A psychologist is a specialist who works with internal problems of people (complexes, phobias, etc.). In the modern world, this profession is gaining importance.
If you are interested in learning about the advantages and disadvantages of specialization, job descriptions, ethical principles, and other details and nuances of a psychologist’s work, continue reading our article.
Who is that?
A modern person is subject to a large number of a wide variety of stresses that directly affect the quality of his life. In this regard, psychologists occupy an important place in the world. These experts help to understand the internal problems of people, to improve their mental state.
In this case, the description of the profession of a psychologist can be varied. So, some experts work independently and help people with all sorts of emotional unrest cope if a person cannot do this on their own. At the same time, there are psychologists who work with more serious ailments - in such cases they do not act alone, but resort to the help of professional doctors.
One way or another, but the role of the psychologist in the modern world is quite important. Every year, the demand on the labor market for such specialists only increases. In this regard, an increasing number of young people graduating from school are thinking about obtaining a psychologist diploma.
Pros and cons of the profession
The work of a psychologist, like any other profession, is characterized by a number of signs (both positive and negative).Therefore, before you finally decide to connect your fate with psychology, you should study and analyze both the pros and cons of the position.
First of all, consider the benefits of the profession of psychologist.
- Great social significance and helping people. If you are an altruist by nature, then the profession of a psychologist is the ideal job for you. So, in the course of his daily professional activities, the specialist provides assistance to people who find themselves in difficult life situations. It is very important that you receive moral satisfaction from such work.
- Creative work. The work of a psychologist is directly related to creativity and creativity. In the course of performing your duties, you need to prove yourself as a highly qualified specialist who knows how to apply his knowledge in a variety of situations and look at his duties from the original side.
- Lack of routine. The psychological problems of people are never the same. That is why every day you have to perform new functions and solve psychological tasks that are unique in nature.
Now it is worth paying attention to the shortcomings of work.
- Constant emotional stress. When working with clients, one cannot remain indifferent and neutral - one must necessarily show compassion and compassion. In this regard, the work of a psychologist is characterized by great emotional stress, and in some cases, an increased level of stress.
- Lack of basic university education. Despite the fact that the university provides important theoretical and basic training, the knowledge gained in a higher educational institution will not be enough to fulfill the professional duties of a psychologist. You will have to constantly improve your skills in various courses, trainings and master classes.
- Low income. Psychologist is a low-paying profession. This is especially true for those specialists who are just starting their careers, work in government institutions or live in the regions.
Thus, before you study as a psychologist, it is important to familiarize yourself with the difficulties that may arise in the course of your professional activity. Try to soberly and objectively evaluate your strength in order to understand whether you can cope with such a load.
What does he do?
In the course of his professional activities, the psychologist performs a number of functions and performs a number of tasks. In this case, all the duties of a specialist are prescribed in a special document - job description. When employing, you should definitely familiarize yourself with this document in order to understand what requirements the employer will put forward to you. Usually the job description of a psychologist consists of the following items:
- adherence to professional ethics;
- compliance with the principle of confidentiality;
- analysis of the psychological state of the client;
- analysis of personal characteristics and qualities of the client;
- assessment of the level of psychological development of a person;
- collective climate assessment;
- assistance in resolving conflicts and disputes (for example, interpersonal conflicts);
- help in solving internal personal problems;
- diagnostics;
- testing and processing of its results;
- drawing up a psychological portrait (person or team);
- correctional functions;
- work to eliminate deviations of a different nature;
- implementation of preventive functions;
- the implementation of vocational guidance;
- drawing up programs aimed at maintaining a favorable climate (in the work team, family, etc.);
- conducting scientific work;
- conducting empirical studies and experiments;
- assisting other professionals (e.g. doctors, social workers, etc.).
It should be borne in mind that, depending on the specific place of work, as well as on the requirements of the employer, the job description may vary. Accordingly, you need to clarify all the details and nuances at a particular workplace and at a specific employer.
Psychological Code of Psychology
The most important duty and duty of a psychologist is the strict observance of a professional code of ethics. This document contains moral rules and principles, on the basis of which the specialist should build his work activities.
So, the code of ethics contains the following principles:
- the principle of respect for the honor and dignity of each person;
- confidentiality;
- awareness and voluntary consent of the client to provide psychological assistance;
- specialist competence;
- responsibility;
- honesty, etc.
It should be borne in mind that a violation of the code of ethics of a psychologist can become the basis for writing a complaint, dismissal of a specialist or even bringing a psychologist to court.
Kinds
Psychologist is a diverse profession. A professional can specialize in different fields and areas of human activity. So, these types of psychologists are distinguished:
- medical;
- military;
- perinatal
- practical psychologist;
- psychologist-teacher;
- a psychologist who works in a kindergarten, school, university or any other educational institution;
- counseling psychologist;
- family;
- children’s;
- private;
- sexologist;
- career counseling psychologist;
- personal growth coach;
- universal specialist, etc.
Before contacting a psychologist for help, it is important to make sure that he has the necessary amount of knowledge in the area you are interested in.
What is the difference from a therapist?
Often people unaware of the subject confuse psychologists and psychotherapists. However, these are completely different professions. Consider their differences.
So, as a general rule the psychologist is not a doctor. This specialist has a general humanitarian education and does not take the oath of Hippocrates. In this regard, the psychologist does not diagnose and has no right to prescribe medications for treatment.
As for the therapist, he is a full-fledged doctor. He is involved in the treatment of complex and complex psychiatric diseases, for example: depression and addiction.
Requirements
In order for the psychologist to be able to effectively carry out his professional activities, he must comply with the requirements that the professional standard puts forward. They relate to professional skills, as well as personal qualities. Let's consider them in more detail.
Skills and knowledge
The necessary professional knowledge, without which no psychologist can do his job efficiently, at the highest level, can include:
- general psychology;
- understanding of the principles of human psychological development;
- differential psychology of personality;
- possession of psychological diagnostic methods and techniques;
- social Psychology;
- family psychology;
- pathological psychology;
- knowledge of counseling principles;
- the ability to conduct group and individual trainings, etc.
Moreover, this knowledge must be constantly deepened, replenished and improved.
Personal qualities
Due to the fact that the work of a psychologist is directly related to interaction with other people, requirements are made not only for professional knowledge and skills, but also for the personality characteristics of a specialist. So, a professional in the psychological sphere should possess the following qualities:
- empathy;
- stress resistance;
- emotional maturity;
- tolerance;
- objectivity and impartiality;
- observation and attentiveness;
- tact;
- responsibility, etc.
The optimal combination of personal and professional qualities is a necessity for working as a psychologist. Only in this case will the activity be as useful and effective as possible.
Learning Features
In order to become a psychologist, you need to get an appropriate diploma of higher education. That is why after 11th grade you need to go to university.
When choosing a university, one should give preference to prestigious educational institutions located in the capital or large cities. In this case, you should know in advance about what subjects you need to take on exams for admission. To work in the field of psychology, you need to enter any specialty related to this field of activity.
It should be borne in mind that studies at the university will last a significant period of time - at least 4 years. If you decide to enter a magistracy or graduate school, then you will have to study longer - more than 6 years.
It is also worth noting that a novice specialist who has just graduated from a university should constantly increase the volume of his knowledge, as well as improve his professional skills.
For some employers, grades recorded in a diploma are important. That is why you need to seriously and responsibly approach your studies, prepare well for exams and tests. Excellent students who graduated from the university can apply for high and prestigious positions not only in state but also in commercial firms. In such institutions, material compensation for labor is significantly increased.
