A psychotherapist is a mental health professional who has been trained in at least one psychotherapeutic modality and uses this training to practice psychotherapy with individuals, groups, couples and families.
According to the British Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), the psychotherapist's aim is to help the client gain insight into their difficulties or discomfort and realize where they come from. Also, to assist them in finding more appropriate ways to deal with their issues and possibly make changes in their way of thinking and behavior in this direction.
The psychotherapeutic process involves the exploration of feelings, beliefs, thoughts and events related to the client’s issues, often from the person's childhood and personal history. This is done in a structured and safe way, given the psychotherapist’s training and experience.
The British Health System (NHS) specifies that the psychotherapist may come from the field of psychiatry or psychology, without this being binding. Many psychotherapists come from other professional fields. What determines the professional competence of the psychotherapist is the specialized in-depth training in at least one psychotherapeutic modality.
Though they may have other specialties, in general a psychotherapist is not and should not be viewed as a medical doctor, a psychiatrist or a psychologist and does not administer drugs.
In Greece there is no official recognition and certification of the profession of psychotherapy by the state.
The National Organization for Psychotherapy of Greece (NOPG) certifies the Greek training organizations in individual psychotherapy modalities, according to the European standards set by the European Association for Psychotherapy (EAP).
EAP clearly defines the criteria of psychotherapeutic competence which must be met by every professional in the field. In order to practice psychotherapy one must have successfully completed the required training at a certified training organization of their choice. Anyone who has not been trained in psychotherapy should refrain from providing psychotherapeutic services and in any case clarify this to people who turn to them in search of psychotherapeutic treatment.
Therefore, graduating from an EAP-certified training organization ensures the required education-training for a Psychotherapist. In addition, regular membership in a professional association of Psychotherapists (e.g. EABP, PESOPS), further ensures professional competence as it entails that the Psychotherapist in question meets all the requirements of training, competence, experience dictated by the association (according to international standards) and is also subject to its Code of Ethics for the protection of clients.
Panagiota Kypraiou MSc Health Psychology, MBPsS - Body & Gestalt Psychotherapist (ECP) - Body Psychotherapy Supervisor - Parents' Education Groups Coordinator https://www.psychotherapeia.net.gr
