Psychology Blog – Reflections from Bangkok

Over the past two decades, bipolar disorder has shifted from being a relatively rare psychiatric diagnosis to one that is applied with increasing frequency. What was once understood primarily as severe manic–depressive illness is now often framed as a broad “bipolar spectrum,” used to describe everything from mood swings and irritability to changes in energy, motivation, and sleep.

In Strictly Bipolar, psychoanalyst Darian Leader argues that this expansion reflects a clinical and conceptual problem: the modern bipolar label has become too elastic, too detached from meaning, and — in many cases — misleading.

Diagnosis without context

A major target of Leader’s critique is checklist-based diagnosis. Symptoms can be counted and treated as evidence on their own, rather than understood in the context of a person’s history, relationships, and inner life.

Why overdiagnosis can be harmful

When different forms of suffering are collapsed into the same diagnosis, treatment can become standardised. This may lead to medication-first approaches without adequate exploration of loss, trauma, or unconscious conflict — and it can shape how people understand themselves.

Related reading: Overdiagnosis, ADHD, and attachment and our guide: How to Find a Good Therapist in Bangkok.

In recent years, ADHD has become one of the most common diagnostic explanations for attention, motivation, and emotional regulation difficulties. But diagnostic popularity can sometimes outpace clinical precision.

This post looks at how ADHD can be over-attributed in some cases, how attachment and relational stress can produce similar symptoms, and why careful clinical listening matters more than a label.

Read the full article here: Overdiagnosis, ADHD, and attachment

Bangkok is slowly becoming a hub for mental health and personal development. Therapy, counselling, and coaching are increasingly available in English. With so many people offering similar services, it can be hard to know who is properly trained — and who isn’t.

1) Understanding Qualifications in Thailand

The titles “psychologist”, “counsellor” and “therapist” aren't regulated, so it’s possible to advertise therapy or counselling without a formal degree in psychology. Foreign psychologists cannot obtain a Thai psychologist license, but they can work legally via an official work permit. Work permits are granted on the basis of recognized qualifications and a verified employer. A valid work permit is therefore a practical sign that someone is qualified and authorized to practice in their field.

2) The Importance of Proper Training

Therapy rests on years of academic study and supervised clinical experience. When choosing a therapist, check where they trained and what qualification they hold. Prefer:

• A degree in psychology, clinical psychology, or counselling psychology.
• Education from a recognized university with a reputable psychology program.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development (supervision, workshops, additional certificates).

Good therapy combines empathy with a deep understanding of the mind and clear ethical boundaries.

3) Five Simple Questions to Ask

• What is your educational background and where did you train?
• How long have you been practicing?
• Do you hold a work permit in Thailand?
• What approach do you typically use in therapy?
• How do you handle confidentiality?

Qualified professionals answer these openly — transparency is a good sign you’re in safe hands.

4) Don’t Forget Personal Fit

Credentials matter, but so does feeling understood. After your first session, ask yourself: did I feel heard and taken seriously? Did their explanations make sense? Trust, professionalism, and warmth are essential.

5) How Bangkok Psychology Works

At Bangkok Psychology, all therapists are university-trained psychologists with international experience and valid Thai work permits based on their qualifications. We provide individual and couples therapy, in person and online, within a confidential and supportive setting. Since 2015, we’ve helped both locals and expatriates access qualified, English-speaking therapy in Bangkok.

6) In Summary

Bangkok offers many routes to support — start with proper training. Look for a degree from a trusted university and legal authorization to practice in Thailand. It’s the simplest way to protect your wellbeing and ensure your therapy is safe and effective.

Artificial intelligence has entered areas of life that once seemed beyond its reach. From composing essays to generating images, AI can now simulate conversations with surprising fluency. It is tempting to imagine: could AI serve as a therapist?

The idea has appeal. An AI is always available, never tired, never judgmental. Yet what looks promising on the surface reveals important limits when compared with human therapy.

Therapy is not only about words exchanged. It is about the presence of another human being.