If you’re thinking about becoming a psychotherapist, you’re not alone – and you’re certainly needed. The demand for mental health professionals is surging across the globe, including in Singapore, where mental health concerns have been increasing.
According to the National Population Health Survey in 2022, the prevalence of poor mental health in Singapore has risen from 13.4% in 2020 to 17% in 2022, with younger adults aged 18 to 29 showing the highest proportion of poor mental health at 25.3%. Encouragingly, the study also found that more Singaporeans are willing to seek help, particularly from informal support networks such as friends and family (Ganesan, 2023).
The growing awareness and willingness to address mental health issues underscore the critical need for trained professionals who can offer compassionate, evidence-based therapy. However, it’s important to note that psychotherapy is not a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Each individual, whether client or therapist, brings their own unique experiences, values, and modalities to the table. This means that every psychotherapist has something different to offer, shaped by their personal journey and understanding of the human experience.
As you contemplate a career in psychotherapy, take comfort in knowing that there is no such thing as “too many psychotherapists”. Every person you help will benefit from your distinctive approach, and you’ll be meeting an increasing need in a society that is finally recognising the value of mental health as a core aspect of overall wellbeing.
In this guide, we’ll explore what it means to be a psychotherapist, how you can prepare for the role, and how to find a therapy style that might be most aligned with you.
Table of Contents
What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is often described as “talk therapy”, but it encompasses much more than just having conversations. At its core, psychotherapy is a collaborative process between a therapist and a client that aims to address emotional, psychological, spiritual, and behavioural challenges. Through structured sessions, therapists help clients explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe, supportive, and empowering environment. The ultimate goal is to enable clients to understand themselves better, manage difficult emotions, and develop healthier coping strategies, and have a more meaningful life (American Psychological Association, 2017).
Psychotherapy can be short-term, focusing on specific issues like anxiety or grief, or long-term, addressing more complex problems such as trauma or personality disorders. Psychotherapy also offers a space to explore deeper questions of meaning and life direction, tailored to the unique needs of each client. Various therapeutic approaches offer their own methods and principles, which we will explore later in this article.
What makes psychotherapy unique is that it doesn’t merely aim to “fix” symptoms. Rather, it provides tools for self-exploration and emotional resilience, empowering clients to lead more balanced and fulfilling lives (Norcross & Lambert, 2019). Each therapeutic approach is designed to adapt to the individual’s needs, ensuring therapy is tailored to their unique experiences and personal goals. Whether someone is grappling with mild stress, questioning life direction or struggling with more severe psychological concerns, psychotherapy offers a pathway to healing, personal growth, and enhanced mental wellbeing.
What is Psychotherapy Not?
Psychotherapy is often confused with its closely related fields, particularly psychiatry and psychology. While these professions may share some similarities, they differ significantly in their training, focus, and methods of treatment. Understanding these distinctions is essential for anyone considering a career in psychotherapy, as it helps clarify the scope of practice and the unique role psychotherapists play in the mental health landscape.
Psychotherapist vs. Psychiatrist
The main difference between a psychotherapist and a psychiatrist lies in qualifications and treatment approaches. Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who specialise in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, often using a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Their medical training allows them to prescribe medications, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics, to manage conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression (Patel et al., 2018).
Psychotherapists, on the other hand, do not prescribe medications. Instead, they focus on talk therapies to help clients explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. As a psychotherapist, you may collaborate with psychiatrists when a client’s treatment requires both medication and therapy, but your primary role will be offering therapeutic interventions like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).
Psychotherapist vs. Psychologist
Although both psychotherapists and psychologists engage in therapy, their roles and training differ. Apart from providing therapy, psychologists are trained to conduct psychological assessment and research. They may specialise in areas like neuropsychology, forensic psychology, or developmental psychology, making their work broader in scope compared to psychotherapists, who focus specifically on therapeutic interactions (American Psychological Association, 2017).
Psychotherapists do not usually diagnose mental illnesses and often have less stringent regulatory requirements compared to psychologists. Their work primarily focuses on guiding clients through therapeutic conversations and facilitating emotional healing. Psychotherapists typically do not conduct formal psychological assessments, but instead help clients build coping skills, manage their emotions, and gain deeper insights into their behaviour and experiences.
Psychotherapist vs. Counsellor
The terms “psychotherapist” and “counsellor” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they represent distinct roles with different focuses, training, and approaches to client care.
Counsellors typically help clients navigate specific life challenges, such as grief, career transitions, or relationship issues. Their work is generally short-term and focused on immediate concerns like a stressful situation or a significant life change (McLeod, 2013).
