Psychology is an integration of science, theory and clinical knowledge to uncover the secrets of the mind and unlock the answers to psychologically based distress and mental dysfunction. Clinical Psychology can be dated back as far as the late 1800s when the scientific study of psychology started being done at university level. The first psychology clinic was opened in Pennsylvania in 1896. In early years, more emphasis was placed on observation and psychological assessments and little focus was given to actual treatment. The end of WW2 saw an increase in the need for treatment options as most soldiers were suffering from posttraumatic stress related symptoms.

While the lines between psychology and psychiatry are often blurred, the main difference is that psychologists adapt a more holistic approach through counseling and do not medicate their patients during treatment. Psychiatrists on the other hand are medical doctors and use a combination of psychotherapy and medication to treat mental dysfunction.

Just because someone is referred to a psychologist by a GP does not mean that they are mad or mentally ill. A large percentage of men, women and teenagers suffer from depression, anxiety and various disorders that one may not be able to see with the naked eye.

Hellen N is a proudly South African psychologist who consults from her private practice situated at office 103-104, Magers Blag, 73 Cathcart Road Queenstown.