LICENSED PSYCHOTHERAPIST is a title obtained after approximately three years of education, including theoretical seminars, clinical practice, and supervision by experienced colleagues. Social workers, nurses, and priests can also train to become psychotherapists. In the previous tab, the different perspectives of various sciences and professional groups on human emotional problems were described. The title of psychotherapist is protected in Sweden through the National Board of Health and Welfare. Most therapists have a primary focus in their practice, such as PDT (psychodynamic therapy), CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), existential therapy, IPT (interpersonal psychotherapy), family therapy, child therapy…
TALK THERAPY: Some Swedish laws mention “talk therapy”, or “dialogue therapy”, a poorly defined term that does not exist in English. Some practitioners call themselves certified, accredited, or authorized therapists, but their practices are not under the supervision of the National Board of Health and Welfare. Therefore, there is no such thing as a “licensed talk therapist.”
PSYCHOANALYST as a profession has existed for 120 years, but the title is not protected by any legislation. Most have completed their approximately six-year education in Stockholm or Copenhagen, involving theory and clinical treatment under supervision. The education is longer than that for licensed psychotherapists, but unfortunately it does not lead to psychotherapist licensure, which is why analytic candidates also seek therapist licensure. After completion, they become members of the Swedish Psychoanalytic Association and the International Psychoanalytic Association.
PSYCHOANALYSIS brought about a revolution in the understanding of mental problems. It forms the basis of most forms of psychotherapy but is often considered a unique approach within psychotherapy. Since I believe this viewpoint is untenable, we must focus on psychoanalysis in the next tab.