10 types of psychologists

When we need to go to a psychology professional, perhaps we think that they are all the same and that anyone can solve the problem we suffer from. But the truth is that There are great differences among psychologists depending on their fields of specialization. that will influence the type of therapy that is proposed to us. What types of psychologists exist and how to choose them?

As in other branches of knowledge, such as lawyers or doctors, We must choose the psychologist who really suits what we need.. Why?, you may ask. Because if not, maybe the therapy won’t have the result you really need.

Types of psychologists

In order for you to know a little more about the world of psychology and the fields of specialization that exist, today you will discover 10 types of psychologists. Each one of them is specialized in a different problem, so if one day you need to go to one, don’t hesitate! Choose the one that suits you best.

1. Clinical psychologists

Clinical psychologists are specialized in mental and emotional disorders. whose crises can occur in the short term or last much longer. They are very prepared to deal with almost any problem that arises, although to do so they also need to specialize.

This is why You can find clinical psychologists specialized in depression disorders, eating disorders, anxiety, personality disordersdrug addiction issues, issues related to children and adolescents, etc.

2. Psychotherapists

The second type of psychologists are psychotherapists, those in charge of offering psychological support and teaching a series of techniques that improve the quality of life of patients. Obviously, the problems that psychotherapists treat are not as serious as those that clinical psychology treats.

What does a psychotherapist focus on? In everyday problems, conflicts in interpersonal relationships or emotional problems that make relationships difficult. Besides, psychotherapists They have knowledge about how to treat and manage stress and anxiety that can affect you in your relationships and in your daily life.

3. Educational psychologists

Educational psychology focuses on people’s learning processes. These psychologists usually work in educational centers as counselors or helping a student who suffers from a learning disorder.

Unfortunately, their presence in public schools is less frequent than desirable. They often find themselves with a large number of children who need help and little time to provide for each one.

This is so, despite the fact that in many cases their timely intervention is essential, since The mission of educational psychology is not only for the child to learn but to acquire the necessary resources and use them to compensate for some limitation.

4. Neuropsychologists

They tend to be researchers, although many times Neuropsychologists develop their professional activity in the field of cognitive, behavioral and emotional rehabilitation of patients with brain damage. They are also specialists in the early diagnosis and intervention of dementia.

Alterations that can be caused by different agents, from trauma to a stroke or a tumor. His great allies are neuroimaging techniques and his work is based on the relationship that exists between our physical brain and our mind.

5. Social psychologists

Social psychologists specialize in everything related to human behavior and the psychological factors that can affect the social environment. His field of knowledge ranges from interpersonal relationships to other topics such as culture, prejudices or the attitudes we have towards other people.

They are specialists in creating group therapies and programs that help the most disadvantaged groups or those minorities that are excluded. Thanks to social psychologists, many people manage to reintegrate into society.

6. Work psychologists

Yeah, There are also psychologists specialized in the workplace who usually work in the personnel selection, training, occupational health and development departments.. Sometimes they are also found in Human Resources departments.

They are especially important since they have deep knowledge about motivation and leadership that can help those workers who have these problems in their work. But they also help improve their performance.

7. Criminalistic psychologists

Criminal psychologists are specialized in legal aspects, That is why their experience is very important in court. They can guide the judge, in some way, to issue a fair sentence for or against the accused.

Their work includes finding out what has led a certain individual to commit the crimes of which they are accused. The study of your personality will allow you to design an appropriate treatment for the accused person.

8. Sports psychologists

Sports psychologists are in charge of working with athletes, but also with the coach and the entire organization of said team. All this, with the aim of bringing out the full potential of the team, as well as increasing their motivation, being more effective and effectively managing stress.

The sports psychologist will help you have enough confidence in yourself so that you can take your full potential to the limit. In addition, he significantly helps to increase the self-esteem of the entire group and teaches them that limits only exist in their own minds.

9. Sexologists

Sexologists are also among the types of psychologists as they are specialists in diagnosing and treating everything related to intimate relationships.. His contribution is aimed at improving the sexual health of people with problems in this field, whether they are couples or single people.

Broadly speaking, we can classify the problems that these professionals receive in their consultations into three broad branches: problems related to desire, problems related to arousal, and problems related to orgasm.

Finally, if we do not refer a couple and we have ruled out an organic cause, sexual problems are usually related to other aspects of the couple’s interaction. So it is best to carry out the intervention with a couples therapist who can work in sync with the sexologist.

10. Coaching

Yeah, Coaches can also be psychologists and They are responsible for making each person search and find what their objectives are., helping you achieve everything you set your mind to. The coach adapts to each individual and acts as a “guide” to help them find their path.

Are there many more fields of specialization or types of psychologists? Of course, also There is canine psychology, psychology applied to video games, marketing psychology, psychology applied to nutrition.…In short, there is a psychologist for each of our mental needs.

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