A psychiatrist is a physician, medical doctor, that specializes in patients with temporary or chronic mental health issues.  They provide the best treatment options and care with compassion and patience.  A psychiatrist may prescribe medication (unlike a psychologist) when counseling and therapy have been ineffective or as a temporary measure until the patient is stable.  Psychiatry deals with mental disorders that originate in the brain, but they do not treat organic disorders like stroke, tumors, or epilepsy.  Sometimes behavioral issues appear that have an organic origin and a psychiatrist will be able to diagnose the difference.
 
In psychiatry the treatment options can vary depending on the success of the psychotherapy and medications.  It can also depend on the amount of social and emotional support received from friends and family members.  With progress, the medication can be reduced and therapy sessions adjusted.  If relapse occurs, it may be necessary to move to new treatment options or to resume some of the therapy sessions.
 
In addition to basic psychology, the psychiatrist must understand the medications available, as well as side effects and reliance on those drugs.  Many conditions can be treated without medication interventions.
 
Some mental illnesses or conditions are mild or temporary; some are severe and chronic.  Depression is one of those conditions that may run the gamut of severity.  Finding the cause of an illness can be critical to therapy.  For example, mild depression many be the result of a recent tragic event, like the death of a spouse and can be handled with appropriate psychological techniques.  Anxiety frequently involves a phobia (fear) in certain situations and can greatly affect a person's ability to act, such as a fear of flying can affect that person's career.  This is generally handled through psychological counseling and occasionally with medication depending on the degree of fear and the cause.
 
More severe cases are those people who suffer from hallucinations, delusions, and schizophrenia.  Through medications and treatment options many of these patients are able to function in normal situations.  Much of the result depends on accurate diagnosis and therapy to allow the individual to cope with the disorder.
 
Other disorders treated by psychiatrists are:

• Bipolar
• Trauma related conditions
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive
• Sleep disorder
• Substance abuse
• Other personality disorders

 
It may take more than a single visit to diagnose the condition or disorder.  After that time, a plan of treatment is initiated.
 
Mental health issues have a wide range of causes and severity.  It is not always necessary to see a psychiatrist.  Sometimes the issues can be resolved through group discussion and therapy or other counseling.
 
Basically, a psychiatrist will assess mental and physical symptoms and help develop a plan for the treatment and recovery.  They can:

• Provide urgent care for sudden onset
• Help manage long-term illnesses
• Advise on lifestyle
• Work with you individually, as a group, or with others
• Provide second opinions
• Refer to other health care providers
• Admit someone to in-patient care

 

Transference is the shift of emotional involvement from one entity (person) to another.  This is usually focused on one important person in the patient's life to another.  Commonly it happens when the patient expresses feelings toward the therapist instead of to someone else (like a parent, significant other, etc.).  Although it is primarily the shift of emotions from one person to another, it could also involve an inanimate object. 
 
An example might be a person whose parent was critical of the patient's actions as a child or even as an adult.  If the therapist makes some remark that the patient interprets as judgmental, the patient becomes angry at the therapist, applying the emotions the patient would like to express to the parent.
 
In theory this can happen in everyday activities.  For instance, the formation of an unlikely friendship based on a perception of the other party to a close family member.  Like a person who treats a boss like a parent because of a physical or, more likely, emotional response. 
 
In therapeutic situations, transference can occur both positively and negatively.  Positive would be when a patient assumes the therapist has a specific characteristic, like wisdom.  Under normal circumstances, this will work to the therapist's benefit in being able to influence a change in behavior.  Negative is if the patient becomes angry with or suspicious of the therapist. 
 
Sexual transference occurs when the patient applies a romantic fantasy to the relationship between the therapist and the patient.  This can expand into sexual fantasies, which can become more intense and problematic.
 
When a therapist recognizes transference, he or she will use approved methods to point out the transference to the patient.  This includes the terminology (words used to describe the transference), relationship between the therapist and the client, and level of trust.  The therapist may consider this an opportunity to discuss the dynamics of a relationship.  However, if the transference begins to indicate a threat, either through anger or sexual interest, the therapist will carefully but completely manage the situation.
 
There are names for the more common types of transference.

• Paternal – When the client looks to another person as a father figure either idealized or as a position of power or protection.
• Maternal – When the patient treats another person as a mother figure for nurture and comfort.
• Sibling – In the absence of a parental relationship, this comes forward as a team-based relationship.
• Non-familial – This is when the client views a profession in an idealized manner.  Examples include a surgeon that never makes a mistake, a business owner who would never embezzle, or a pastor who would never sin.
• Sexualized – As mentioned previously, this is when a patient forms an unwarranted attraction to the therapist that can become detrimental to the therapist-patient relationship and the progress of the client.

 
Transference is when an individual redirects strong emotion from one person to another.  This is generally an unconscious process and often stems from childhood relationships or activities.

