Therapy Chiang Mai
Therapy Chiang Mai with English and Thai Speaking Therapists
Part of researching therapy in Chiang Mai is getting to know the different terminology and titles that are used in the field of counselling and psychotherapy. Depending on where you are from in the world, you may for example envision a ‘therapist’ as performing a different job than that of a ‘counsellor.’ Or perhaps you may use the terms interchangeably and not recognise much of a difference at all. In the UK and Australia people often use the term counsellor (counselor in USA and Canada), as well as the term therapist which is recognised globally.
Therapist derives from the word therapy which is a process of curing, healing, or improving one’s physical, mental and emotional well being. There are many different types of therapists including: Yoga Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists, and Massage Therapists, just to name a few.
Within the realm of mental health, the type of therapists that we are typically referring to are those who work as counsellors or psychotherapists. These therapists utilise talk therapy combined with other modalities or approaches in their work with clients. Counselling was previously regarded as more of a short-term therapy, whereas psychotherapy took place over the longer term. Nowadays however, with mental health becoming more of a priority in our culture, it is not unusual for counsellors and other therapists to work with clients over months or even years.
What is the Difference Between a Counsellor, Therapist, Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
Counsellors & Therapists
Training & Education:
Counsellors and therapists in Thailand typically hold a master’s degree (2 – 3 years) in counselling, psychology or counselling psychology. Practical experience working with clients for counselling as part of a master’s degree usually ranges between 200 and 300 hours of clinical practice in both individual and group counselling utilising a range of counselling techniques supervised by an appointed clinical supervisor.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Provide individual counselling for adults, children, teens, couples or family therapy.
- Help clients process, cope, manage and resolve personal and emotional issues utilising therapeutic techniques like CBT, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy.
- Counsellors do not diagnose severe mental illnesses or prescribe medication but may refer clients to psychiatrists or psychologists if more intensive treatment is needed.
Psychologists
Training & Education:
Psychologists typically hold a Master’s or Doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and are registered members of one or more psychological associations within Thailand. It is important to note that unlike psychiatrists, psychologists are not medical doctors. Their training focuses on the study of behaviour, emotions, and mental processes and usually have one or more areas of specialisation.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Conduct psychological testing and assessments to clinically diagnose mood disorders or mental health conditions and other psychological issues under the guidance of a licensed psychiatrist for the administration of any prescription medication.
- Work either as a researcher or provide psychotherapy and counselling using various therapeutic techniques.
Psychiatrists
Training and Education:
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors (MDs) who specialise in mental health. They complete medical school usually after 6 years of study, followed by a residency in psychiatry (usually 3 to 4 years)
Training includes extensive clinical experience in diagnosing and treating mood disorders, psychiatric conditions and severe mental illnesses.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Diagnose and treat mental health disorders, including severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression.
- Prescribe medication and perform medical procedures like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
- Work in hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practices.
- Provide medical reports for insurance companies.
Key Differences: Summary
Medical Training: Psychiatrists are medical doctors and can prescribe medication, while psychologists and counsellors are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication.
Scope of Practice: Psychiatrists manage both medical and psychological aspects of mental health. Psychologists focus on assessments and or psychotherapy, while counsellors provide supportive counselling and help clients with personal and emotional issues.
Training and Education: Psychiatrists undergo extensive medical and psychiatric training, psychologists complete a masters or doctoral program in psychology, and counsellors earn a master’s degree in counselling or a related field.
More information about psychological testing, diagnosis and treatment can be found by visiting our blog post A Guide to Choosing a Psychologist in Thailand – Types, Approaches & Services
Reasons People may Consider Therapy in Chiang Mai
A therapist can fulfil many roles and functions which may include: listening, providing guidance, and encouraging people in the right direction. They use their professional experience combined with the client’s internal resources and external support network in order to support the client’s personal development. Therapy provides a safe, nonjudgmental, and confidential environment in which to explore conflicts, disturbances, or struggles. Therapy may be done in a therapist’s office, private therapy room, or even online, which may be more suitable for some clients. More information about working with a therapist online can be found by visiting our online counselling page.
