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What made you want to be a psychologist ?
Along with that, what is the most, or one of, the most difficult things about being a psychologist? I'm currently in Job Corps and think I want to pursue a career in mental health.
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3 answers
Madelaine Claire Weiss, LICSW, MBA, BCC
Licensed Psychotherapist, Exec-Career-Life Coach
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Madelaine Claire Weiss,’s Answer
Alexander, although I was a pysch major in college, I am now a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, with an MBA and Board Certification in Executive-Career-Life Coaching. I tell you this to let you know that there are many ways to get a good education to be helpful to people. To your question, I have seen how burned out people can get from their work, lost a family member to that, so that is my 'why' as we say.
As for what can make it difficult, it is very important to make sure that the clients you serve are the right fit for you. I am very careful about this, and love my work!!
Thank you for your question, and best wishes,
Madelaine
As for what can make it difficult, it is very important to make sure that the clients you serve are the right fit for you. I am very careful about this, and love my work!!
Thank you for your question, and best wishes,
Madelaine
Updated
mark’s Answer
Hello Alexander,
I became a counselor primarily because I wanted to make a difference in the the lives of children and their families. I felt that I had an ability to connect with people on a meaningful level, and found that my training reinforced that notion. There is a reciprocal nature to wanting to do something like becoming a therapist, in that both the therapist and clients will benefit when all goes well. If we can feel good about the work we do, it will produce better outcomes, in my opinion.
The hardest thing about being a therapist, to me, is the need to make sure to care for one's self. The temptation to make self care a low priority most often leads to less effective and less happy therapists.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best.
Mark V.
Talk with professionals in the field.
Read about other people's experiences as psychologists.
I became a counselor primarily because I wanted to make a difference in the the lives of children and their families. I felt that I had an ability to connect with people on a meaningful level, and found that my training reinforced that notion. There is a reciprocal nature to wanting to do something like becoming a therapist, in that both the therapist and clients will benefit when all goes well. If we can feel good about the work we do, it will produce better outcomes, in my opinion.
The hardest thing about being a therapist, to me, is the need to make sure to care for one's self. The temptation to make self care a low priority most often leads to less effective and less happy therapists.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best.
Mark V.
mark recommends the following next steps:
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James’s Answer
There are many avenues one can take to begin a career in mental health. Becoming a Psychologist is the lengthiest process both finically and educationally. I was a substance abuse counselor for 35 years and I absolutely loved it. That being said if you get an MSW you can work with the same population as a Psychologist without a lengthy education and finical burden.