“Seeing a shrink” is always scary. If, according to a survey published in 2015, 33% of French people admit having already consulted a psychologist, making an appointment with a mental health professional remains difficult (even unimaginable! ) for many men and women.
A taboo against which Johanna Rozenblum, clinical psychologist, protests: “mental health needs to be de-stigmatized! You take care of your body by going to the doctor, the physiotherapist, the osteopath… Why wouldn’t you pay the same attention to your mind?“
“Seeing a shrink, it doesn’t matter!”
It’s never too late to start taking care of yourself. “Even at 40, 50 or 60 (and after!), you can definitely consult a psychologist“says the specialist. Because, contrary to popular belief, “going to the shrink” does not necessarily mean “committing to therapy that will last 10 years”.Today, there are very effective brief therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), for example: psychotherapy does not necessarily last for years…“explains Johanna Rozenblum.
Especially since, as the expert explains, it is not necessary to “go badly” to consult a psychologist: “we can also “see a shrink” to better understand his story, take stock of how we built ourselves, the way we build our social relationships…“
Psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist? You have decided to “go see a shrink”, but you don’t know who to consult? “As a first intention, I recommend going to see a psychologist; if necessary, he can refer you to a psychiatrist (who is a doctor and therefore authorized to prescribe medication). Psychiatrists and psychologists work hand in hand.” On the other hand, the expert recommends to be careful with “coaches” and self-proclaimed psychotherapists who have no diploma: “before consulting your shrink, check that he has an ADELI number, it is a guarantee of seriousness“.
Thanks to Johanna Rozenblum, clinical psychologist.
