WITH so many issues and challenges that life throws at you, you need guidance to navigate them.

Pepperpot Magazine spoke with Psychotherapist Lotoya Griffith-Andrews, who discussed the role of psychotherapists.

“A psychotherapist is a mental health professional who uses talk therapy to help people with emotional problems and mental illnesses,” she stated.
Andrews explained that there is a difference between a psychotherapist and a therapist in that the former is a broader term that includes every mental health professional who manages mental health or emotional issues, while a therapist is a professional who provides solutions for both physical and mental health.

She also noted that a psychotherapist can help a person navigate challenging life events, like mental illnesses and emotional problems.
According to Andrews, the therapist can help people develop coping mechanisms to live healthier lives.

Andrews believes that one should make it a top priority to seek therapy after they have gone through trauma.
“Yes, it should be a top priority to seek therapy after a traumatic event. It is as important as seeing a medical doctor,” Andrews told Pepperpot.

Andrews said anyone can go to a psychotherapist as long as they may be having challenges with their emotional and mental health.

The Pepperpot Magazine also spoke with Deborah London, another psychotherapist. “Just like seeing medical professionals like doctors and dentists regularly, one would need to see a psychotherapist regularly as well,” London noted.

According to her, what a psychotherapist does for people is give them a chance to open up about aspects of their life that they would not share with anyone else and when they finish sharing, it remains between the two persons and confidentiality is intact.

She also added that seeing a psychotherapist clarifies some issues that you would have been unclear of, but as you speak about it, it becomes clearer.
Lastly, she noted that seeing a psychotherapist brings closure to a difficult situation.

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony had noted that mental health is one of the challenges in the country and that there is a certain shame and stigma attached to persons with mental health issues.

According to the minister, more mental health training is needed for healthcare providers. He pointed out that sometimes doctors and nurses cannot detect the signs of mental health from patients.