People seek therapy for a number of reasons – anything from long-term anxiety, recent low mood, sadness or depression, past or current relationship difficulties, and more. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to therapy. An experienced therapist will often not always tell you what you want to hear. This is not to say that therapy sessions will be confrontational, but a lot of emotions can arise when working with a therapist. This is because, oftentimes, the presenting problem is merely a symptom of deeper unresolved, and perhaps even unknown, issues. It is important to commit to ongoing therapy sessions with a trusted provider in order to invest the time and effort necessary to identify, explore, and eventually find the root causes of your issues.
Types of Therapy Provided by our Counsellors
Schema Therapy
Schema Therapy is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals understand and change deeply ingrained patterns of thought, emotion, and behaviour. It combines elements of cognitive-behavioural techniques with insights from other disciplines to address long-standing emotional difficulties.
Schema Therapy was developed in the 1990s as an evolution of traditional cognitive methods. While standard cognitive interventions focus on surface-level thoughts and behaviours, this approach delves into deeper-rooted beliefs, known as “schemas,” that often develop during childhood and continue to influence life choices and relationships into adulthood.
Schemas are broad, self-defeating patterns of perception and response that are triggered by specific situations. They are often created as a result of early experiences, particularly those involving unmet emotional needs. When left unaddressed, these patterns reinforce themselves over time, leading to ongoing challenges in daily life.
Schema Therapy is particularly useful for those who experience persistent patterns of emotional distress and relational difficulties. By addressing the underlying beliefs that contribute to these struggles, individuals can cultivate a stronger sense of self and improve their interpersonal connections.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is a powerful approach designed to help individuals explore and resolve uncertainty about making positive life changes. It encourages personal responsibility and supports individuals in strengthening their own motivation and commitment to change.
By providing a structured yet flexible framework, it facilitates open conversations that allow individuals to recognise their own potential and take ownership of their progress. This method has been widely recognised across various fields, including healthcare, counselling, coaching and education, for its effectiveness in fostering sustainable change and personal development.
Motivational Interviewing is valuable for a wide range of individuals who are facing ambivalence about change. Whether a person is looking to enhance personal growth, improve relationships, or pursue lifestyle changes, this approach provides the necessary support to build motivation and confidence. It is a particularly effective technique for those who are uncertain or hesitant about making a significant transition in their lives.
As research and practice continue to refine Motivational Interviewing, it remains a leading approach in helping individuals harness their internal motivation, break through barriers, and achieve meaningful, lasting change.
Satir Therapy
Satir Therapy is a unique and transformative approach that focuses on personal growth, effective communication, and deepening connections between individuals. This method encourages self-awareness and fosters positive change in relationships and family dynamics.
Satir Therapy is based on the belief that every individual has the potential for growth and change. It emphasises the importance of self-esteem, open communication, and emotional expression. The approach seeks to uncover deep-seated patterns and replace them with healthier ways of interacting.
A key aspect of this approach is helping individuals explore their past experiences and how these have shaped their current behaviour. By gaining insight into these influences, they can make more conscious choices in their interactions and relationships.
Satir Therapy can be applied in various areas of life, including personal development, family relationships, and professional settings. The skills and insights gained from this approach can lead to profound transformations in many aspects of an individual’s experience.
Solution Focused Brief Therapy
Solution Focused Brief Therapy is a goal-oriented approach that helps individuals harness their strengths to create positive change. It provides a structured yet flexible approach that empowers individuals to navigate challenges by focusing on strengths and achievable goals.
By shifting attention to solutions rather than problems, it fosters resilience, confidence, and a proactive mindset. Whether applied in education, professional development, or personal relationships, SFBT remains a valuable and effective approach for those seeking positive change.
Its efficiency, flexibility, and results-driven nature make it an appealing option for individuals looking to take control of their progress and shape a future defined by their own aspirations and capabilities. Its versatility across disciplines highlights its enduring relevance in promoting constructive change and resilience in individuals, families, and professional environments.
