5 answers
Mark
Student
1
Question
Updated
1256 views
How are you able to connect to patients on a personal level and offer the right advice? Do you often speak from experience?
I want to become a psychologist in order to help people with their problems, so I want to understand how you are able to form a thorough understanding of their situations. #Fall25
5 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Mark !
The path to becoming a Psychologist is to begin with learning what a Psychologist does. It's a very profound and amazing career that one goes into when they have an extra-ordinary interest in human behavior, more than just the average person.
Although a psychologist does not establish a personal relationship with their patients and they do not help or give advice about their "problems", the Psychologist's role is very important in providing clinical therapy, a therapeutic technique that is used to assist the patients' healing process regarding their mental health issues. Psychologists also test patients for developmental and learning disabilities. They interview, diagnose and treat (not advise) their patients.
A psychologist never connects with a patient on a "personal" level, it's a provider/patient relationship which is unbiased and professional.
That being said, there are some ways that you can obtain a clearer picture of this career. You can read books about the various mental illnesses and watch videos about the subjects. You can start doing volunteer work, preferably in a Mental Health Day Program if there is one around you or at a nursing home that has a unit for mental health residents. If you could get a volunteer job doing reception and paper work at a mental health clinic or a traumatic brain injury social/community service, that would be very helpful as you will get to know some clients that would be similar to your future clients.
I understand what you mean by "helping", but this career is basically clinical and mental health and cognitive based. If you want to "help" people the job that allows that is to be a social services/human services Case Manager at which after an initial screening and assessment you can help people find housing, do benefits advisement, provide transportation, visit them in the hospital if they have to go, advocate for them medically and in court, assist them with obtaining education and employment, sometimes do medication monitoring which sometimes means handing them their medication, situational counseling (which is not therapeutic) and so many other ways to assist. But Case Management may not be the best for a range of work depending on where you live and how many case management positions are available. The pay can be good in large cities and in suburban areas it just depends on the county's funding. Most have a Bachelors Degree in a related field for Case Management.
To understand mental health subjects, you would go to college for your Bachelors Degree in Psychology. It is a heavy Major that deserves all of your time and attention and you'd most likely get an internship in your Junior and Senior year. It is a process to learn about mental illness and it should be done step by step. According to the State you want to practice in, you'd need either your Masters Degree or PhD Degree in Clinical Psychology. Some states require the PhD and some allow the Masters Degree. You'd have to look it up online for your state.
So start to do volunteer work now and read some books about depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, traumatic brain injury, substance use and addiction, psychosis and other mental/behavioral issues. You can obtain a Psychology textbook and get an introduction to it. There should be many videos on You Tube about these subjects, too. Once you get a broader understanding of what Psychologists do, you can decide if that's the career you really want. If you opt for being a Case Manager that would be for most work a Bachelors Degree in Human Services, Psychology or a related subject. Definitely ask more questions here on your way to learning about careers !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
The path to becoming a Psychologist is to begin with learning what a Psychologist does. It's a very profound and amazing career that one goes into when they have an extra-ordinary interest in human behavior, more than just the average person.
Although a psychologist does not establish a personal relationship with their patients and they do not help or give advice about their "problems", the Psychologist's role is very important in providing clinical therapy, a therapeutic technique that is used to assist the patients' healing process regarding their mental health issues. Psychologists also test patients for developmental and learning disabilities. They interview, diagnose and treat (not advise) their patients.
A psychologist never connects with a patient on a "personal" level, it's a provider/patient relationship which is unbiased and professional.
That being said, there are some ways that you can obtain a clearer picture of this career. You can read books about the various mental illnesses and watch videos about the subjects. You can start doing volunteer work, preferably in a Mental Health Day Program if there is one around you or at a nursing home that has a unit for mental health residents. If you could get a volunteer job doing reception and paper work at a mental health clinic or a traumatic brain injury social/community service, that would be very helpful as you will get to know some clients that would be similar to your future clients.
