Therapists

 

A therapist is a trained professional who helps people manage and improve their mental, emotional, physical, or behavioral health through structured guidance, exercises, and interventions.

The word “therapist” is broad — it covers many specializations, so the exact role, training, and techniques vary depending on the type of therapy.

1️⃣ Main Types of Therapists

 

Here are the most common categories:

Mental Health Therapists / Psychotherapists

 

  • What they do: Help clients manage anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and other emotional challenges through talk therapy.

  • Examples: Clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), marriage & family therapists (MFTs).

  • Qualifications (India):

    • MA/MSc in Psychology (Clinical or Counseling)

    • Additional certifications in CBT, DBT, REBT, trauma therapy, etc.

    • Psychiatrists are different — they’re medical doctors (MBBS + MD Psychiatry) who can prescribe medication.

Speech Therapists / Speech-Language Pathologists

 

  • What they do: Diagnose and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders.

  • Common in: Stroke recovery, developmental delays, stammering, speech clarity issues.

  • Qualifications (India):

    • BASLP (Bachelor in Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology) – 4 years

    • MASLP (Master’s) for specialization.

Physical Therapists / Physiotherapists

 

  • What they do: Help patients recover mobility, strength, and function after injury, surgery, or illness.

  • Common in: Orthopedic rehab, sports injuries, post-stroke rehab.

  • Qualifications (India):

    • BPT (Bachelor of Physiotherapy) – 4.5 years

    • MPT for specialization (sports, neuro, cardio, etc.).

Occupational Therapists

 

  • What they do: Help people regain daily living skills after illness, disability, or injury.

  • Common in: Stroke rehab, developmental disabilities, hand therapy.

  • Qualifications (India):

    • BOT (Bachelor of Occupational Therapy) – 4.5 years

    • MOT for advanced practice.

Alternative & Wellness Therapists

 

  • Examples: Art therapists, music therapists, dance/movement therapists, yoga therapists.

  • What they do: Use creative or holistic approaches to promote mental and physical well-being.

  • Qualifications: Vary — some require psychology backgrounds, others need specialized certifications.

2️⃣ Skills Across All Therapists

 

  • Active listening & empathy

  • Strong communication

  • Problem-solving

  • Patience & resilience

  • Knowledge of evidence-based techniques

  • Record keeping & confidentiality

3️⃣ Workplaces

 

  • Hospitals

  • Rehabilitation centers

  • Mental health clinics

  • Schools & special education centers

  • Private practice

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