While scrolling through a Facebook group, I came across a parent seeking hypnotherapy for their young adult child, who has been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), believing the hypnotherapy could address the root cause of the disorder. I clarified that hypnotherapy is not an appropriate treatment for BPD. but rather Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is the recommended approach, along with psychiatric stabilization by a qualified and registered psychiatrist.
To my surprise, someone recommended a life coach and hypnosis facilitator, claiming they were “fantastic” and would help. I pointed out that the recommended person, who I know personally, is not qualified to treat BPD, nor are they a trained psychologist or clinical social worker. Despite my concerns, the person who recommended the life coach remained defensive, insisting that the recommended individual is ethical and highly trained in their profession (which I do not dispute. I merely stated they were not qualified to deal with BPD).
The Importance of Professional Advice
When seeking guidance, it’s easy to turn to friends, family, or even life coaches, but the legal phrase Caveat Emptor – “Let the Buyer Beware” – is crucial in so many aspects of life, and even more so when it comes to matters of mental health.
While friends may seem (or even be) capable, their lack of qualifications can make all the difference between poor and great advice, especially in critical situations.
For example, imagine a friend advising someone with suicidal thoughts to “just get over it.” While the friend may mean well, their lack of intense training in how to handle the situation could lead to disastrous consequences.
While friends, family and many others with a compassionate ear are often a source of support, when dealing with psychiatric disorders and / or emotional or psychiatric issues including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, etc, it’s essential to seek help from a licensed professional.
People like life coaches, pastoral counselors, counselors (registered and non registered) are not trained to treat serious mental health conditions. Life Coaches, who typically complete short training programs (anywhere from 3 to 12 months), are not medical professionals, cannot and may not diagnose or treat psychiatric disorders, and will not be paid by medical insurance. Not being able to claim from medical insurance is a fairly simple test of whether the individual is considered a medical health PROFESSIONAL and if the individual is registered with a medically recognized statutory body.
A licensed mental health professional, on the other hand, would be trained to handle and diffuse such situations and as importantly, if they made such an error and gave inappropriate advice the professional could be held accountable – by their recognized statutory body – for their actions which could result in them losing their livelihood by having their license revoked so they are no longer able to practice.
Choosing the Right Professional
If you’re looking for qualified and professional help, consider a professional who is a member of recognized professional bodies such as HPCSA (Health Professionals Council of South Africa) or SACSSP (South African Council for Social Service Professionals). These professionals are registered with a Statutory Governing Body in South Africa. They carry a license to practice and a registration number with their governing body as well as a private practice registration number with Board of Health Funders (BHF). Without these two registrations, you will not be able to claim for treatment from your Medical Aid / Medical Insurance.
Ingrid is a Psychotherapist, Social Worker, Hypnotherapist, Somatic Therapist and Reiki Master and Access Bars practitioner, in private practice with special interest in clinical work & Somatic Therapies. She is an EMDR, Brainspotting, TIR practitioner, Hypnotherapist & is registered with SACSSP and BHF.
She is also a dance and signing student. To find out more how she can assist & book an appointment, email Ingrid@inneressence.co.za. Psychotherapy sessions are claimable from medical insurance. Please visit her website on http://www.inneressence.co.za.
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