6 answers
Anthony
Student
1
Question
Updated
2343 views
What is the hardest part of becoming a psychologist?
What is the hardest part of becoming a psychologist? I want to know because I’m in middle school and I’m curious about how this would be as career for the future?
Login to comment
6 answers
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Anthony,
Being a therapist comes with its advantages and disadvantages. I will create a list for you to think about. Best of luck to you!
Advantages:
-Helping others through different situations
-Rewarding due to progress of clients
-Flexible job(Depends on where you work)
-Good job security
-Constantly learning and growing
Disadvantages:
-Can be very emotionally taxing/emotionally fatiguing
-Managing strict ethical boundaries
-Professional isolation
-Self doubt/performance
-Burnout
Being a therapist comes with its advantages and disadvantages. I will create a list for you to think about. Best of luck to you!
Advantages:
-Helping others through different situations
-Rewarding due to progress of clients
-Flexible job(Depends on where you work)
-Good job security
-Constantly learning and growing
Disadvantages:
-Can be very emotionally taxing/emotionally fatiguing
-Managing strict ethical boundaries
-Professional isolation
-Self doubt/performance
-Burnout
Conrad Sieber
Educator and psychologist
3
Answers
Davis, California
Updated
Conrad’s Answer
You need to be committed to doing a doctoral program that lasts 4-5 years and then a full time paid internship. I loved my PhD and internship programs because I loved learning about psychology applied to solving human problems.
It's important to know if you can commit to this kind of lengthy training which may mean moves to a doctoral program and then internship and first job and licensure. So for me I began by learning I enjoyed studying psychology as an undergrad and enjoyed having paraprofessional counseling experiences and that I was capable of doing original research for my dissertation. In other words the challenge is to know if a PhD in psychology is of interest to you and you can sustain that interest over a fairly lengthy training and education period in which other life goals are on hold.
It's important to know if you can commit to this kind of lengthy training which may mean moves to a doctoral program and then internship and first job and licensure. So for me I began by learning I enjoyed studying psychology as an undergrad and enjoyed having paraprofessional counseling experiences and that I was capable of doing original research for my dissertation. In other words the challenge is to know if a PhD in psychology is of interest to you and you can sustain that interest over a fairly lengthy training and education period in which other life goals are on hold.
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Anthony!
In the study of Psychology, many people shy away from the mathematics [statistics] because some of these statistical tests seem like they are unnecessary! Most of us understand the normal distribution, but the plethora of possible statistical tests is mind-blowing. The other issue is the continued treatment of patients with mental problems. Another problem is the massive volume of work that some people have to do.
This can lead to neurological burnout. Solicitors and medical specialists often experience this because they stay back late to complete their work. This leads to relationship stress. Another issue is the stress a profession can place on the family unit, particularly if the pay is low. These demands on these professionals, just complicates the issue. So, we have psychologists needing to seek mental health treatment.
GOD BLESS!
In the study of Psychology, many people shy away from the mathematics [statistics] because some of these statistical tests seem like they are unnecessary! Most of us understand the normal distribution, but the plethora of possible statistical tests is mind-blowing. The other issue is the continued treatment of patients with mental problems. Another problem is the massive volume of work that some people have to do.
This can lead to neurological burnout. Solicitors and medical specialists often experience this because they stay back late to complete their work. This leads to relationship stress. Another issue is the stress a profession can place on the family unit, particularly if the pay is low. These demands on these professionals, just complicates the issue. So, we have psychologists needing to seek mental health treatment.
GOD BLESS!
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Anthony !
Just because one student finds something difficult doesn't mean that you would have any problems or difficulty with the same thing. You will never avoid any career by asking about the challenges because preparing for a career is a unique and individual experience that only you can choose. Being a Psychologist is sort of a calling and for individuals that have an interest in human behavior beyond the average person. It's best to come to terms with why you feel driven to go into the mental health field and not evaluate other people's difficulties with the profession.
Advisor Shay makes a very good point. You should evaluate the education process for becoming a Psychologist. It is rigorous and deep, so first explore what you'd need to do to become a Psychologist. If the academic path seems acceptable to you, you may have chosen the right career. It usually is six years to go for a Bachelors and a Masters Degree and none of it should be rushed, short cut or overloaded. Take the entire six years for this career study. Some states do require a Doctorate Degree to practice as a Psychologist, so if you are in the U.S., find out if your state requires a Doctorate Degree.
