Could anyone recommend a good burnout psychologist in Zurich?
We would need him/her to speak English.
It's the first time we require this kind of help, so we are a bit lost.
thank you so much
marina
Hello,
First, why do you think you need a 'burnout specialist'? Psychology isn't such a wide discipline that you'd need this sort of specialism.
Second, have you tried asking your doctor? It's probably a function of having grown up on the UK and being used to always having to use your GP as the port of first call, but IME here it's also usually the best way to start. And sometimes essential if you want your health insurance to pay (depending on your exact policy, of course).
Even the Migros Fitness Park has courses on burnout!!
How bad is the burnout? is it just starting or is it very bad?
Burnout is nothing but a trendy name for depression. All psychologists are qualified to handle it.
All qualified to help? Yes. With the exception of those who don't speak English.
The OP is asking for an English speaking psychologist by recommendation.
OP,
I also agree with Ace 1, you should first consult a doctor here, if only for insurance purposes (unless you have already done this).
Burnout? Jeez my first thought was fat tires, oil on the road, front brakes on full and gunning the engine.
Thanks to all for your replies!
Sorry, maybe the word "specialist" wasn't appropriate. I am not native English speaker so it might mean something different.
We don't have a GP (family doctor) here (we moved to Zurich 2 years ago) as we have never really needed one.
We have a good insurance cover, so I don't worry about that.
As TidakApa says, burnout refers to depression, but most particularly the one induced by work stress.
If we are asking for help, it is because it has reached a level in which we DO need professional help, as it is threatening both professional and private life.
I don't believe all doctors/psychologists are the same, so if you have any strong recommendation (any of u has been to one, or knows someone that has) we will be very happy to take it.
I have done a google search and I am waiting for some replies.
thank you
Sounds like you do now. Seriously, it'll be worthwhile. All else apart, if you need time off work a psychologist will not be able to sign you off. I had a couple of months off not so many years ago, when my GP diagnosed 'exhaustion'. Didn't need a psychologist, just some time to restore health and energy. A GP will be in quite a good position to suggest whether you need counselling or just a break - my recommendation would be the latter if possible, especially over the summer period
Hi,
I'm afraid I can't give you a personal recommendation (not my area of Switzerland), but just as a piece of advice...
You need to see a psychiatrist, not a psychologist, at least in the first instance.
This is because basic health insurance will only cover treatment by a psychologist if they are being overseen by a psychiatrist. It will not cover a private psychologist.
You have two choices. You can find a psychiatrist practising in their own clinic, who may or may not send you to a psychologist working under them. Or you can contact your local psychiatric outpatient clinic and ask to see a psychiatrist. This was the route recommended to me by my GP when I needed to see a psychiatrist.
Another advantage of a psychiatrist is that they are more likely to speak English to a high enough standard to permit treatment in that language. I have met a fair number of psychiatrists in my time here (in hospital mainly), and all of them spoke some English and several of them spoke fluent English - my psychiatrist treats me in English. I have also worked with several psychologists on CBT programmes and for assessment purposes, and none of them spoke English to a sufficient level to treat me in English.
According to my psychiatrist, Switzerland is one of the few countries in the world where psychiatric training covers therapeutic aspects as well as diagnosis-and-prescription-of-medication. So whereas in the UK (for example) you would see a psychiatrist to get your medication and then be followed by a psychologist for the actual talking therapy, here a psychiatrist is more likely to do both.
I hope that helps. Sorry I can't point you in any specific direction.
And I always thought is was something I did with my cars and bikes!
Tom
Especially since it mentioned a "specialist"!
Tom
There is a very good burnout clinic in kloten, but don't know if they speak English.
Thank you Vlh22 very much for your complete answer. We have private medical insurance that covers psychologist (I have checked with them). But your advice makes sense.
And to all the others too... (Ace1: we have tried the break... but it's effect last too little) )
As for st2lemans (Tom), I will tell my husband to come on the forum and maybe discuss with you about bikes... he loves riding ))))
So maybe I should start again:
Any recommendation for a great GP in Zurich (it will anyway turn very useful one day), that would direct us (in case of need) to a psychiatrist (and then eventually to a psychologist)?
thanks again
For a GP I'd recommend Dr Angela Caddick - she's English speaking and near to Belle Vue.
This is not entirely true. A GP can also prescribe a psychologist treatment and it is refunded by the health insurance.
In any case, it's recommended to see a GP first as he/she will be usually available at short notice and can also prescribe sick leave in case of exhaustion.
Perhaps the rules have changed... my information was based on what my psychiatrist told me. Or perhaps what she meant was that only psychologists working under psychiatrists are covered by health insurance...
Apologies for any confusion. I'm only passing on what I was told!
This may be not very far from the truth. Psychiatrists are doctors, whereas not all psychologists are.
A certain set of rules has to be met by the psychologist in order to qualify their treatments for insurance returns. The GP will surely know how to do this optimally.
thanks to all for your kind help and comments!
marina
It might be worth going to the Burnout Beratungsstelle next to Sihl City. I gather that they can be quite helpful. But I am not sure if everyone speaks English there. You could ring and ask them. 043 817 68 11.