I understand what you mean by "helping", but this career is basically clinical and mental health and cognitive based. If you want to "help" people the job that allows that is to be a social services/human services Case Manager at which after an initial screening and assessment you can help people find housing, do benefits advisement, provide transportation, visit them in the hospital if they have to go, advocate for them medically and in court, assist them with obtaining education and employment, sometimes do medication monitoring which sometimes means handing them their medication, situational counseling (which is not therapeutic) and so many other ways to assist. But Case Management may not be the best for a range of work depending on where you live and how many case management positions are available. The pay can be good in large cities and in suburban areas it just depends on the county's funding. Most have a Bachelors Degree in a related field for Case Management.
To understand mental health subjects, you would go to college for your Bachelors Degree in Psychology. It is a heavy Major that deserves all of your time and attention and you'd most likely get an internship in your Junior and Senior year. It is a process to learn about mental illness and it should be done step by step. According to the State you want to practice in, you'd need either your Masters Degree or PhD Degree in Clinical Psychology. Some states require the PhD and some allow the Masters Degree. You'd have to look it up online for your state.
So start to do volunteer work now and read some books about depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, traumatic brain injury, substance use and addiction, psychosis and other mental/behavioral issues. You can obtain a Psychology textbook and get an introduction to it. There should be many videos on You Tube about these subjects, too. Once you get a broader understanding of what Psychologists do, you can decide if that's the career you really want. If you opt for being a Case Manager that would be for most work a Bachelors Degree in Human Services, Psychology or a related subject. Definitely ask more questions here on your way to learning about careers !
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Debbie Yoro LCSW
Behavioral Health focuses on health and well being
26
Answers
Beaverton, Oregon
Updated
Debbie Yoro’s Answer
Connecting with patients depends on you, the patient, the setting and the limitations or opportunities. For example, I see patients in 30 min appointments in a primary care setting as a behavioral health provider. Connecting with them tends to happen quickly by speaking respectfully, humbly and with safety. It depends on how you address them, your posture or body language, vocal tone, how you speak, or even how you dress. You may even need to change how you come across depending on who is in front of you. It's kind of like context switching. I present very different when I'm with children vs elders. Building rapport and connection can be done by validating feelings and normalizing feelings and thoughts. It's being able to align with with in ways that are connecting rather than letting them feel alone and unsafe.
I do offer recommendations (not sure if it's the same as advice) but it is up to them to take it or leave it. I always try to provide context, articles, or other resources for their benefit. I fall back on science and what their medical team would recommend. They are able to self determine what works for them and what they want to do differently and when. I can't help but speak to patients with some life experience. The more life experience I have (grief, loss, laid off, moving to new city, relationships, caring of parents, cultures, experiences of racism, micro aggression, health issues, issues) the more I can relate to them. It's the relating part that I find valuable.
Understanding them comes from always taking a position of curiosity. Ask questions respectfully and make sure you have an understanding of their values and thoughts. Avoid assuming or at least check with them for any assumptions you may have. Have an open mind because everyone's lives are so different. Be willing to learn from them; that is the coolest part of the job!
Talk to people who seem different than you.
Ask questions out of curiousity. "Tell me more"
Listen for the "gem". The gem is something you like about the person or something new to you.
Gauge their motivation for any change and how that would change them
Identify your own core values and, to yourself, see where your values bump up against others values/beliefs
I do offer recommendations (not sure if it's the same as advice) but it is up to them to take it or leave it. I always try to provide context, articles, or other resources for their benefit. I fall back on science and what their medical team would recommend. They are able to self determine what works for them and what they want to do differently and when. I can't help but speak to patients with some life experience. The more life experience I have (grief, loss, laid off, moving to new city, relationships, caring of parents, cultures, experiences of racism, micro aggression, health issues, issues) the more I can relate to them. It's the relating part that I find valuable.
Understanding them comes from always taking a position of curiosity. Ask questions respectfully and make sure you have an understanding of their values and thoughts. Avoid assuming or at least check with them for any assumptions you may have. Have an open mind because everyone's lives are so different. Be willing to learn from them; that is the coolest part of the job!
Debbie Yoro recommends the following next steps:
Diana Rodriguez Velasquez
Psychologist
54
Answers
Memphis, Tennessee
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hi Mark!!
