What are the differences between psychologists, psychotherapists, psychiatrists, sophrologists and hypnotherapists?

These terms cover different professions and approaches in the field of mental health and well-being. These professionals are distinguished primarily by their training and, of course, their practice.

Each of these professions also follows different schools of thought, which have an influence on the professional's practice. And every professional is different.

What is a psychologist in Switzerland?

Training psychologists

Psychologists are trained in a university environment through a 3-year Bachelor's degree in psychology, followed by a 2-year Master's degree with specialization.

The psychologist is a specialist in human behavior, personality and interpersonal relations. They. He or she intervenes in all fields: education, health, social, work, sport, etc. to preserve, maintain or improve patients' well-being or quality of life.

Insurance coverage

Psychological counselling services are partially covered by some supplementary insurances. The amount covered varies widely depending on the model and insurance (fixed annual fee, fixed fee per session, etc.). It is therefore essential to find out what is covered.

*Source: psychologie.ch

Psychologist referrals

• offer and/or provide care based on a specific theoretical approach that varies from one psychologist to another: neuropsychology, systemic orientation, cognitive-behavioral, analytical, existential, social, person-centered, etc.

Psychologists' objectives

• clinical approach in institutional or private settings: assessments, diagnoses using tests and measurement tools, care of people with psychological difficulties, prevention or screening of possible developmental delays or mental disorders, etc.
• advice and guidance: career choices, choice of training or reintegration options, etc.
• in the workplace: recruitment, training, work organization, human resources management and adaptation to change, etc.
• in the school environment: support measures for school or integration difficulties, advice for parents, teachers, social services, referral to another professional (psychotherapist, doctor, psychiatrist), etc.
• research: carry out research work in the various fields of the
• psychology: cognitive, neuropsychological, clinical, social, experimental, etc.

What is a psychotherapist in Switzerland?

Training psychotherapists

A psychotherapist is a psychologist specializing in psychotherapy or a doctor specializing in psychiatry and psychotherapy. This title is acquired through postgraduate courses (after a Bachelor's or Master's degree) and lasts 4 to 5 years, with a minimum of 1,200 hours. It involves :

• already have a Master's degree in psychology (3 years of Bachelor's followed by 2 years of Master's in a university setting)
• be a member of the FSP or ASP
• to have 1 year full-time
• practical experience
• get positive notice of an interview with the trainers

The psychologist specializing in psychotherapy diagnoses and treats psychic and psychosomatic disorders and illnesses, using non-drug therapy techniques.

As relationship specialists, they intervene in the treatment of difficulties disturbing children, adolescents or adults in their everyday lives and in their relationships with others. Psychotherapy can be individual, group or family-based, and always involves an ongoing relationship between therapist and patient. Patients may consult a therapist on the advice of their regular physician or on their own initiative.

Insurance coverage

Since 01.07.2022, psychotherapy has been covered by basic health insurance, provided it has been prescribed by a doctor. From the 13th session onwards, psychologists-psychotherapists contact the doctors who prescribed the treatment. If the doctors deem it necessary to extend the therapy, a new prescription is issued. Beyond 30 sessions, the approval of a psychiatrist and/or the insurance company's medical advisor is required to continue treatment *.

*Source: psychologie.ch

**However, some insurers may refuse to cover psychotherapy sessions offered by psychotherapists. It is important to contact your insurance company to clarify the situation.

** Source: https: //www.tdg.ch/certaines-psychotherapies-ne-sont-plus-remboursees-en-suisse-953921718185

Psychotherapist orientations

There are several therapeutic approaches. The approach adopted by the psychotherapist determines the techniques used:

• analytic psychotherapy or psychoanalysis places the unconscious at the center of therapy
• systemic psychotherapy focuses on the systems in place around the patient, including alliances, the family and communication between different members of the same system
• cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy focuses on the conditioning of behaviour and the interpretation of events
• existential or humanistic psychotherapy focuses on the functioning of the individual and awareness of the present moment

The objectives of psychotherapists

• provide consultation services for people with behavioral, relational or personal problems: crisis intervention, treatment of various addictions, care of suicidal patients, appropriate reintegration of psychotic patients or those suffering from other mental disorders, etc.
• establish a diagnosis after a thorough clinical examination (tests, interviews)
• plan a short- or long-term treatment plan adapted to the situation
• ensure therapeutic management
• listen to patients, dialogue with them and support them on their path to better adaptation
• establish the necessary contacts with the patient's family and friends
• work with doctors and other medical and social professionals
• advising the competent authorities on legal issues relating to the repercussions of mental disorders

What is a psychiatrist in Switzerland?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors. They have the dual title of psychiatrist and psychotherapist. Specializing in the functioning of the brain and human behavior, they work with patients suffering from mental disorders, behavioral problems or emotional disorders.

Training psychiatrists

The title of psychiatrist begins with the Swiss Federal Diploma in Medicine. This is followed by 6 years' postgraduate training in one of the following two specializations:

• psychiatry and psychotherapy
• child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy

This prepares doctors to deal with people suffering from mental disorders. Their knowledge will be enhanced in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Psychiatrists and psychotherapists diagnose, treat and attempt to prevent psychological disorders and illnesses, as well as emotional disorders of organic, affective or situational origin (neurosis, psychosis, phobia, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, psychosomatic illnesses, etc.).

Insurance coverage

Psychiatric consultations are covered by basic health insurance.