Psychotherapists, on the other hand, usually work with clients over a longer period, often for years, to address deeper, more chronic, or recurrent issues often related to clients’ past. Psychotherapists are trained to delve into the complexities of a client’s emotional and psychological landscape. This often involves exploring how earlier experiences may have contributed to present-day difficulties. The ultimate goal of psychotherapy is not just symptom relief, but profound, lasting transformation that improves mental health and enhances overall life satisfaction.
In practice, the roles of psychotherapists and counsellors often overlap, and many professionals in the mental health field can offer both short-term and long-term support depending on the needs of their clients. However, while a psychotherapist is qualified to provide counselling, not all counsellors are trained or equipped to offer psychotherapy. The latter requires more extensive training to address deeper, long-term emotional and behavioural changes and offer therapeutic interventions that go beyond short-term problem-solving.
Knowing these distinctions will help you make an informed decision as you embark on your journey to becoming a mental health professional. Selecting the right path will depend on your personal interests and the type of impact you wish to have in the lives of those you help.
Working as a Psychotherapist
In Singapore, the mental health profession, including psychotherapy, is largely self-regulated. While formal accreditation is not legally required, many employers highly value professional recognition through respected local organisations such as the Association of Psychotherapists and Counsellors Singapore (APACS), the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC), as well as international organisations like the International Council of Integrative Psychotherapists (ICIP). These professional bodies provide crucial support to practitioners and offer opportunities for continued professional development, networking, and gaining recognition both locally and internationally.
Qualifications and Accreditation
To work as a psychotherapist in Singapore, employers generally expect candidates to have a solid academic foundation. Most positions require a postgraduate diploma, degree or masters in psychotherapy, psychology, or counselling.
Though not compulsory, obtaining accreditation from a recognised body such as APACS or SAC enhances a psychotherapist’s professional credibility, signalling to potential employers that you adhere to the highest standards of ethical practice and continuing education.
Accreditation bodies often require practitioners to meet specific criteria, including academic qualifications and a minimum number of supervised practical training hours. For example, APACS requires trainees to complete 150 client contact hours and 20 hours of individual supervision, which ensures that therapists gain hands-on experience working with diverse clients. This type of practicum experience is often included as part of academic programmes, including the psychotherapy courses at The School of Positive Psychology.
Practical Experience
In addition to academic qualifications and accreditation, practical experience is a key factor that employers look for when hiring psychotherapists. Most employers expect candidates to have some experience working in clinical settings, either through internships, practicums, or previous employment. This experience is essential in developing the ability to handle real-world cases involving diverse mental health challenges.
Psychotherapists in Singapore are typically employed by hospitals, community mental health centres, or private psychotherapy clinics. Many also choose to work independently as freelancers, offering their services to clients directly. Freelance work can be particularly appealing for those transitioning from their previous career, who prefer flexibility in managing their own schedules and choosing the cases and clients to focus on. Some may also wish to develop a specialised niche in the mental health field.
The practicum period during training is especially valuable for aspiring freelancers, as it pushes students out of their comfort zone to creatively source clients. This experience is vital for building a clientele early on, giving future therapists the skills and confidence needed to grow their own private practice.
How Do I Know Which Psychotherapy Modality Suits Me?
Choosing the right psychotherapy modality to practice is an important step in becoming a psychotherapist. With countless therapeutic approaches available, it can feel overwhelming to decide which one resonates with you the most. Your choice of modality is not just about technical competence but also about alignment with your personality, values, and preferred way of interacting with clients. The approach you choose should feel authentic and allow you to offer the best version of yourself in a therapeutic setting.
Evidence-based Psychotherapy Modalities
Let’s explore some evidence-based modalities you may have heard of, and how they might fit different types of therapists:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is one of the most widely practised and evidence-based modalities in psychotherapy. It emphasises identifying and restructuring negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to emotional distress. CBT is highly structured and focused on helping clients develop practical skills to manage issues like depression and anxiety by changing the way they think through cognitive restructuring (Beck, 2011; Hofmann et al., 2012).
Solution-Focus Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is a goal-oriented therapy that helps clients focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Rather than delving into past experiences, SFBT encourages clients to envision what their desired future would look like, should the problem no longer exist, and then engineer practical steps towards achieving that future.
This approach is particularly effective for clients who have limited resources and are looking for a form of psychotherapy that is short-term in nature, and typically prefer to focus on solutions rather than problems. This approach can be effective for managing stress, anxiety, or relationship challenges (de Shazer et al., 2007). Therapists who are drawn to strengths-based and optimistic approaches, and who prefer to empower clients to create tangible change in a short period of time, may find SFBT aligns well with their personality.