Connecting with people on a personal level starts long before offering advice. From my experience, it’s mostly about listening with genuine curiosity, without rushing to fix or judge what someone is sharing. When people feel heard and respected, trust develops naturally.
What helps a lot is learning to ask thoughtful questions, being present, and recognizing that each person’s situation is shaped by their own context, values, and experiences. Advice tends to be more helpful when it’s collaborative rather than directive — helping someone reflect and explore options instead of telling them what to do.
If you’re interested in psychology, focusing on communication skills, empathy, ethics, and self-awareness early on will give you a strong foundation. These are skills that grow with training, supervision, and experience over time.
I hope this helps you better understand what building meaningful connections in this field can look like.
Connecting with people on a personal level starts long before offering advice. From my experience, it’s mostly about listening with genuine curiosity, without rushing to fix or judge what someone is sharing. When people feel heard and respected, trust develops naturally.
What helps a lot is learning to ask thoughtful questions, being present, and recognizing that each person’s situation is shaped by their own context, values, and experiences. Advice tends to be more helpful when it’s collaborative rather than directive — helping someone reflect and explore options instead of telling them what to do.
If you’re interested in psychology, focusing on communication skills, empathy, ethics, and self-awareness early on will give you a strong foundation. These are skills that grow with training, supervision, and experience over time.
I hope this helps you better understand what building meaningful connections in this field can look like.
Sarah Sooter
LMSW, LSOTP Therapist
7
Answers
Lubbock, Texas
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
First, a disclaimer. I am not a psychologist. I am a licensed social worker therapist and I work directly with patients in mental health crisis every day.
To answer your question, I just want to say this- as a mental health professional, it is not our job to give advice to our clients/patients. We collect information to give us perspective, assess for threats to safety, and help us to ask the right questions at the appropriate times. No one ever really says it this way, but I look at therapy as a professional mind jogger. We ask questions that inspire new ideas, allow for introspection, introduce objectivity, and make room for a change in perspective. The real work is done my the client. THEY decide what to do as they have a right to autonomy.
As far as getting to know a client, it varies somewhat based on the situation. For example, if I am seeing a severely psychotic patient in the hospital, I actually look for information from collateral contacts (friends, family). However, if I seen a patient in a more relaxed setting/situation, I use a standard intake form and try to be thorough with them from the start. The more you speak with a client, the more opportunities you have to build rapport. Showing respect and interest without judgement or reactivity goes a long way to helping them open up. Being clear about confidentiality (what is and is not confidential) is also helpful for this purpose. Always be looking for external factor affecting mental health or hindering the client’s ability to fully engage with therapy. For example, If a client is hungry, physically ill, living with their abuser, or housing insecure, they have more pressing concerns than you can address in a therapy session. Look for ways to connect these clients with resources to help them achieve physical safety while having sessions to offer support during this phase, THEN work on the concerns that come with anxiety or past trauma. If a patient is suicidal or psychotic, you may need to refer them for inpatient treatment before you can start.
As you are providing therapy, it is imperative that you understand the importance of HOW you ask questions and when. The patient should be doing most of the talking- they will actually guide most sessions by reflecting on what happened this week, how things felt, and their memories. I use when, where, how, and what often, but avoid why questions as they can lead a patient to become defensive. I ask “what would be different if” “what would the ideal situation/outcome look like” “what are your concerns today/what has been on your mind” type of questions.
As far as speaking from personal experience, this is delicate. Professionalism and personal comfort level are key here. I stick to anecdotal stories that show how I worked through or noticed something. My clients do not know about my family, my childhood, etc.
Good Luck!
Bachelor Degree
Masters Degree
Licensure
Doctoral program for Psychology
To answer your question, I just want to say this- as a mental health professional, it is not our job to give advice to our clients/patients. We collect information to give us perspective, assess for threats to safety, and help us to ask the right questions at the appropriate times. No one ever really says it this way, but I look at therapy as a professional mind jogger. We ask questions that inspire new ideas, allow for introspection, introduce objectivity, and make room for a change in perspective. The real work is done my the client. THEY decide what to do as they have a right to autonomy.
