Turning to a psychologist is not a sign of weakness, but a brave, responsible step towards yourself. With the help of the right professional, we can understand not just the symptoms, but also how we function inside – and that is the real key to change.

This article is about when it is worth turning to a psychologist, what kind of problems you can visit one with, how to find the most suitable professional for yourself, and what exactly happens during psychological counseling.

• A psychologist helps you to understand yourself better and to find your own solutions that actually work.

• It is worth turning to a psychologist not only with severe emotional and mental problems, but also with general life blocks and difficulties in making decisions.

• A lot depends on choosing the right professional, but luckily there are a few reliable reference points that can help you decide – you will find all of these in this article.

Who are psychologists? 

A psychologist is a professional who studies psychology at university for at least five years, attains a qualification as a “certified psychologist”, and in many cases specializes further for additional years in a specific field (e.g. clinical psychologist, counseling psychologist, sports psychologist, sexual psychologist). 

Parallel to university courses, they can also participate in several other trainings, which are called method-specific trainings. These are the therapeutic techniques, methodologies, counseling frameworks, and perspectives with which the psychologist can later work during the sessions. 

A psychologist, therefore, is not a "paid friend", a "soul searcher", or a "conversation partner", but a scientifically trained professional who provides professional support in case of emotional, mental, or life-management difficulties.

A good psychologist doesn’t give you ready-made recipes, but helps you in a personalized way to find your own answers and solutions. They ask questions, listen, reflect – and always build on cooperation. 

The best professionals are empathetic, professionally prepared, well-versed in multiple methodologies, open, and authentic. 

They pay attention so that their own personal experiences does not influence them. They pay attention to their own self-awareness and mental well-being, and are aware of their own weaknesses and blind spots, which they consciously manage during their work with clients.

Do you know where psychology comes from?

Even before our era, people were curious about why we are all different. How is it possible that we can feel, think, and act in so many different ways?! Why do we interpret the same situation differently, and why do we react to the stimuli around us in different ways?!

Ancient Greek philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates already started thinking about the questions above thousands of years ago. Hippocrates, the "father of medicine", created the personality typology in the 5th century B.C., which categorizes our temperament into four different types based on the dominance of bodily fluids found in humans, as he believed that the body and mind are connected:

• sanguine (blood): warm, cheerful, lively temperament

• melancholic (black bile): dark, heavy, gloomy temperament

• choleric (yellow bile): hot, fast, active temperament

• phlegmatic (phlegm): slow, cool temperament

“Conversation” or a field of science?

Later on, the development of natural sciences greatly facilitated the formation of scientific psychology, which we have kept on record since then as a field of science separating from philosophy. In Europe, the start of modern psychological science dates back to 1879, when Wilhelm Wundt founded the first laboratory dealing exclusively with psychological research at Leipzig University. A little later in America, in 1890, the first book written by a psychology professor was published, and in 1892, the American Psychological Association was also established.

The Hungarian Psychoanalytic Society was founded on May 19, 1913, by Sándor Ferenczi, a neurologist who also followed the work of Freud and Jung. The editor-in-chief of the popular literary journal "Nyugat" was a member of the association, so even back then, numerous articles on psychological topics came to light in the columns of the paper. This brings us to the present day, when psychology not only plays a central role in the daily life of research centers, but its presence is also key in many areas of everyday life.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist graduated from medical school and completed a psychiatric specialization. They have the right to prescribe medication and can also provide a medical diagnosis. If a psychiatrist has completed psychotherapist training, they can also conduct psychotherapy with patients. 

A psychologist, however, does not work with medication, but with counseling and therapeutic methods based on conversation, and they may not diagnose – with the exception of clinical specialists. They can make a diagnosis, but they cannot prescribe medication either, as they are not medical doctors. 

It is important to make a distinction between a psychologist and other helping professions as well:

• Coach: helps you achieve specific goals, but does not deal with deeper emotional causes.

• Mentor: offers advice based on personal experience, without playing the role of a trained psychologist.

• Trainer: develops skills, does not focus on individual problems.

When you come across titles like self-awareness coach/trainer/mentor, psychological assistant, candidate psychologist, psychological consultant, mental trainer etc., please be aware that the given professional is NOT a psychologist, has not participated in university psychology training either in Hungary or abroad, and is not authorized to conduct counseling or therapeutic processes.

With what kind of problems can I turn to a psychologist?

Psychological counseling can help you see yourself more realistically, strengthen your self-confidence, and consciously build your relationships. There are slow-developing blocks and sudden crises alike – it is worth asking for help with either, because the burdens can be shared, and coping skills can be developed. 

Easing the burden of family and relationship problems is also much simpler with the help of a professional than by turning to other, potentially destructive alternative solutions. A wonderful opportunity for this can be couples therapy or family therapy, where improvement can be achieved not just alone, but by involving the entire system.

However, a professional can offer help not only with life blocks, but also when the trouble is bigger. Mood disorders (e.g., depression), anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder), sexual dysfunctions, and a series of personality disorders can make our relationship with ourselves and with other important people difficult, impair our social skills, and negatively affect our performance at work. 

Besides adults, psychological support is also available for kids and adolescents; in these cases, it is best to turn to a professional suited to their age. 

