A psychiatrist is a medical doctor, who then specializes in the branch of medicine on the mind and relationships. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication and hospitalize patients if necessary.
A psychoanalyst uses an traditional form of psychotherapy developed by Freud, stressing dreams, associations and transference. The psychoanalyst learns this treatment approach in special psychoanalytic institutes.
A psychologist has a university degree, involving five or more years of study, and specializes in the mind and relationships. Most psychologists use one or more treatment approaches and are sometimes certified practitioners in specific therapy techniques. Learning and training continues on an ongoing basis during professional practice. A psychologist has a broad conceptual base in order to use the appropriate approach to help clients.
A psychotherapist has training and is certified as a practitioner in a specific treatment approach but is not required to have a university degree. Although psychotherapists may be good with the specific treatment approach they learned, they may constantly use the same tool regardless of your specific situation.
I am a clinical psychologist.
Debra BERG, The Bilingual Psychologist in Paris