What is psychology really? Here we show you some of the most common myths vs. the realities of what psychologists are and what they do…
Based on false beliefs, prejudices and negative preconceived ideas, we have formed an imaginary of what psychology is, what psychologists are and what they do, but, what is psychology really?
myths vs. reality
1. “Psychology is for crazy people”
Obviously, when people are presented with the need to visit a psychologist, they immediately think of psychiatric hospitals, drugs and serious personality disorders; However, it is important that people understand that psychology is not for the crazy, this is a misconception, since the psychologist is for anyone who feels that there is a difficulty that is not allowing them to lead their lives in a functional way and adaptive, no matter the reason or the cause, but the need to seek a life worth living.
2. «I don’t need a stranger to solve my problems»
In fact, the psychologist is not going to solve your problems and if someone tells you that they are, run away from there! Because the psychologist, beyond being the one who solves your problems, is your companion, your co-pilot, who goes along the road with you and allows you to elucidate the most appropriate way to generate goals and achieve them according to well-being. that you want, so once and for all we clarify, if you want it and work for it, you will have it!
3. “Psychologists read our minds”
Psychology is not based on the horoscope, nor on divination. In fact, psychology is a scientific disciplinebased on knowledge based on rigorous research that has allowed psychologists to work on treatments proven to be effective, adjusted to the needs of patients.
4. «The psychologist is typical of the couch who only gives advice»
In reality, psychologists are professionals who, like others, were trained in the discipline of understand, explain, and attempt to predict behavior. Doesn’t it sound a bit incoherent to study for 5 years just to give advice? Remember that psychologists lay the foundations of therapeutic processes in endless therapies and specialized treatments and validated for their application, advice is left for friends.
5. “Pharmacological treatment (anxiolytics, antidepressants, etc.) is the only treatment that works for emotional problems”
Although in many cases the pharmacological component is important, it has now been shown that, in many cases, psychological therapy alone is more effective than drugs, because the drugs, although they help to reduce some of the symptoms quickly, in the long term do not have a very relevant result. In contrast, psychological therapy has effects that last over time, since it provides the patient with coping strategies that they can use not only for a time or in consultation, but for their entire lives and in any context that they need. .