Some common topics:

• anxiety, panic, depression

• self-esteem issues, lack of self-confidence

• relationship difficulties

• parenting questions, the role of a parent

• burnout, workplace stress

• life blocks, decision-making situations

• loss, grief, trauma

• emotional reasons behind physical symptoms

When is it worth seeing a psychologist?

Your psychologist can help you in the most diverse life situations, becoming your true confidant during the counseling process. If you feel that something is making your daily life difficult for an extended period – in your thinking, feelings, relationships, or functioning – it is worth paying attention to that.

Warning signs can be:

• frequent anxiety, irritability, tension

• sleep problems, eating disorders

• recurring negative thoughts

• feeling of loneliness, isolation

• lack of motivation

• prolonged grief or experience of loss

• problems that return again and again

What's the best way of choosing a psychologist?

You can choose a psychologist based on many different aspects; there is no single guaranteed method. Personal recommendation can be a great starting point, but it is important to know that what worked for someone else might not be right for you – we are different people with different personalities. Besides, it is important to avoid situations where the psychologist already knows you through others, as this can affect the process.

Many people decide based on practical factors – like distance or price – but these alone are not enough. It is important to consider the psychologist's qualifications, methodology, areas of interest, and how much you feel a potential connection with them, that certain therapeutic chemistry. 

Choosing based on age or gender is often based on heuristics:
- someone older is more experienced and therefore a better professional;
- women are more empathetic, soft, and understanding – but these can be misleading. 

For example, it could also be that an older psychologist has worked in a completely different field until now, recently dusted off their degree, and only recently started working with clients, meaning they are just as much of a beginner as someone who graduated last year. 

We also have no knowledge of any empirical study proving that female psychologists are more empathetic or close therapeutic processes more successfully than men.

So there is no single "ultimate tip", but what we know for sure really matters is the first impression, personal liking, and how safe and understood you feel with the given professional.

How much does psychological counseling cost?

The price of psychological counseling can depend on several factors: such as the psychologist's experience, specialization, qualifications, the type of counseling (individual, couples, family therapy), and whether the session takes place in person or online.

• The average fee for an individual psychological counseling session in Hungary today ranges between 15,000 HUF and 30,000 HUF.

• The average fee for a couples therapy session is between 30,000 HUF and 50,000 HUF.

• The average fee for an online psychological counseling session starts from 12,000 HUF.

There are also options where free or discounted counseling can be used, for example through foundations, specialized services, and training clinics linked to university programs. These often come with longer waiting times and do not always offer continuous, long-term support, but they can be a good starting point for those who cannot afford private care. Everyone can get more precise information from the territorially responsible local care facilities.

It is important to keep in mind that therapy is not a one-time event, but a process. It is worth choosing a solution that is sustainable for you in the long run – whether with weekly or biweekly meetings.

How does psychotherapy work?

The goal of the first counseling session is to find out if you want to and can work together. The most important thing is whether trust and a so-called "therapeutic chemistry" develop between you – this is the foundation of good cooperation. The psychologist will inform you about the frameworks, functioning, rules of the joint work, and together you will define the terms of your agreement.

This session is also a kind of getting-to-know-each-other: the psychologist may ask about your past experiences and the background of your current problem to get a picture of you. 

You don’t have to share everything right away, and don’t expect an instant solution either – the first session is more about sensing if you are in the right place and if you can imagine working together.

If the harmony is there, the regular work can start: you meet weekly or biweekly, and step by step you unpack what is worth understanding, processing, and rebuilding.

Psychotherapy is not magic – but if it works, it can start deep changes that affect your life in the long run.

Psychologist finder in Budapest in-person and online

At the Tabuk Villája Psychology Center, we are available at two locations in Budapest as well as online. Among our experienced psychologists working in many different specialties, you will surely find the one with whom you can work well together:

• broad coverage of specialties

• flexible hours, online possibilities

• transparent prices, simple booking

• a safe, welcoming atmosphere

• continuous professional self-development

• daily internal professional support: supervision, intervision, workshops

Whether you are looking for a solution to a specific problem or starting a longer journey of self-awareness, you can take the first step with us safely and with professional support. Let's start the change together, because it is always easier together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can a psychologist help with?

They provide support with emotional, relationship, mood, and life-management difficulties, developing self-awareness, and managing mental disorders.

How much does a psychologist consultation cost?

The price of private sessions usually ranges between 18,000–30,000 HUF for a 50-minute individual session, but this can vary depending on the psychologist's specialty and experience.

Is there such a thing as a free psychologist?

Yes, free or discounted psychological counseling is available at foundations, specialized services, schools, or university practice clinics.

What makes a good psychologist?

An empathetic, prepared, reliable professional with whom you feel safe and whom you can trust.

Which Hungarian universities offer psychology programs?

Psychology can be studied in Hungary at ELTE, PPKE, KRE, DE, PTE, and SZTE, among others.

Who is the most famous psychologist in the world?

For the general public, Sigmund Freud is the most well-known name, who became world-famous by founding psychoanalysis.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

A psychologist is a professional with a university degree in humanities, while a psychiatrist is a medical specialist authorized to prescribe medication. To process our mental problems, it is worth turning to a psychologist (beside which medication can be a good complement), because the majority of psychiatrists rarely conduct classic therapy.

Is psychology a recognized science?

Yes, modern psychology is a scientifically recognized field that works with strict research methodologies, statistical measurements, and biological knowledge.

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