Effective communication is essential for strong family relationships, yet misunderstandings and conflicts can sometimes create barriers. Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) provides a structured yet flexible approach that helps families develop better ways to express themselves, listen actively, and work collaboratively towards positive outcomes.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy is an approach that explores how past experiences, emotions, and unconscious thoughts influence present behaviours and relationships. By delving into underlying patterns, this approach helps individuals gain insight into themselves and develop a greater understanding of their emotions. It focuses on uncovering hidden influences that shape current struggles, fostering self-awareness and emotional clarity.
This therapy differs from other approaches by taking a depth-oriented perspective, helping individuals explore the root causes of their concerns rather than just addressing immediate symptoms. It encourages long-term self-reflection and emotional growth, making it a valuable option for those seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships.
Psychodynamic Therapy provides individuals with the opportunity to reflect on past experiences and how they shape present emotions. Through guided discussions, individuals can examine unresolved conflicts, unspoken emotions, and deep-seated beliefs that may be influencing their well-being.
Through techniques such as free association, dream analysis, and exploring defence mechanisms, this approach provides individuals with the tools to navigate challenges with greater clarity and emotional resilience. Over time, it fosters a stronger connection with oneself and healthier relationships with others, making it a valuable approach for personal growth.
Dialectic Behaviour Therapy
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a specialised form of therapy designed to help individuals manage intense emotions, build resilience, and develop effective coping mechanisms. DBT has become a widely respected approach for individuals experiencing emotional distress and difficulties in interpersonal relationships.
DBT is particularly effective for individuals who experience heightened emotional sensitivity and difficulty managing their reactions to challenging situations. It is designed to support those struggling with emotional dysregulation, impulsive behaviours, and interpersonal conflicts.
This form of therapy is typically delivered through a combination of individual sessions and skills training groups. The combination of these two components allows individuals to explore personal challenges while simultaneously learning new coping strategies in a supportive environment.
During individual sessions, clients work with their therapist to apply DBT techniques to their daily lives. These sessions are personalised to address specific struggles, allowing clients to receive guidance and feedback tailored to their needs. Individual therapy also includes diary cards, where clients track their emotions, behaviours, and thoughts to identify patterns and triggers.
Gestalt Therapy
Gestalt Therapy is a holistic and experiential approach that emphasises self-awareness, personal growth, and living in the present moment. This method encourages individuals to fully experience their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours to foster greater understanding and acceptance of themselves.
Rooted in the belief that self-awareness leads to meaningful change, it empowers individuals to take ownership of their experiences and develop a more authentic connection with themselves and others. It also places a strong emphasis on direct experience rather than abstract analysis, helping individuals engage more deeply with their emotions and surroundings.
One of the most transformative aspects of Gestalt Therapy is its effectiveness in addressing internal conflicts. Many individuals experience inner struggles, where different aspects of their personality or past experiences create tension. Gestalt Therapy provides a structured way to explore these conflicts and reach a resolution.
With continued practice and integration of its techniques, individuals can experience lasting benefits, leading to greater self-confidence, improved relationships, and an enriched sense of fulfilment in their lives. The ability to live in the present, embrace emotions, and take responsibility for one’s choices ultimately leads to a life that is more aligned with one’s true self.
What are Some of the Benefits of Therapy?
There are both short-term and long-term benefits of therapy. Some benefits of therapy may include: a sense of relief or calm; a feeling of satisfaction knowing that you are dedicating time to yourself; a greater sense of self worth or purpose; or increased clarity, and ease when it comes to making decisions and resolving conflict.
Another one of the major benefits of therapy is gaining insight into negative core beliefs and doing the work to actively change these destructive thinking patterns. Negative self-talk and deeply ingrained negative core beliefs can have a significant impact on our relationship with others, and also our relationship with ourselves. If thought precedes action, then we must actively work to adjust our thinking if we want our actions, behaviours, and lives to change. This is the premise of most cognitive based therapy.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Therapy is not always easy or comfortable. A good therapist will provide you with direct and honest feedback and present you with questions and challenges – particularly if they recognise that you are engaging in unhelpful or destructive thought or behaviour patterns. It is the job of the therapist to provide these kinds of reflections from a place of kindness and support and within a safe, therapeutic environment.
