Lecture 9 - Allied mental health professions

Question 1

What do counselling psychologists do?

Answer 1

• use psychological research to improve wellbeing and help people cope with challenges they are facing
• deal with a range of mental health problems such and anxiety, ptsd
• work in numerous places e.g. NHS, forensic settings, private practice

Question 2

What are some responsibilities of a counselling psychologist?

Answer 2

• undertake assessments
• plan and implement psychological treatments
• empower clients to address their issues
• monitor & evaluate the outcome of treatments
• contribute to research

Question 3

What is the difference between clinical and counselling psychology?

Answer 3

There is less of an emphasis on CBT in counselling psych as it is a more person centred approach

Question 4

What are the differences between counselling psychology and councelling more generally?

Answer 4

• counselling psychologist requires a doctorate but becoming a counsellor does not
• counselling psychologists work with people with serious mental health difficulties and conduct research whilst counsellors typically only work with people who are trying to deal with particular challenges so will have a lower salary

Question 5

How do you train to become a counsellor?

Answer 5

• they will typically undertake professional training via courses accredited by the British Association for Counselling and psychotherapy
• there are 3 stages:
  1. short intro course (10 weeks)
  2. certificate in counselling (1 year part time)
  3. core practitioner training (1 year full time, 2 yrs part time)

Question 6

What is the role of a psychological wellbeing practitioner?

Answer 6

• works with adults with moderate anxiety/ depression to conduct assessments and provide intervention
• work within the Improving Access to Psychological therapies (IAPT) services and people will see them following referral from a GP

Question 7

What are some important skills of a psychological wellbeing practitioner?

Answer 7

• strong verbal & written communication
• interpersonal skills
• ability to form therapeutic relationships quickly
• ability to document case notes accurately

Question 8

How do you train to become a psychological wellbeing practitioner?

Answer 8

• requires relevant work experience
• need to get a psychological wellbeing practitioner post-graduate certificate
• this involves working part time within IAPT services while completing required university training part-time