Many people seek a psychologist when life becomes intense. Maybe you feel inner restlessness. Maybe you feel overwhelmed. Maybe you are at a point where you realize that fighting on alone is not the way.
Especially in a time when mental health is more challenged than ever before, the role of psychologists is becoming increasingly important. At the same time, there is much confusion about terms like psychologist, psychotherapist, psychologist (male), clinical psychologist, psychotherapist (female), psychopathology, psychiatry, and psychotherapy.
In this article, I want to show you what my work as a psychologist means, how psychological counseling, support, and practice work, and why this form of assistance becomes a real turning point for many people.
What exactly does a psychologist do?
A psychologist works with scientifically based knowledge from psychology, clinical psychology, psychopathology, and related fields such as psychotherapy, psychiatry, prevention, and health. She supports people in challenging situations, helps them understand internal processes, and assists them in developing new paths.
Psychologists consider:
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Behavior and patterns
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Emotions
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Thoughts
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Stress reactions
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Relationships
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Resources and strengths
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Life stories and inner dynamics
The work is evidence-based, professionally clear, empathetic, and at the same time down-to-earth.
Many psychologists work at locations such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, counseling centers, schools, companies, or in private practice. Others are active in research, further education, training, or personnel selection.
I personally support clients in my practice in Zurich and online, combining psychological counseling with mindful coaching.
Psychologist, psychotherapist, psychiatrist: What is the difference?
The terms are often confused. Here is a simple guide:
Psychologist
Studies in psychology at a university, college, or university of applied sciences with a degree (Bachelor and Master). Expertise in diagnostics, emotion regulation, behavior, communication, prevention, and support.
Psychotherapist
Also requires several years of psychotherapeutic training. Allowed to provide therapeutic treatment and diagnoses according to FSP, SBAP guidelines or federal recognition.
Psychiatrist / FMH Specialist
Medical studies plus further training. Allowed to prescribe medication. Often works at centers, outpatient clinics, or hospitals.
This clarity is important to find access to the right form of support, especially for issues like anxiety, depression, burnout, or family stress.
Areas in which psychologists work
A large part of psychologists work in clinical psychology, others in:
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Prevention
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Advice
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Work and organizational psychology
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Care of children, adolescents, parents, relatives
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Research at institutions such as the University of Bern or the University of Zurich
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Companies in the People and Culture sector
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Outpatient clinics
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Diagnostics
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Social institutions
Psychology is a broad field, with many activities, trainings, and specializations.
In my own work, the focus is on mindful psychological support for adults seeking clarity, calm, and self-confidence.
Why people visit a psychologist
The reasons are as individual as the people themselves. Some seek support because stress has become too high. Others because of insecurities, fear, or recurring behavioral patterns. Some want a space where they can speak without judgment.
Many clients report that they:
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no longer understanding oneself
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carrying a lot of responsibility
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feeling high expectations
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feeling emotionally exhausted
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having difficulties dealing with conflicts
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struggling with professional challenges
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wanting to clarify family or relationship issues
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seeking clarity for important decisions
A psychologist offers professional collaboration here that is safe, structured, and at the same time humane.
the role of the psychologist in accompaniment
A psychologist does not look at symptoms alone. She always considers the person within the context of their life, attitude, history, and relationships.
This work includes:
recognize
The psychologist uses tools from diagnostics, clinical psychology, and conversation techniques to understand what moves you. She never works judgmentally, but with curiosity and respect.
understand
It helps you to make patterns, emotions, and behaviors visible. Especially with anxiety or depressive tendencies, this is where the first relief arises.
accompany
Together you develop new perspectives and concrete paths. The goal is not perfection, but a more conscious way of dealing with yourself and your world.
psychological counseling in everyday life
Psychological counseling can be helpful when therapy is not yet necessary or when you are looking for a place to consciously reflect.
This is about:
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strengthening resources
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learning self-care
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stress reduction
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strengthening self-esteem
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mental clarity
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personal development
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better communication
Unlike therapy, the focus is less on illness and more on development, stability, and awareness.
children, adolescents, and families
A large group of psychologists, psychotherapists, and specialists work with children, adolescents, parents, and relatives.
This is about:
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emotional regulation
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behavioral issues
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school-related stress
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family transitions
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early prevention
Psychological support can help reduce risks and strengthen development paths. Collaboration with schools, outpatient clinics, and specialist centers is central here.
Psychologist in companies
More and more companies recognize that psychological health is a crucial factor for sustainable collaboration.
Psychologists support organizations in areas such as:
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stress management
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conflict resolution
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team culture
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executive coaching
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personnel selection
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preventive counseling
Especially in phases of high stress, psychological support creates a valuable difference in the climate of a team.
What a psychologist brings
1. Solid education at university, university of applied sciences, or college
2. Expertise in clinical psychology, diagnostics, communication
3. Knowledge about behavior, emotions, and mental health
4. Ethical standards from FSP, SBAP, federal recognition
5. Ability to provide support, clarity, and structure
The psychologist's practice: A safe space
What really makes psychology valuable is not just the expertise. It is the attitude. A psychologist does not look down on you, but meets you with closeness and respect. She holds the space without pressure. She accompanies you without judgment.
Many people experience something they hardly knew before: They feel understood.
Why psychological support works
because it makes patterns visible
because it enables emotional relief
because it creates clarity
because it strengthens access to resources
because it brings long-term stability
Final thought: Psychology is encounter
A psychologist doesn't just work with methods. She works with people. With their experiences, their stories, and their courage. Psychology is not a cold science. It is a form of encounter. A way to reconnect with yourself.
If you feel that you want support, you are allowed to get it. A conversation in a safe place, a first contact, a small question. That's exactly where change begins.
Keywords: stellen, therapeut, fachpsychologin, angebot, beruf, prof, personen, laura kivelitz, stadt
