| FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
What is a Psychologist?
The profession of psychology is regulated
by the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP). To be regulated,
a psychologist must have a graduate (Masters or Doctoral)
degree, an extensive period of supervised work experience
and pass professional examinations. Psychologists must
also adhere to the professional practice guidelines and ethical principles of their professional
regulatory organization.
When should I consider a Psychologist?
Psychologists provide assessment, consultation
and interventions (counseling/therapy) for a range of
difficulties, some of which include:
Depression
Decreased ability to remember, sleep, eat, or engage
in activities of daily living
Grief
Anxiety, fears or phobias
Managing stress at home, school or work
Resolving relationship problems with a spouse, partner
children, co-workers or other
Coping with life transitions such as separation, divorce,
career change, job loss, diagnosis of chronic or terminal
illness (e.g., cancer, HIV, AIDS, multiple sclerosis,
diabetes, spinal cord injury, cardiac condition)
Chronic pain
Adapting to changes in sexual function
Issues associated with gender orientation, coming
out
Parenting, child and teenager behavioural problems
such as truancy, bullying
Job performance, perfectionism
Substance abuse, problem gambling, internet addiction
Trauma
Physical emotional or sexual abuse
Lifestyle changes, health and wellness
Learning and attention problems, ADHD
What is Therapy or Counselling?
Therapy or counselling is a partnership where the psychologist
helps you better understand or solve your problems.
Therapy and counselling both provide the opportunity for
you to talk openly and confidentially about your concerns
and feelings.
Therapy and counselling is usually client-centered and
collaborative in nature and may include homework between
sessions to facilitate insight and progress toward resolution
of problems.
Many people see counselling and therapy as very similar.
We see two differences; counselling often refers to dealing
with day-to-day issues in your life, like stress or conflict.
Therapy deals with an individuals difficulties by addressing
basic beliefs about the self. In addition, counselling
typically involves reflection, problem-solving, and facilitation
of emotional expression. Therapy will more often take
a specific approach to a difficulty, such as cognitive-behavioral,
interpersonal, psychodynamic, hypnotherapy or existential
therapy. Each approach has a unique way of viewing and
treating a problem or issue. All of our psychologists
are able to do both counselling and therapy and will use
a variety of therapeutic approaches to address an issue.
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