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What’s the hardest part of being a psychologist
Do you get 2nd hand trauma? Do you get to pick what kind of issues you get to deal with? #music
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Nir’s Answer
Being a psychologist can be very taxing which is precisely which it's mandated that psychologists seek therapy themselves. That being said, studying psychology will help you understand the processes that influence and guide our way of thinking and can help frame really traumatic issues in a light that is easier to understand, and in that sense, slightly less frightening.
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Marci’s Answer
Yes, second hand trauma happens, as well as burnout. The hardest part of psychologists I know of is burnout from working with depressed/suicidal people. Some psychologists work in the research field, which is just as important as working with individuals. Others do school psychology, testing and evaluations, or work with clients in certain specialities. It helps to diversify your career to minimize burnout and trauma.
I plan on starting my own private practice as a therapist specializing in mental health. I believe that second-hand trauma happens, especially when working with suicidal clients. Professionals working in this field can become too invested in a client. It is important to help the client to the best of your ability, but as a psychologist, you need to have self-awareness and perform self-care.
Brendan