Psychology
Imposter syndrome: why capable people feel like frauds
Imposter syndrome is the persistent fear of being ‘found out’ despite real achievement. It is common, it is not a diagnosis, and specific habits help.
27 Sept 20268 min read
Clinical psychologist
Also known as Psychologist, Therapist
A psychologist trained to assess and treat mental health problems with talking therapy and psychological testing. They are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medicine.
In Psychology
A clinical psychologist assesses and treats emotional and behavioural problems — , , , relationship difficulties, learning problems — using structured talking therapies such as , and standardised psychological tests such as IQ or personality assessments.
They cannot prescribe. When medicine might help, a good psychologist works with a or your family doctor rather than instead of one.
Checking qualifications in Pakistan
Titles like "psychologist", "therapist" and "counsellor" are used loosely. A clinical psychologist should hold a postgraduate qualification in clinical psychology — typically an MS/MPhil or a postgraduate diploma — and have completed supervised clinical training. It is reasonable to ask where they trained and which therapy they use.
Where this comes up
Psychology
Narcissistic personality disorder: what it is, and what it is not
Narcissistic personality disorder is a real but uncommon diagnosis. Most people called “narcissists” online have never been assessed — and many do not have it.
27 Sept 20268 min read
Psychology
Personality tests: Big Five, MBTI and Enneagram compared
The Big Five is the personality model best supported by research. MBTI and the Enneagram are popular, but their types are far less reliable than people assume.
27 Sept 20268 min read
Psychology
Psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor: who should you see?
A psychiatrist is a doctor who can diagnose and prescribe; a clinical psychologist treats with talking therapy. How to choose, and how to check who you are seeing.
27 Sept 20268 min read
Related terms
- PsychologyNafsiyat, PsychologistThe scientific study of how people think, feel and behave. Most psychologists are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medicine.
- PsychiatryPsychiatrist, Psychiatric doctorThe branch of medicine that diagnoses and treats mental illness. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialist training who can prescribe medicine as well as offer therapy.
- PsychotherapyTalking therapy, Talk therapyTreatment through regular, structured conversations with a trained professional, to help with mental illness, emotional problems or unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour.
- Cognitive behavioural therapyCBT, Cognitive behavioral therapyA structured, time-limited talking therapy that helps you notice and change the thoughts and behaviours that keep a problem going. It is a first-line treatment for depression and most anxiety problems.