological factors influence each other, such as persistent pain, tension symptoms, fatigue, 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. By addressing both aspects, the chance of good and lasting recovery is often greater.

When to see a psychologist?

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