Psychoanalyst vs psychologist: what is the difference?
In Persian, the words for psychoanalyst, psychologist, psychiatrist and counsellor are sometimes used as if they mean the same thing. They are different professions, with different training, methods and registration. This article explains the differences.
What is psychoanalysis, and who is a psychoanalyst?
Psychoanalysis is both a theory of the mind and a method of treatment, founded by Sigmund Freud in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It assumes that much of our feeling and behaviour comes from unconscious processes and early life experiences.
A psychoanalyst is someone who, after a first qualification (usually in psychiatry, psychology or social work), has trained at a psychoanalytic institute and has had a long personal analysis themselves. Classic psychoanalysis usually involves several sessions a week over several years, using methods such as free association, dream analysis and exploring transference (the client's relationship with the therapist). Today, a shorter form, psychodynamic psychotherapy, is more common.
Who is a psychologist?
A psychologist has studied psychology, the science of human behaviour, thought and emotion, using research methods such as experiments and statistics. Clinical psychologists carry out psychological assessment and testing, diagnose mental health conditions, and treat them with approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Psychologists also work in education, research, organisations and sport.
In Australia, "psychologist" is a protected title: only people registered with the Psychology Board of Australia and AHPRA, usually after around six years of study and supervised practice, can call themselves psychologists.
How do they differ?
| Psychoanalyst | Psychologist | Psychiatrist | Counsellor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Training | A first qualification plus long training at a psychoanalytic institute | University degrees in psychology | Medical degree plus specialist training in psychiatry | Training in counselling or psychotherapy |
| Way of working | Psychoanalysis or psychodynamic therapy, usually long-term | Assessment, testing and evidence-based therapies such as CBT | Diagnosis, medication and sometimes psychotherapy | Talking and support for everyday and emotional problems |
| Prescribes medication | No (unless also a psychiatrist) | No (in Australia) | Yes | No |
| Registration in Australia | Not a protected title | AHPRA registration required | AHPRA registration required | Not a protected title; membership of bodies such as ACA or PACFA is voluntary |
Conclusion
Psychoanalysis is a specific theory and method of treatment, while psychology is a broad scientific field. Not every psychoanalyst is a psychologist, and most psychologists are not psychoanalysts. If you are looking for help, ask what training the therapist has, what registration they hold and what approach they use.