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How understanding do you think you must be when you are talking with your patients, and trying to help them?

I'm in 8th grade, and I would like to know how understanding you have to be in this job field of a psychologist.

career psychology mental-health psychiatry psychologist
Thank you comment icon Hello Jacob, Great question, I don't feel like it's a matter of how understanding you have to be as much as it's can you empathize with others and what they are experiencing even if you have never gone through what they are going through. Can you see their point of view even if yours is different? Can you support someone whether you agree with them or not to make them feel safe opening up to you without feeling judged? Going to a counselor can be very tough for a client/patient. Opening up to a stranger with your private thoughts, feelings, or fears can be very scary for someone, and your job is to help them feel like they can trust you with those private thoughts/feelings and that you will not judge them, but instead you will help guide them through what they are going through. Carrie Saldana
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Annette’s Answer

Hi Jacob, that’s a very thoughtful question. I am assuming that you are thinking of psychologists who sees patients for therapy, as opposed to a researcher or the like. I think this has to be one of the most understanding jobs. To be successful you must earn your patient’s trust. So it is critical that you are understanding and patient even if you feel their behavior or thought processes are detrimental/harmful/counter- productive. You must accept them for who they are and show that you are on their side so they will come to trust you and open themselves up to you for healing.
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