The world of psychology and psychotherapy is very broad, with a mix of very specific topics and treatments alongside much broader principles behind both the study and practice.
Because it is so important, a lot of people have an interest in psychology at some level, but this unfortunately can lead to the misuse of certain psychological concepts and terms in the wider world, or conversely can lead to the belief that some concepts have origins in psychology when they do not.
Here are three commonly misunderstood concepts in psychology and a brief explanation as to why this can be an issue.
Psychologist Is Broader Than Therapist
There is a common assumption that therapist is the broader term as compared to psychologist in the context of mental health, as this fits the way “therapist” is used in other medical and non-medical contexts. However, in practice, it is the other way around.
A psychologist is someone who either researches, studies or applies psychological concepts, which can sometimes involve treating people but does not always.
A therapist, on the other hand, is someone who specifically provides interventions and help for people with psychological concerns. This is why some in the field prefer the term psychotherapist.
Psychology And Psychiatry Are Different
The distinction between these two is becoming more well-known, but it is important to know the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist.
The latter is a psychotherapist that uses medication as part of their intervention often prescribing them for clinically diagnosed mental health conditions as and when appropriate.
Human Nature
Nature, in a range of academic disciplines including psychology, has a specific meaning absent of most of the implications assigned to it, which can sometimes lead to confusion when a psychological trait is described as natural.
This does not mean that it has a moral basis or is a way people should act, more that based on the evidence cited in a particular study, a behaviour has a basis in human nature.