Psychologists are health professionals who have undergone a rigorous program of undergraduate and post-graduate education and supervised training in the internal thinking and emotional processes of the human individual. They learn about diagnosis, assessment and testing and treatment planning,and conduct and apply research to reduce distress and behavioural and psychological problems, and promote good mental health and rational behaviour in individuals and groups.

They may have taken additional specialist training in specific areas, including family and relationships therapy, depression and grief, sexual therapy, child psychology, and education, and techniques like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Most psychologists work with mentally healthy people, helping them to deal more effectively with problems and overcome emotional issues. A psychologist can help people develop useful techniques and function better in relationships and the workplace.

Clinical psychologists have undertaken specialist training that qualifies them to deal with clients suffering from major mental illnesses and psychological conditions, brain injuries and other disorders. Many generalist psychologists also have post-graduate and doctoral qualifications, and have undergone extensive supervision in a clinical environment.

All practising psychologists are legally required to be registered with the Psychologists Registration Board in their state or territory. Psychologists who are members of the Australian Psychological Society are bound by a code of professional ethics and standards of practice.

A psychiatrist has a medical degree followed by specialist training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication and they tend to see people at the more severe end of the spectrum of mental and emotional difficulties.

The titles "counsellor", "psychotherapist" or ‘therapist’ are not registered and require no training, professional registration or commitment to professional ethics and standards of practice. Literally anyone can set themselves up in practice as a counsellor, psychotherapist or therapist. No training is required. While many effective and ethical people work under these titles, so do many untrained, poorly trained or unethical people. The string of letters after their names may simply mean membership of organisations which have no particular standards.You should satisfy yourself about the qualifications of your therapist.

What happens during a session with a psychologist?

Making the decision to seek psychological help can often be more challenging than the actual sessions.

What happens in a consultation depends on the nature of the problem or issue. Initially, the psychologist will encourage you to talk about your problem to get a clear idea of the issues and the most effective options for dealing with them.

The psychologist will then help you decide on the best option for you.