As far as getting to know a client, it varies somewhat based on the situation. For example, if I am seeing a severely psychotic patient in the hospital, I actually look for information from collateral contacts (friends, family). However, if I seen a patient in a more relaxed setting/situation, I use a standard intake form and try to be thorough with them from the start. The more you speak with a client, the more opportunities you have to build rapport. Showing respect and interest without judgement or reactivity goes a long way to helping them open up. Being clear about confidentiality (what is and is not confidential) is also helpful for this purpose. Always be looking for external factor affecting mental health or hindering the client’s ability to fully engage with therapy. For example, If a client is hungry, physically ill, living with their abuser, or housing insecure, they have more pressing concerns than you can address in a therapy session. Look for ways to connect these clients with resources to help them achieve physical safety while having sessions to offer support during this phase, THEN work on the concerns that come with anxiety or past trauma. If a patient is suicidal or psychotic, you may need to refer them for inpatient treatment before you can start.
As you are providing therapy, it is imperative that you understand the importance of HOW you ask questions and when. The patient should be doing most of the talking- they will actually guide most sessions by reflecting on what happened this week, how things felt, and their memories. I use when, where, how, and what often, but avoid why questions as they can lead a patient to become defensive. I ask “what would be different if” “what would the ideal situation/outcome look like” “what are your concerns today/what has been on your mind” type of questions.
As far as speaking from personal experience, this is delicate. Professionalism and personal comfort level are key here. I stick to anecdotal stories that show how I worked through or noticed something. My clients do not know about my family, my childhood, etc.
Good Luck!
Sarah recommends the following next steps:
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1185
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Mark,
It's not about saying the "right" thing or having flawless responses to establish a personal connection with patients. Being present is the key. Much of the connection is made by attentive listening, maintaining curiosity, and creating an environment where people feel comfortable enough to be open and honest. Real understanding starts when people naturally open up when they feel heard without passing judgment.
Empathy certainly can be developed through personal experiences, but therapy is not about telling your own story or speaking directly from experience. Your job as a psychologist is to put the client's story, not your own, front and center. Through training, you learn how to recognize patterns, ask the proper questions, and view behavior from a clinical perspective while still being kind and compassionate. Here, boundaries are important because they safeguard the client and the therapist and maintain the focus and effectiveness of the session.
Psychologists rarely offer any guidance at all when it comes to "giving advice." Rather, they assist clients in considering their options, thinking things out, and knowing the reasons behind their feelings or reactions. Helping someone trust their own ability to make judgments that are consistent with their values and objectives is the aim, rather than giving them instructions.
If you're thinking about taking this path, keep in mind that having all the answers isn't the most essential talent. They are about developing self-awareness, empathy, patience, and the ability to make room for others when things are tough. Meaningful change is made possible by striking a balance between being incredibly sympathetic and remaining professional and grounded.
Best wishes!
It's not about saying the "right" thing or having flawless responses to establish a personal connection with patients. Being present is the key. Much of the connection is made by attentive listening, maintaining curiosity, and creating an environment where people feel comfortable enough to be open and honest. Real understanding starts when people naturally open up when they feel heard without passing judgment.
Empathy certainly can be developed through personal experiences, but therapy is not about telling your own story or speaking directly from experience. Your job as a psychologist is to put the client's story, not your own, front and center. Through training, you learn how to recognize patterns, ask the proper questions, and view behavior from a clinical perspective while still being kind and compassionate. Here, boundaries are important because they safeguard the client and the therapist and maintain the focus and effectiveness of the session.
Psychologists rarely offer any guidance at all when it comes to "giving advice." Rather, they assist clients in considering their options, thinking things out, and knowing the reasons behind their feelings or reactions. Helping someone trust their own ability to make judgments that are consistent with their values and objectives is the aim, rather than giving them instructions.
If you're thinking about taking this path, keep in mind that having all the answers isn't the most essential talent. They are about developing self-awareness, empathy, patience, and the ability to make room for others when things are tough. Meaningful change is made possible by striking a balance between being incredibly sympathetic and remaining professional and grounded.
Best wishes!
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