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February 17, 2020 by Brighton & Hove Psychotherapy Leave a Comment

So what actually is a Psychologist?

It’s important to note that the term ‘psychologist’ is not actually a protected title.  So, anyone can technically call themselves a psychologist.  If someone claims to be a psychologist, then the question to ask is, what kind of psychologist are they, and perhaps more importantly, what qualifications do they have.

Undergraduate degrees may be undertaken as either a Bachelor of Science or of Arts.  Completing an undergraduate degree in psychology gives a good basic introduction to a wide range of psychological theories and applications, but not necessarily expertise in any one area.

The British Psychological Society describes psychology as:

‘the scientific study of the mind and how it dictates and influences our behaviour, from communication and memory to thought and emotion.  It’s about understanding what makes people tick and how this understanding can help us address many of the problems and issues in society today.’

There are many areas of both theory and application within psychology; health, educational, forensic, counselling, occupational, clinical, sports and exercise, and neuro.  Becoming qualified in one of these fields requires post-graduate study.

In the example of Clinical Psychology; the current route for training is a 3 year doctoral degree (after the undergraduate degree) which involves both university teaching days and days on placement with the NHS.  In order for someone to call themselves a Clinical Psychologist, they must have completed an approved training course, and be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

The HCPC regulates all applied psychologists within the areas above. The below are protected titles, which means people can only use them if they have completed an approved training course and complete ongoing appropriate Continuing Professional Development.

  • Practitioner psychologist
  • Registered psychologist
  • Clinical psychologist
  • Forensic psychologist
  • Counselling psychologist
  • Health psychologist
  • Educational psychologist
  • Occupational psychologist
  • Sport and exercise psychologist

Any other titles, such as Media Psychologist, Celebrity Psychologist or TV Psychologist, such as are often seen in the media, say nothing about the qualifications or expertise of the individual.  Understandably this is often misunderstood by the public.  As a Clinical Psychologist it concerns me that people may put their trust in, or even pay for services delivered by, unqualified people.  In addition it is concerning that the reputation or credibility of the profession may be damaged by unqualified people providing a poor service.

It is a very confusing area, however, probably the most important thing to remember is if you are considering working with a psychologist in any of the fields above check that they are registered with the HCPC on www.hcpc-uk.org

 

Please follow the links to find out more about about our therapists and the types of therapy services we offer.  We have practices in Hove and Lewes.  Online therapy is also available.

Face to Face and Online Therapy Help Available Now

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Filed Under: Mental Health, Psychotherapy Tagged With: Counselling, psychology, systemic psychotherapy

March 15, 2019 by Brighton & Hove Psychotherapy Leave a Comment

Men, Sex and Aging in Relationships

I have previously written about women and the menopause, I am now turning my attention to men, sex and aging in a heterosexual context.

Research indicates sexual activity declines with age however as we see older people being portrayed as healthy, attractive and vigorous, we are more likely to acknowledge this age group as sexually attractive and therefore potentially sexually active.

In psychosexual terms feeling healthy, feeling good about your body and being reasonably fit are factors in feeling sexually attractive and of course these are likely to make a partner more responsive. Whilst the recognition of desire, lust and libido in the later stages of life must be a positive shift it may hide some of the struggles that older men are facing in the bedroom.

There are inevitable physiological effects of age on erectile function. Age UK says that 40% of men over 60 experience erectile problems. Erectile tissue becomes less elastic over time, testosterone levels are reduced, blood flow to the penis decreases. Apart from achieving an erection, difficulties in maintaining it, ejaculating too quickly or not being able to climax at all are common problems.

Sexual problems are frequent amongst older adults. In one study about 25% of older adults with a sexual problem said they avoided sex as a consequence. There are links between poor health and lack of sexual activity. In the same study the most common reason cited for a lack of sexual activity was the man’s ill health. Examples included drinking alcohol to excess, smoking, stress and a lack of exercise and conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Sexual problems are infrequently discussed with doctors and communication about sexual problems can be poor. Apart from the fact that sexual problems may be symptoms of an underlying physical condition, undiagnosed and undiscussed sexual problems may lead to depression and social withdrawal.

The kinds of problems that do not get discussed include concerns about medication for other conditions that impair men’s sexual performance, as well as drugs to improve sexual performance that have unpleasant side effects such as headaches and indigestion. Men might choose to stop taking medication if they feel they will have better sex without it and they may give up taking medication to improve their sex lives if they cannot tolerate the side effects.

In 2015 prostate cancer accounted for 13% of all cancers in the UK. The survival rate has been improving over the last 40 years but survivors can be left with lasting changes to their sense of themselves as sexual beings. One of the treatments is hormone therapy, which effects the production of testosterone and reduces the desire to have sex. Men put on weight more easily and can develop man boobs and they may find themselves crying more often. It is no wonder that a man might ask himself, “Am I still a man?”

In a relationship the impact of an older man’s difficulties on achieving and sustaining an erection will depend on their partner’s own experience of sex and aging. A man with a younger partner may feel he is letting his partner down. A couple may feel safer distancing themselves from each other and avoiding even affectionate physical contact in case it leads to unsuccessful sex. Men with partners no longer interested in sex may feel shameful about masturbating using pornography or fantasising about other women.

We do not readily talk about sex, it makes us feel very vulnerable. Seeking support and sharing feelings in counselling and psychotherapy can be a step to rebuilding a sense of self and sexual confidence and the start to thinking about new ways of relating.

Angela Rogers is an Integrative Psychotherapeutic counsellor working with  individuals and couples in Hove.

Face to Face and Online Therapy Help Available Now

Click Here to Enquire

Filed Under: Angela Rogers, Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy, Gender, Relationships, Sexuality Tagged With: couple counselling, psychology, Relationships

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