Your Questions Answered

Psychiatry or psychology?

Psychiatry is the medical treatment of the psyche and is practised by medical doctors (psychiatrists) who have undergone specialist training in understanding, diagnosing and treating mental health issues. Psychiatrists can provide therapeutic interventions and prescribe medications.

Psychology is the science of the psyche and is practised by psychologists who have studied for at least five years and have received specialist training in human behaviour – both normal and abnormal. Psychologists can provide therapeutic interventions but they cannot prescribe medications.

Therapists

Psychiatry is the medical treatment of the psyche and is practised by medical doctors (psychiatrists) who have undergone specialist training in understanding, diagnosing and treating mental health issues. Psychiatrists can provide therapeutic interventions and prescribe medications.

Psychology is the science of the psyche and is practised by psychologists who have studied for at least five years and have received specialist training in human behaviour – both normal and abnormal. Psychologists can provide therapeutic interventions but they cannot prescribe medications.

Psychologist

A psychologist is trained to help people cope more effectively with life issues and mental health problems – anything from depression to anxiety to learning disorders. All psychologists are trained to a minimum of Master’s level and most clinical psychologists will have a PhD, which means that they have completed a research thesis in their chosen area of speciality.

Psychologists use various methods including psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness and psychodynamic therapy, and can work with individuals, couples, families or other groups. They are also trained to administer and interpret tests and assessments, such as intellectual and cognitive functioning, which screen for concerns like ADHD, ASD or dyslexia.

The main difference between counselling and clinical psychology is their perspective and training. Counselling psychologists focus more on the individual who is experiencing mild to moderate levels of distress in their social, occupational, or academic functioning. While a clinical psychologist can work with similar populations and also more serious presentations such as psychosis, major depression, and personality disorders to name a few.

Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a physician who has completed a speciality in psychiatry following their training as a doctor. Psychiatrists will evaluate medical and psychological data to make a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan and suitability for medication. Psychiatrists will prescribe medication to help restore imbalances in body chemistry that are often a large part of mental illnesses. They will use medication and psychotherapy to treat anyone suffering from a short or long-term mental health problem.

Coach

Personal coaches can be qualified psychologists, psychiatrists or counsellors. Coaching is often for those individuals who are already succeeding and want to succeed further.

Psychologists often work to a prescribed method and follow a particular clinical model; alternatively, coaching has few tangible rules and is more focused on empowering functional individuals.

Where will the therapy take place?

You will meet your therapist at The LightHouse in one of our comfortable and modern therapy/consulting rooms, which are designed to ensure privacy and put you at ease. Client facilities also include a children’s area, courtyard garden and complimentary refreshments.

How long does therapy take?

The amount of therapy you may need is based on:

  • The nature, severity and duration of the presenting problem
  • Individual resilience and coping style
  • The amount of social support
  • Current life stress

Some problems respond to brief therapy approaches, while others will require a longer period of time and more intense therapy to achieve relief, healing and change. Your therapist will discuss this with you at your first appointment.

How will therapy make me feel?

Therapy can be demanding, emotional and draining, and it’s normal for things to appear to get worse before they get better.

In the short-term, you may feel anxious as you deal with emotional issues. Your relationships may change as you make changes in your personal life. In the long-term, therapy can solve specific mental and emotional problems, increase your self-awareness, and restore balance in your life.

Typically, therapy is not a quick fix so don’t expect a miracle cure after one session. Our expert therapists focus on introducing structured change that you can maintain long after therapy has concluded, and they will work through your issues at a carefully managed pace.

Confidentiality

Your confidentiality is of the utmost importance to us, and we give the following guarantees:

  • Your therapist and the office staff are the only people who have direct access to your file. Nobody outside of the clinic can view it unless you provide written permission.
  • All staff members at The LightHouse have been trained to protect your privacy, and have signed an agreement not to release information outside of the clinic.
  • We will never disclose that you are a client at The LightHouse unless we have your written or verbal consent to do so; this is different in the case of minors, where we have to report attendance to the parents. 
  • It is our policy to not send reports or notes via email to protect your confidentiality. If your child’s school requires reports from the clinic, only you as parents can provide these; we will not send them directly from the clinic.
  • Only the Dubai Government can demand access to your files in the event of a legal proceeding or court case involving you.

Payment & insurance

The fees for services at The LightHouse vary according to your therapist, so please contact us for specific information. There is a Dhs 50 registration charge made at all first appointments, and fees are due at the start of each session. You can pay by cash, credit/debit card or cheque.

The LightHouse does not bill insurance companies directly so you will be responsible for the full payment of the fee, which you can submit for reimbursement from your insurance provider. Your therapist will provide you with a completed insurance form upon the end of your evaluation. We recommend that you call your insurance company prior to booking an appointment to check your mental health cover.

Complaints & concerns

If there is if a problem or dispute between you and your therapist, or if you have any concerns about your treatment, please contact the clinical director of The LightHouse, <Dr. Tara Wyne>.

Contact us

Our specialists are ready to help you




    In The Media