Psychiatrists' objectives

• provide consultation services for people with mental health problems, behavioral or learning disorders, personal and relationship problems, anxiety disorders, addictions, etc.
• analyze their state of physical and mental health through interviews and diagnostic tests (neurological examination), taking into account biological, psychic, psychosomatic, environmental and social aspects
• establish the nature and severity of psychological or mental dysfunctions, whether conscious or unconscious, and formulate clear intervention goals
• establish a relationship of trust with patients based on psychiatric interviews, with the aim of accompanying them on their journey towards recovery and the development of their autonomy
• various forms of therapy: psychoanalysis, group, couple or family therapy, cognitive-behavioural treatments, relaxation methods, etc.
• if necessary, complement the psychotherapeutic approach with medication: antidepressants, antipsychotics, tranquilizers, etc.
• collaborate with the patient's family and friends, as well as with doctors from other disciplines, other health and social care professionals, etc.
• propose preventive measures in social and cultural environments and collaborate in their implementation
• advise various civil and legal bodies on issues relating to the repercussions of mental disorders and conditions: criminology, expert reports for the courts, disability insurance, etc.

What is a sophrologist in Switzerland?

Training sophrologists

Training as a sophrologist lasts 2 years, several hundred hours and is acquired on the job.

Insurance coverage

Sophrology sessions are covered by supplementary insurance. However, some insurers may refuse to cover them. It's important to contact your insurance company to clarify the situation.

What is sophrology?

The sophrologist uses physical, emotional and mental relaxation techniques to induce a modified state of consciousness known as the "sophro-liminal state", a state between wakefulness and sleep, less profound than the hypnotic state. He/she also provides psychological support and helps people of all ages to maintain or re-establish physical, psychological, emotional, intellectual and social balance, using a variety of tools such as :

• active, non-judgmental and benevolent listening
• breathing exercises
• dynamic relaxation techniques
• visualizations

enabling patients.clients to strengthen their ability to manage stress and emotions, develop self-confidence and assertiveness, improve pain management, facilitate mental preparation, accompany life's events and stages, etc...

Sophrologists' objectives

• propose concrete tools to facilitate relaxation and concentration
• help the patient/client to develop relaxation reflexes that facilitate greater body-mind coherence and a more balanced life
• provide tools to combat stress and negative emotions, so you can face life's challenges with greater confidence and serenity
• improve body, emotional, mental and social awareness, with a view to
• transform for a more harmonious life with the values of the patient.client
• enable patients to become the active and responsible creators of their own development: choosing life rather than being subjected to it

Sophrology orientations

Sophrologists can opt for various orientations depending on their professional background and specialties:

• clinical: preparation for surgery, childbirth, death, pain management, etc.
• pedagogical: improving self-confidence, concentration, memorization, exam preparation, interviews, student-teacher relations, emotional management, support during life's challenges and milestones, etc.
• sports: increased concentration, motivation, fighting spirit, physical strength, fear control, etc.
• social: relationship difficulties, conflict situations, addictions, drug abuse, etc.
• business: personnel management, stress management, motivation, occupational health, prevention of burn-out, bore out, brown out, etc.

What is a hypnotherapist in Switzerland?

Hypnotherapist training

The duration of the hypnosis practitioner training varies according to the training institute, from 5 to 12 days if you want to become a practitioner, and 22 days to become a master hypnosis practitioner.

Insurance coverage

Hypnotherapy sessions are covered by supplementary insurance. However, some insurers may refuse to cover this type of treatment. It is important to contact your insurance company to clarify the situation.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnotherapists place their patients in a modified state of consciousness called the "hypnotic state", with the aim of communicating with the patient's unconscious to transform maladaptive or inappropriate behavior and bring about positive change.

Hypnosis is a tool for therapy and support, easily integrated into any therapeutic approach. Its orientation will depend on the specialty and approach adopted by the therapist practicing it: humanist, psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, systemic, etc.

Hypnotherapists' objectives

• hypnosis can modify sensory perceptions and pain through its analgesic effects. In this sense, it can complement or even replace sedation anesthesia.
• help the patient/client to bring back to consciousness a memory or experience present in the unconscious mind
• limit access to one or more memories
• creating false memories for therapeutic purposes; however, inducing memories can be abusive or even dangerous
• improve skills to cope with everyday challenges: quitting smoking, phobia management, concentration, pain management, anxiety disorders, addictions, etc.

What is a coach in Switzerland?

Coach training

Coach training can last anywhere from a few dozen hours to several hundred, depending on the organization offering it, and is acquired on the job.

The coach is not a therapist, nor does he deal with his clients' emotions. He accompanies them through a questioning process designed to help them find their own solutions, notably by changing their perspective on the situation. The aim is to avoid giving answers or making proposals. Once a solution has been found, the coach supports the client in drawing up an action plan to achieve his or her objectives.

Insurance coverage

No support.

Coach orientations

Coaches can intervene in various fields:

• family: parents, children and teenagers, couples, etc.
• professional: reorientation, entrepreneurship, organization, teams, etc.
• life: dealing with fears, hang-ups, addictions, etc.
• sports, wellness, nutrition, art, etc.

Coach objectives

• observe customers to understand how they function, their frame of reference, their vision of things, their beliefs, values, thought patterns, etc.
• ask relevant questions to help customers think, feel and react differently to their situation
• support customers in a dynamic, structured process to help them achieve their objectives
• optimize performance
• save time