Gwen Randall-Young
January 22, 2006
February is Psychology Month in Canada, so it is a good time to answer some often asked questions about this discipline. Many wonder about the difference between psychologists and psychiatrists. Psychiatrists are medical doctors, and, as such, are able to prescribe medications. Psychologists have graduate degrees in Psychology, and have been chartered by the provincial association. This means they have had to undergo a lengthy process of practice supervision, like an internship, and have had to pass the Chartering Exams. These exams cover every area of psychology, and are standardized throughout Canada and the U.S. They also must pass an oral examination by a committee from the Psychologists Association in their province.
Thus, there is a big difference between a Chartered Psychologist (called a Registered Psychologist in some provinces) and one who simply has a degree in psychology. One cannot call him or herself a psychologist unless they have been successful in the Chartering process. Clearly, this is a rigorous process, ensuring that the public can be confident in the training and abilities of a Chartered Psychologist.
Psychologists may work in many settings. They may work in hospitals, schools, universities, in health and wellness programs in corporations, or in private practice. A psychologist may do research, or may do counseling psychology. Those doing counseling psychology have been trained in the specific areas in which they provide service, be it marital counseling, counseling for conditions such as anxiety, depression or post traumatic stress, bereavement counseling, treating addictions, conflict resolution, or working with children and adolescents.
If a psychologist does not have training in a specific area, he or she will refer you to someone who does. Some psychologists specialize in one or two areas, and others work more like “general practitioners.”
Psychologists are bound by a strict code of ethics, based on respect for the rights and wellbeing of the client. Their goal is to help the client become psychologically strong and balanced, and to be able to deal with whatever life situations may be challenging them.
We might think of a psychologist as a personal trainer for the psyche. We all have areas in which we could become stronger, and it is not a sign of weakness to seek the services of a Chartered Psychologist. It does not mean you are crazy, either. In fact, it is a sign of healthy functioning to know when our lives or emotions are a little off kilter, and to utilize the services of a professional to get ourselves or our relationships on track.
Gwen Randall-Young is an author and Chartered Psychologist in Private Practice. For more articles, or information on her books or CDs, go to www.gwen.ca You may contact her directly at gwendall@shaw.ca