Clinical Hypnotherapy
Clinical Hypnotherapy is another unique modality, which uses guided relaxation and focused attention to achieve a semi-state of consciousness or ‘trance’. In this state of conscious awareness, clients can access their subconscious mind, helping them process deep-rooted issues such as trauma, phobias, and addictions. Hypnotherapy can be particularly useful for clients who struggle with deeply ingrained patterns of thought or behaviour that are resistant to more conventional forms of therapy (Heap, 2012).
Finding the Right Modality for You
Deciding which modality best suits you is not just about technical skills or therapeutic outcomes—it’s also about who you are as a person. If you are someone who values structured interventions and clear evidence of progress, CBT may align with your approach to therapy. Alternatively, if you are more focused on empowering clients to find their own strengths and solutions, SFBT might feel more natural.
Your personality, values, and worldview will play a significant role in shaping your therapeutic style. In the end, the modality you choose should feel like an extension of your own strengths and interests. By understanding your personality and values as a therapist, you’ll be better equipped to select the therapeutic approach that allows you to connect most deeply with your clients and offer them meaningful support.
How Do I Prepare to Become a Psychotherapist?
Building a Robust Psychotherapist Toolbox
One of the key aspects of becoming a successful psychotherapist is developing a wide range of therapeutic tools and techniques. This versatility is crucial, as every client is unique, with different needs, personalities, and challenges. By having a “toolbox” of diverse approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), or Hypnotherapy, you can tailor your sessions to meet each client’s specific requirements. Flexibility in therapy is important because it allows you to adapt your interventions as the therapeutic relationship evolves, ensuring that you’re providing the most effective and personalised support possible.
Relationship Building Skills
While techniques and modalities are important, at the heart of psychotherapy is the human connection. Having a good therapeutic alliance with your clients is crucial for effective outcomes in therapy. When clients feel heard, understood, and valued, they are more likely to engage deeply in the therapeutic process, which enhances the likelihood of positive outcomes.
Honing Your Skills Through Practice
Understanding the theories and concepts of psychotherapeutic methods is just the beginning. The real training takes place in hands-on practice. Roleplaying with classmates during your training will be a common and effective way to simulate real-world client interactions, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical context. Practicum experiences and supervision are also essential components of formal training programmes, giving you the opportunity to work with real clients while receiving feedback from experienced professionals. Here, supervision is invaluable, as it offers guidance, insight, and the chance to reflect on your practice in a supportive setting, while ensuring that you are practising ethically and adhering to professional standards.
Preparing to become a psychotherapist involves more than just academic knowledge. It involves building a flexible toolbox of therapeutic techniques, honing relationship-building skills, and gaining hands-on experience through roleplay, practicum, and supervision. With these skills, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of psychotherapy and offer meaningful, tailored support to each client you serve.
Looking for the Next Step?
In Singapore, the shortage of mental health professionals has created significant challenges for those seeking mental health support. As awareness of mental health issues grows, so does the opportunity for dedicated professionals to make a meaningful impact by stepping into this field.
At The School of Positive Psychology, we are committed to empowering individuals to meet this growing need by offering rigorous and comprehensive training programmes that prepare you for a rewarding career as a psychotherapist. If you’re interested in learning more about the pathways to becoming a psychotherapist, feel free to reach out to us for a free 1-on-1 consultation. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to Start Your Psychotherapy Learning Journey? Discover Our Programmes
- Postgraduate Diploma in Psychotherapy and Psychological Interventions
- Postgraduate Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling
- Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling
- Graduate Diploma in Coaching Psychology
- Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling
- Diploma in Child Psychology and Interventions
References
American Psychological Association. (2017). What is psychotherapy? https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/psychotherapy
Beck, A. T. (2011). Cognitive therapy of depression. Guilford Press.
de Shazer, S., Dolan, Y., Korman, H., Trepper, T., McCollum, E., & Berg, I. K. (2007). More than miracles: The state of the art of solution-focused brief therapy. Routledge.
Ganesan, N. (2023, September 27). Prevalence of poor mental health increasing in Singapore; young adults have highest proportion at 25.3%. Channel News Asia. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/poor-mental-health-young-adults-seek-help-moh-survey-3802531
Heap, M. (2012). Hypnotherapy: A handbook. McGraw-Hill Education.
Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427-440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1
Norcross, J. C., & Lambert, M. J. (2019). Psychotherapy relationships that work III. Psychotherapy, 56(4), 433–446. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000288
McLeod, J. (2013). An introduction to counselling (5th ed.). Open University Press.
Patel, K. R., Cherian, J., Gohil, K., & Atkinson, D. (2018). Schizophrenia: Overview and treatment options. P & T: A Peer-Reviewed Journal for Formulary Management, 43(9), 538-545.