Experienced psychiatrists and counselors can recognize transference if it happens between patient and therapist and reduce or help reverse its effect on your therapeutic relationship with them. 

Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress.  It is your body's physical and emotional reactions to situations in which you are uncomfortable, like taking an examination or a job interview.  However when it becomes persistent or overwhelming, it is time to seek professional help.

Counselor
A licensed professional counselor is a masters level professional trained specifically for talk therapy.  They will experience a significant amount of book learning, followed by a clinical practicum.  Many will develop advanced techniques in specialized types of therapy.
 
Psychologist
A psychologist is a licensed professional at the doctorate level that provides counseling and advanced testing.  Testing can be extensive and quite specialized.  Some perform educational evaluations or neuropsychological evaluations.  Individual testing for IQ and personality issues can also be performed.  Most states do not allow psychologists to prescribe medications, including Texas.
 
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor whose specialty is in mental illnesses.  This is a licensed professional that can provide  counseling as well as prescribe medications.  Psychiatrists complete a bachelors degree, followed by 4 years of medical school, and then at least 4 additional years specializing in psychiatry.  This is the most extensive level of training regarding medications that treat mental illness.
  
Good preparation is key to any visit with a mental health professional.  Take the time to make a list of how you feel especially if you can identify triggers.  List how long you have felt this way.  Include a list of questions you have.  How is this issue effecting your life at work, home, personal relationships, social situations, etc.  Include a list of all medications you are taking including over the counter, dosages and when they are taken (like twice, morning and night).
 
Make a separate list of things you consume that are not medication related.  This includes coffee or other caffeinated drinks, tobacco including vaping, alcohol, illicit drugs even recreationally, and any foods that contain large amounts of anything like sugar or salt.
 
There are a number of disorders that can be identified and treated:

• General – This is when you feel anxious or stressed for no real reason.
• Panic – This is a sudden, intense reaction that can include a rapid heartbeat, sweating, or difficulty breathing.
• Social Anxiety – This is when you have difficulty when in common social situations including meetings, parties, or other, even small, gatherings.  It usually includes a feeling of inadequacy or not fitting in.
• Medication – Withdrawal from some medications or illegal drugs can be a source of extreme anxiety.

 
There are other disorders that can be diagnosed and treated.  Some of them are more specific to children like separation anxiety or mutism.  Seeking help from a qualified, licensed professional can be the answer to the problems.  You do not need to live your life in a consistently anxious state.  Seek the help you need today.
 

​Emotional Intelligence can be learned and developed through the application of specific strategies. 

• Reactions – How do you react to other people?  Think about your biases (we all have them).  Do you prejudge before you have all the information?  When you try to empathize, put yourself in their position.  You may be more able to accept their ideas and actions.
• Work – While it is nice to be humble about your accomplishments, you can still be confident in your ability to continue to produce good output in quality and speed.  Your confidence will reflect your ability to continue.  There is no need to brag.  Be sure to give credit to others when due; if it was a team effort, name them.
• Weaknesses – Everyone has downsides.  Recognize them in yourself.  If it is something you can change, do.  If not simply admit you are not perfect.
• Stress – Everyone deals with stress in their own ways.  Sometimes we get angry or blame others.  Sometimes it is no one's fault; it just happens.  Attempting to stay as calm as possible is a benefit to all around you.
• Responsibility – Assuming responsibility for your own actions is a sign of maturity.  If you have wronged someone, apologize honestly. 
• Actions – Think through your actions, especially those that will affect others.  If you follow the “golden rule,” you will make the best decision.

 
People who understand themselves have a high degree of emotional intelligence.  The more realistic we are about ourselves, strengths and weaknesses, the better we are able to empathize and manage our relationships with other people.  
 
Employers are paying more attention to EQ in their hiring and promotions.  They are seeking people who are:

• Self Aware – They are willing to be honest with themselves and work on target areas to improve.  It is important to recognize limitations and where we can best help others.
• Self Regulated – These people have great impulse control.  They have emotions but don't let them get out of control.  They think through a situation, especially a difficult one, to make the best decision possible.  They are comfortable with change; they have integrity; they are able to say no when appropriate.
• Motivated – They can see the big picture.  They are not concerned with immediate success but can recognize the long game and wait for results.  They are productive and enjoy a challenge.
• Empathetic – They are able to understand the feelings of others and act appropriately.  They are good listeners.
• Socially Active – They are easy to talk with and have good manners and ability to fit into different types of groups.  They have successful relationships with others in many different walks of life.

 
If you are interested in becoming more successful especially in business relationships, perhaps you should consider improving your EQ.  It will take some work but will be worth it in the long run for both your employment status and for your own well being.
Your therapist or psychiatrist can also give you tips on how to develop these skills for daily use.