Psychotherapist

You would listen to people talk about their feelings and encourage them to think about their experiences.

You’d guide them to examine their emotional responses and actions so they can work out how to deal with emotional or relationship problems and become happier.

You would use a variety of techniques and therapies, rather than drugs or physical treatments, with each person.

You would:

• Encourage people to talk about their experiences so they can explore their problems

• Analyse past events and behaviours so they can make changes

• Assess their way of thinking and their feelings

• Help them develop new ways to cope and deal with life

You could work with adults or children, individually and in groups.

People would sometimes be distressed so you’d need to ask them questions sensitively. You’d need to have the confidence and develop the skills to explore painful issues with clients. It would be important to be non-judgemental and build trust and rapport with a wide range of people.

You might also do training with other professionals such as social workers.

Sometimes people might tell you things that are upsetting but you’d need to be able to separate your own feelings from those of your clients. You would probably get your own support from a mentor at regular supervision sessions.

There are different types of psychotherapy, known as theoretical models or theoretical approaches. These include:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy

• Therapeutic counselling

• Psychoanalysis

• Hypnotherapy

The approach you use will depend on the clients you work with.

• British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy – careers information

• UK Council for Psychotherapy - Advice on becoming a UKCP-trained psychotherapist

• British Psychoanalytical Council - Courses and training provided by the BPC

• Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland

• Scottish Association of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapists - Professional organisation providing training in this field

• Association of Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists -Advice on how to train for this specialism

• Disclosure Scotland – more about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme