Psychologist-psychotherapist sought?
A suitable psychologist Finding a job is no easy task. The profession of clinical psychologist was recently recognised. And there has been legal protection of the title ‘psychotherapist’ only since 3 March 2018. Anyone was previously allowed to call themselves ‘psychotherapist’, whatever their (lack of) training or profession!
Currently, there is still no legal recognition against all those who pass themselves off as ‘counsellor’, ’trainer’, ‘(life-)coach’, ‘healer’, ‘hypnotist’, fortune-teller etc.
The title of ‘psychologist’ and ‘clinical psychologist’ has only been legally recognised for some time, with patients protected by a disciplinary committee.
Finding a clinical psychologist in 6 steps
You should find this on a psychotherapist's website:
- Master's degree in psychology
- Direction in clinical and/or developmental psychology
- University additional training in psychotherapy
- Recognised by an official professional association for Psychotherapy
- Sufficient experience
- Unambiguous and fixed rate stated on website
1. Find a psychologist
On a website (see ‘staff‘, ‘contact‘, ‘who we are’ etc.), first look for whether the ‘therapist’ or ‘psychotherapist’ or ‘coach’ (or whatever), has the basic diploma of psychologist disposes.
That is already a first step. Often, you won't even find this information on the website! In that case, leave the website.
In doing so, make sure you find a master's (formerly: licentiate) in psychology. A master in psychology has completed a five-year university course in psychology. Check the accreditation number. No accreditation number? Leave the website.
You found a psychologist with accreditation number.
2. Find a clinical psychologist
A master in psychology can have very different training. Corporate psychologist, school psychologist, clinical psychologist, experimental psychologist, sports psychologist...
Of this group, the clinical psychologist the right basic diploma to help you solve your problems. But even that is not enough.
3. Finding a psychotherapist
A clinical psychologist has extensive theoretical knowledge. But this degree in itself lacks the skills and clinical experience to help you with your problems.
Only a clinical psychologist with the right psychotherapy training gives an initial guarantee that you will be well served.
In doing so, choose a clinical psychologist who has a postgraduate training followed.
4. Find a psychologist with relevant experience
A clinical psychologist and psychotherapist with additionally relevant work experience in psychotherapy in a hospital or other G.G.Z. organisation is a sure guarantee.
5. Find psychologists who are accredited
As a psychotherapist, is that clinical psychologist a member of a recognised professional association? If so, this person might be the right choice.
6. Find a psychologist with a clear rate
Psychologist fees are completely free i.e. any psychologist may charge any fee. A reliable website will quote a correct and unambiguous rate. That rate varies between 50 and 60 euros per 45′ session.
Do you find no fixed rates or are they higher or unclear? For example: ‘to be agreed’ , ‘to be agreed’, ‘depending on your income’, ‘according to current guidelines’? Then leave that website.
There is a lot more Information on psychologists and psychotherapy.
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