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Psychologists and psychiatrists?

A question for psychologists, social workers, counsellors, therapists, psychiatrists and others.?

  • I'm currently a sophomore in University, and I'm majoring in Psychology. I aspire to someday become a practicing psychologist, and I suspect that it is my ideal profession. The way I see it, being a psychologist is something like being a teacher--teaching people on a one-to-one level how to understand themselves and live their lives so that they can be happy. I also get this sneaking suspicion that there are a lot of not-so-good psychologists in the field, and I think I could become one who really changes people's lives. For anyone with a career in the psychology field, what's it like? How does it feel? What does your job consist of? What are the pros and cons? Is it what you expected? Thanks.

  • Answer:

    I guess I am just like you! I like to change people's lives, even if it's a little (some things can't be rushed!) The not-so-good psychologists suggest getting paid to keep people's little secrets from their future employers, or whoever. There may be more unscrupulous but I can't be sure! My job consists of getting all of the required information - the more, the better. I also need to look at people's family backgrounds, understand how they were raised, etc. A small "problem" may be a "bigger issue" for some people, so I try to look at things from all angles, from all walks-of-life, from all cultures. Asking seemingly stupid questions may, sometimes be vital in understanding people better (I do this all the time, sometimes it irritates others! lol) Listening and getting the information is crucial before analysing if it is a psychological problem at all. No, sometimes the result is unexpected...you do not know when a "client" suddenly decides to stop seeing you, with or without informing you. You simply try your best and sometimes, that's all that matters. For me, I would say there are more pros than cons. Go after what inspires you deeply and you will get far, because you can only be excellent in what you have sincere passion in. :)

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I have been there and did that as a practising psychologist. Academia is useless if you have a free-mind and REALLY want to help people. Try a stint in a shelter if you want/need a challenge against the MAN.

Steve S

It feels great. I love telling people that they are schmucks and worry too much. Strap a laser to your head and play with some kittens, I tell them.

x

Steve could not be more right. If you genuinely want to HELP people, seek work in Social Care. It baffles me how young people with little or no life experience expect to "teach" people how to live their lives. What gives you the right to think that? People in distress or who need extra care do not need to be told how to understand themselves. They need to be listened to and supported in whatever choices they make. You don't help people by just telling them what to do. Your zealousness is commendable but remember your opinion is just your opinion. There are so many different approaches in Psychology that confict with each other.

rondavous

Psychology is a huge field. what aspect are you interested in?

a_psychologist

Hello I am not in the field but I would like to comment on the issue of good and bad therapists. Like any profession you will have some bad ones that make you wonder how they even made it through school. But as I was told by a physician one day. What do you call the person that just barely makes it through Med School? Doctor. Really makes you think. He also told me that half the graduates, graduated in the BOTTOM half of the class. Obviously but still food for thought. And everything goes back to the basic minimum standard of care. No laws say that all professionals must be flawless, but there is a very high, "minimum" standard to be kept. As with any job if you love what you do you won't mind the occaisional bad things that come with all occupations. It seems that you are really into this for the right reasons and not just for money. Knowing that you should do well and you need not worry about the little things. :o) Jerry

navyhm1983

It is a great field to be involved in, and the scope is HUGE. You can work in so many fields and specialities. I would suggest you don't worry about it too much a focus on getting your basic studies behind you. As you study you will be exposed to many of these fields and you will get a clearer sense of exactly what you want to do. For me - I cannot imagine doing anything else.

shakespear

I am a student studying psychology, counselling, and my views about your question are that counsellors, psychologists is that we help our clients to achieve their goals, we are nothing like teachers. We do not tell our clients what to do. It is a very rewarding profession and i'm sure as you say in your question that you could really change people's live for the best!!! Go for it!!!! GOODLUCK

cashion_heather

Well, it is truly a humbling experience to cure people of whatever problems they have. Sometimes they just need someone to talk to. Another plus is that you become a really patient person and you get to gain a lot of depth. And as you see them over a period of time, you become really close to them and you gain this unadulterated joy is seeing them improve week after week. The cons is that you have to balance between family and work life. somtimes your patients doesnt really cooperate with you so they may take a little time to ease up to you. Hope that helps.

nightflowerphil

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