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What made you want to pick a career in psychology ?

I am in Highschool and have a passion for the psychology classes my school offers. I don’t know anyone who chose this career field and I am curious what made you choose it and what was your motivation towards becoming a psychologist?

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Katherine’s Answer

I always wanted to do something with mental health because of the relationship struggles I saw between members of my family my whole life that to me were easily solvable but they could never seem to figure things out and get to a place where they were happy, and later on as a result of some family dynamics and relationship difficulties, I spent some time as a teen with depression. I definitely researched on my own and found some great resources over the years, and listening to podcasts or reading books about people living real life and learning to relate to each other and be mentally healthy just as individuals has always been so interesting to me.

You might like podcasts by Forrest Hanson or The Dr. Cloud Show on YouTube; you might also like to read books like The Language of Letting Go by Beattie, books by John Delony, Henry Cloud, John Townsend, Gary Chapman, Ross Campbell, Les and Leslie Parrott, or John and Julie Gottman.
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Darian,

Why Embark on a Journey in Psychology

The decision to embark on a journey in psychology was born out of several compelling factors. The mysteries of the human mind, its complexities, and the way it shapes our thoughts, emotions, and behavior have always captivated me. This fascination has been a powerful catalyst in my decision to explore this field.

Experiences in my personal life, witnessing the struggles of mental health and the transformative power of therapy and counseling, have further ignited my passion. I've seen firsthand how these interventions can help individuals navigate their challenges and lead more enriched lives.

Moreover, the dynamic nature of psychology, with its continuous evolution and daily breakthroughs, offers a wealth of opportunities for professional growth. The prospect of contributing to this ever-growing body of knowledge and positively impacting lives is a significant driving force behind my career choice.

Finally, the array of career paths within psychology, from clinical to forensic and industrial-organizational psychology, provides a diverse range of options. This flexibility allows me to align my career trajectory with my interests and passions.

The Drive to Become a Psychologist

My drive to become a psychologist is a blend of personal experiences, academic interests, and professional goals. The scientific exploration of the human mind and behavior fascinates me, and I am deeply committed to helping others navigate their challenges and reach their full potential.

Alongside my academic journey in psychology, internships and research opportunities have enriched my understanding of the profession. These experiences have equipped me with practical knowledge and a deeper comprehension of the field's many dimensions.

Above all, the potential to make a tangible difference in people's lives motivates me. As a psychologist, I can offer support, guidance, and evidence-based strategies to those grappling with mental health issues, relationship difficulties, or other life challenges. This sense of purpose and the possibility of fostering positive change are powerful motivators in my career choice.

In summary, my decision to pursue psychology was shaped by my intrigue with the human mind, personal experiences with mental health, the ever-evolving field of knowledge, and the diverse career paths. My drive to become a psychologist is rooted in my passion for aiding others, contributing to the scientific understanding of human behavior, and fostering positive change in the lives of those I serve.

Recommended Reading:

"Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology: A Guide to Treatment and Intervention Selection" by Michael D. Hawkins and Steven R. Hovestadt

This book is an invaluable resource for psychologists, offering a comprehensive guide to evidence-based practice and enabling informed decisions about treatment and intervention selection.

"Psychology in Everyday Life: Understanding Human Behavior" by Steven Reiss

This book provides an intriguing look into the science of human behavior, uncovering the factors that influence our thoughts, feelings, and actions. It lays a solid foundation for understanding the intricacies of the human mind and the motivations behind our behavior.

"Clinical Training in Psychology: A Guide to Doctoral Education and Career Development" by Alan S. Kraut

This book offers an insightful look into the clinical training process in psychology, detailing the various stages of education, internships, and professional development. It provides valuable insights into what a career in psychology entails.

May You Be Blessed,
James.
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Hasnain’s Answer

It's wonderful to hear about your passion for psychology and your curiosity about the motivations behind choosing a career in this field. Reflecting on my own journey, the decision to pursue psychology was deeply rooted in a fascination with understanding the complexities of the human mind and behavior. During my high school years, much like you, I found myself captivated by psychology classes, and this curiosity evolved into a genuine interest in exploring the intricacies of the human experience.

One of the driving factors that motivated me to become a psychologist was the profound desire to contribute positively to people's lives. The potential to offer support, guidance, and therapeutic assistance to individuals navigating challenges resonated strongly with me. Witnessing the transformative impact that psychological insights and interventions could have on individuals' well-being fueled my commitment to this profession.

While I didn't personally know anyone in the field during my high school years, the diversity within psychology, ranging from clinical and counseling psychology to research and academia, appealed to my varied interests. The prospect of continuous learning, specialization, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives were pivotal in shaping my career path.

If you find joy and fascination in your psychology classes, consider exploring extracurricular activities, internships, or volunteer opportunities that allow you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings. Engaging in such experiences can provide valuable insights and further solidify your passion for psychology.

Remember, your journey in psychology can take many paths, and the field offers a wealth of opportunities for growth and contribution. Stay curious, nurture your passion, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have more questions or need guidance on your educational and career path.

Best wishes on your academic and professional endeavors!

Hasnain recommends the following next steps:

Visit the link https://anila.seemake.com/2023/12/13/embracing-the-uncharted-a-passionate-odyssey-into-the-heart-of-psychology/
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Deborah’s Answer

Hasnain has given you an excellent reply to your question, so I feel there is only a little for me to add. When I was your age, I noticed a lot of people I came in contact with would just start talking to me, even if I didnt know them previously, and often they wanted to share important things. I found I enjoyed listening too. Usually I didnt have much to say back to them, especially since I didnt have a wide range of life experiences from which to draw. However, I found people fascinating, amazing, and marveled at how different everyone's worlds were/are. I started out wondering what good is that skill for, and how do I develop it, then learned about fields like social work and psychology which typically require that sort of skill set. I found I could develop and refine my capacity to listen to others. This included learning how to artfully respond so their wisdom, strength and inner beauty became increasingly illuminated. I found this to be amazing, leading to studying community, connection and the power of relationship (starting with attachment in early years). Over the years, I find that psychology is part science, part art.

As I grew older and began studying, I found I had (and have) a strong interest in identity, personality, culture, traumatic stress, and how all of these and other aspects of humanity interrelate. There is so much to study in this field, so many ways to contribute. As Hasnain said, stay curious.
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