Michelle Wilson English 111 October 31st

The Journey of a Psychologist Being a Psychologist may not be or seem glamorous. You don't receive any special medals or rewards for the work that you do. If all you want is recognition, you'd be better off doing something that can net you what you want. Counseling is a highly noble career, a career that is other focused. You are called upon to use techniques and strengths that come from education, but also from your own inherent strengths and beliefs in growth, and teaching others of the real possibility in building a productive life. The recognition you receive will be internal satisfaction, pride in knowing that you were able to impact someone's life in a positive way.

A Psychologist may diagnose, treat, and study a wide variety of mental disorders and neuroses. (Cherry). Defining disorders may be simple, though the treatment methods will vary, depending on the personality and character of the unique person you are working with. That is why it takes a special personality to be a counselor. The counselor/therapist needs to have an open approach, and the ability to be communicative and read people, hearing them verbally, but also with much awareness of non-verbal communication as well. (Conroy 35). The ability to listen effectively seems like a relatively simple thing to do; in reality, many people are unable to do this. There is a huge difference in simply hearing someone, and actually listening and processing what they are saying. The amount of empathy required is tremendous; also essential is the ability to set constructive goals for your client and seeing that they work toward meeting these goals. Being a counselor will give you a sense of fulfillment that no other profession offers. It enables you to help other people deal with, and process, the confusion and pain they 1

Michelle Wilson English 111 October 31st are experiencing with certain life events, who are unable to navigate the dark waters to help themselves. (Conroy 36) This type of caring and help often kindles the flames of continued growth and real happiness. In our world today, this is no small accomplishment. That is why being a therapist is so rewarding; it gives you the feeling of truly making a positive change.

If the emotional aspect of being a therapist is not enough, one can also count on being financially secure in this career, depending on your level of advanced education. Many Psychologists are able to to be more than comfortable. Statistics show that 50 percent of all Psychologists earn between 42,000-82,000 dollars per year. (Pavlov). The highest paid ten percent of Psychologists can earn considerably more. Even a school Psychologist can earn over 64,000 per year. 34% of Psychologists are self-employed, or own private practices. (Pavlov). This is also a huge incentive for becoming a Psychologist. It allows for a flexible schedule and hours. Also you can choose your own staff, based on a certain type of personality or qualifications you may be looking for, to further warm the environment of your practice and make the patient feel cared for. Many Psychologists have the option of continuing their practice even in old age, because it is a career that involves little physical stress. In Psychology, experience in the field with different patients and illnesses is extremely valuable, and is something that can only be acquired with years of experience. Therefore, an older Psychologist may tend to be a better one. However, there are some exceptions. To be a Psychologist, you must have at least a master's degree, meaning you must study Psychology in school for six years. Many branches of Psychology require a doctorate degree. This means that you will either receive a Doctor of Psychology (Psy. D.) or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.) This is optimal for those who value higher education. (Pavlov). So if one values helping people or attaining 2

Michelle Wilson English 111 October 31st advanced levels of knowledge, or both, this is a perfect career choice. There is a vast array of knowledge that can be attained during someone's years as a Psychologist. All it takes it patience, and the willingness to learn and help people.

Another incentive for becoming a Psychologist is the job availability. Also with advanced degrees the likelihood of finding a job greatly increases. And again, one has the option for becoming an entrepreneur and starting one's own business. The personal connections acquired during this career are also beneficial as well. (Cherry). Many Psychologists claim that during their years of practice that they themselves have also grown as well, and learned more about themselves. Overall, Psychologists are healthy mentally. Before becoming a Psychologist, it is necessary that one go through extensive counseling and therapy to make sure that one is healthy before starting their practice. Going to see a Psychologist may be painful, but that is not uncommon. One must realize that the Psychologist is only there to help with problems and aid you in personal growth. The business aspect of Psychology has a very positive outlook. People are always going to have mental and emotional problems, so there will always be a need for Psychologists. The field of Psychology is forever expanding, as new discoveries are made on the functions of the brain and other illnesses. Think of it this way: there will always be people, so there will always be a need for Psychology.

Overall, becoming a Psychologist would be an incredibly wise choice. One is able to spend their life helping people move through personal obstacles and break down mental and emotional barriers. Also, the pay is very good and so is the job availability. One is able to start one's own practice and hire their own employees. The pride and feelings of productive 3

Michelle Wilson English 111 October 31st usefulness that one will gain from choosing Psychology as a career are enormous, and very valuable to all involved. Psychologists help people and even save lives on a daily basis. Some consider it the noblest profession available.

Michelle Wilson English 111 October 31st

Works Cited

Cherry, K.. N.p.. Web. 28 Oct 2013. Conroy, David. Out of the nightnare Recovery from depression and suicidal pain. 1st ed. New york: New liberty press, 1991. Print. Pavlov, I.. N.p.. Web. 28 Oct 2013.