What you would mostly be doing as a Psychologist would be assessing and testing for cognitive disabilities and providing clinical therapy for patients with mental illness. You also may have some patients that have sensory disabilities like, those from the Deaf Community, people who are blind, developmentally disabled. and learning disabilities. Your college path may go over that with you and sometimes there are conferences, symposiums, panels and trainings outside of the classroom for this. Students need to be open to working with every type of person, every age and culture and not have any bias on issues.
To learn more about the career, visit the Library and borrow some books on what the career is all about. Since everyone takes a unique and individual path for their experience, I do not recommend Shadowing for this career. In addition to not really foreshadowing how this work would be for you, there are comfort zone/privacy issues for the patient having someone they don't know in the room while they are in a session.
So, if you are already an analytical person with great communication, written and presentational skills, are a people person, patient and open minded, this career just may be a good fit for you. Take a psychology class in high school if your school offers it and try some online psychology courses to see if you like the subject(s).
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Just because one student finds something difficult doesn't mean that you would have any problems or difficulty with the same thing. You will never avoid any career by asking about the challenges because preparing for a career is a unique and individual experience that only you can choose. Being a Psychologist is sort of a calling and for individuals that have an interest in human behavior beyond the average person. It's best to come to terms with why you feel driven to go into the mental health field and not evaluate other people's difficulties with the profession.
Advisor Shay makes a very good point. You should evaluate the education process for becoming a Psychologist. It is rigorous and deep, so first explore what you'd need to do to become a Psychologist. If the academic path seems acceptable to you, you may have chosen the right career. It usually is six years to go for a Bachelors and a Masters Degree and none of it should be rushed, short cut or overloaded. Take the entire six years for this career study. Some states do require a Doctorate Degree to practice as a Psychologist, so if you are in the U.S., find out if your state requires a Doctorate Degree.
What you would mostly be doing as a Psychologist would be assessing and testing for cognitive disabilities and providing clinical therapy for patients with mental illness. You also may have some patients that have sensory disabilities like, those from the Deaf Community, people who are blind, developmentally disabled. and learning disabilities. Your college path may go over that with you and sometimes there are conferences, symposiums, panels and trainings outside of the classroom for this. Students need to be open to working with every type of person, every age and culture and not have any bias on issues.
To learn more about the career, visit the Library and borrow some books on what the career is all about. Since everyone takes a unique and individual path for their experience, I do not recommend Shadowing for this career. In addition to not really foreshadowing how this work would be for you, there are comfort zone/privacy issues for the patient having someone they don't know in the room while they are in a session.
So, if you are already an analytical person with great communication, written and presentational skills, are a people person, patient and open minded, this career just may be a good fit for you. Take a psychology class in high school if your school offers it and try some online psychology courses to see if you like the subject(s).
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hello Anthony. Becoming a psychologist can be a great job, but it does come with challenges. One of the hardest parts is the long journey of education and training. After high school, you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree (which takes about four years), then a master's or doctoral degree in psychology (which can take another 2 to 7 years, depending on the path you choose). That means a lot of studying, exams, and sometimes research or internships. It requires a lot of dedication and patience.
Another challenging part is dealing with the emotional side of the job. Psychologists work with people who are struggling with serious issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship problems. Listening to their problems can make you feel tired or sad too.
Also, before you can become a full psychologist, you have to work under someone else’s supervision for a while. This means another trained psychologist watches your work and helps you learn. This can be tough, but it helps you get better at your job.
Even though becoming a psychologist is hard, many people love it because they get to help others feel better and live happier lives. If you like talking to people, helping others, and learning how the brain works, it could be a great job for you one day.
Another challenging part is dealing with the emotional side of the job. Psychologists work with people who are struggling with serious issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship problems. Listening to their problems can make you feel tired or sad too.
Also, before you can become a full psychologist, you have to work under someone else’s supervision for a while. This means another trained psychologist watches your work and helps you learn. This can be tough, but it helps you get better at your job.
Even though becoming a psychologist is hard, many people love it because they get to help others feel better and live happier lives. If you like talking to people, helping others, and learning how the brain works, it could be a great job for you one day.
Shay Marshall, MS
Regional Operations Manager
19
Answers
Navarre, Florida
Updated
Shay’s Answer
Hi Anthony!
The toughest part can vary based on what you like, how you study, and what you want to do in the future. To start, getting into a licensed psychologist program can be challenging. Many schools ask you to take the GRE. First, you should finish high school and start checking out colleges with undergrad programs that can lead to a good graduate program.
The toughest part can vary based on what you like, how you study, and what you want to do in the future. To start, getting into a licensed psychologist program can be challenging. Many schools ask you to take the GRE. First, you should finish high school and start checking out colleges with undergrad programs that can lead to a good graduate program.