Choosing the Right Therapist
Finding the right therapist can sometimes take time.
One of the easiest and most reliable methods for choosing a therapist in Chiang Mai is to look at online reviews so that you can read about different counsellors and therapists through the eyes of other people in your community. You may look for key descriptors that appeal to you like “patient, good listener, accepting, nonjudgmental, strong social and communication skills, or trusting and flexible.”
Given that therapy is a very private affair, many people may not recommend their therapist to others for the sake of their own confidentiality. This is ultimately up to the individual, but you can rest assured that any reputable and qualified therapist is ethically obligated to keep their clients and the content of their sessions 100% confidential.
Working with a therapist should be a collaborative process. Most experienced therapists offer an initial free consultation prior to any financial commitment. They may also request that you fill out a client enquiry form which will have specific questions which will determine the type of therapist that would be most suitable for you and your needs. The most important thing you can do during this initial phase (and for the duration of your work with a therapist) is to be completely honest. After all, if you are not able to be honest with your therapist, who can you be honest with?
A final point to consider is that therapists are encouraged to look after themselves as well. They should continually update their clinical skillset, and be able to effectively manage their workload and stress levels. A good therapist will do this by engaging in and receiving support from a clinical supervisor, tending to their own self-care, and participating in professional training to continue to deepen their knowledge and expand their expertise. Essentially, you want to find a therapist or counsellor that “practices what they preach,” and presents as being grounded, organised, and well-informed.
What is the Standard Duration for Therapy Sessions?
Unfortunately, it is becoming more common worldwide for therapy sessions to be as short as 45 minutes. Influencing factors for this include: cost to the client, therapist’s overheads, and possible high client demand.
At Counselling Thailand we believe that 45 minutes is simply too short of a time to provide effective therapy, so we offer both in person therapy sessions in Chiang Mai and online for other areas at an affordable price of
2,675 THAI BAHT FOR 60 MINUTES or
3,745 THAI BAHT FOR 90 MINUTES.
Ninety percent of our clients choose ninety-minute therapy sessions over sixty-minute sessions particularly for couples therapy or the first individual session.
As a registered Thai Limited Company, we are able to provide tax / VAT invoices, and subsidies may also be available for those who are employed in Thailand through an EAP (Employee Assistance Programme). Please contact us for more information regarding this.
How to Arrange Your First Therapy Appointment?
At Counselling Thailand, we understand the importance of finding the right therapist for addressing your concerns and needs. That’s why we offer a free initial 15 minute consultation for individuals and 30 minutes for couples and families before booking your first therapy appointment.
First, complete our online client enquiry form. This will give a little extra information to help us select whom we believe the most suitable therapist would be and then we can email you a list of available appointment times for the free initial call.
During this consultation, we will discuss your specific situation and determine whether our approach aligns with your needs. We will also answer any questions you may have. If you decide to proceed with counselling, we can then schedule the first full session(s) at a mutually convenient time.
If you have any questions before booking the free initial call you can either visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page, or mention these whilst completing the online enquiry form.
How to get Started
At Counselling Thailand, we understand the importance of finding the right therapist for addressing your concerns and needs. That’s why we offer a free initial 15 minute consultation for individuals and 30 minutes for couples and families before booking your first therapy appointment.
First, complete our online client enquiry form. This will give a little extra information to help us select whom we believe the most suitable therapist would be and then we can email you a list of available appointment times for the free initial call.
During this consultation, we will discuss your specific situation and determine whether our approach aligns with your needs. We will also answer any questions you may have. If you decide to proceed with counselling, we can then schedule the first full session(s) at a mutually convenient time.
If you have any questions before booking the free initial call you can either visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page, or mention these whilst completing the online enquiry form.