Curiosities about psychologists

Therapists must “face” many questions from patients. This is so, because in the world there are still many taboos and preconceptions about this profession.

We have compiled a series of questions, some funny, that are usually received daily in the consultation. Do not miss it!

Medical practice, of any type, is analyzed and questioned by patients. Psychology is no exception. These are the most frequently asked questions in the office:

–What do I call you: doctor? Graduate? By his name? This is a common question on the first appointment. People don’t know what to call the person in front of them who is asking them about their childhood, their fears, or their marital problems.

The situation can be embarrassing, since not all psychologists are doctors (because they have not completed a doctorate). Normally, using your name is usually the most common.

-Is a psychologist the same as a psychoanalyst? Perhaps, so that among friends and family they are not taken as “lunatics”, many have decided to say that they go to the analyst or therapist instead of the psychologist. However, there are differences between these professions.

The psychologist has a degree in psychology and the psychoanalyst has specialized in one of the branches of this career. For example, the best-known psychoanalyst in history, Sigmund Freud, was not a psychologist, but a neurologist.

-Why can’t I use a couch like in the movies? It is not “mandatory” for psychologists to have that sofa to lie down on so comfortably, like the one usually seen in television series or movies. This is an established preconception that comes to light when arriving at the office, and many have even left because they cannot use a couch!

-Do I have to do what the psychologist tells me? Actually, The therapist does not “tell” what to do, but rather indicates the path so that the patient can find the solution to their problem. Maybe I’ll give you some advice, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow it to the letter. Each person has the power to do what they consider best. Neither is it a judge, nor a police officer, therefore, nothing will happen if you don’t “pay attention to him.”

-Can the psychologist hypnotize me? No, unless you want and the professional is prepared for it. Some psychologists have trained in clinical hypnosis. But don’t worry, he won’t use a pendulum to make you walk like a chicken or tell him all your secrets. To accept being hypnotized, it is necessary to first know all the information about it and prepare adequately.

-Can I cheat on my therapist? If you have that ability, of course. Now, that wouldn’t do you much good. It’s the same as cheating on a test. The real victim is you, not the teacher.

Going to consult with an analyst entails a “contract of honesty” between both parties. It is assumed that the patient wants to solve one or more problems and the professional’s job is to detect it and help them. Therefore, lying in the consultation will only slow down the treatment.

-Why doesn’t the psychologist tell me about his private life? In some cases, he may say certain personal things, but this is not very common.

It all depends on the rigor of the professional and also because their objective is to focus on the patient’s problems, not their own. In turn, psychologists usually do therapy… but with other psychologists. So, don’t feel bad if the entire session only talks about you, that’s why you came.

-Can I be a friend (or lover) of my psychologist? Perhaps this is a fantasy of many people who go to the consultation. However, within the duties and obligations of therapists, it is prohibited to maintain any type of relationship (business, friendship, love) with patients. That doesn’t mean that they get along wonderfully and “connect” or “have good chemistry.” That is precisely what is needed for a good treatment.

-And finally, Do psychologists have problems? Of course! They are not robots, but flesh and blood people like you.

Some believe that therapists are some kind of alien, but for now no, they are just humans. For this reason, they go through adversity and bad times in their lives, even if they do not show it to their patients.

What are the questions you ask yourself about psychologists and therapeutic consultations?