5 answers
Brooke
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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Why did you decide to go into psychology?
I want to go into psychology but I'm not sure which field.
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5 answers
James Whalen
Retired Substance Abuse Counselor
7
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
James’s Answer
Brooke, I was a Substance Abuse Counselor for 35 years and absolutely loved it. There is tremendous satisfaction in knowing your efforts have helped changed another person's life.
Thank you, James!
Brooke
You are welcome!
James Whalen
mark vellucci
Licensed Professional Counselor
38
Answers
Vancouver, Washington
Updated
mark’s Answer
Hello Brooke,
I became a counselor primarily because I wanted to make a difference in the the lives of children and their families. I felt that I had an ability to connect with people on a meaningful level, and found that my training reinforced that notion. There is a reciprocal nature to wanting to do something like becoming a therapist, in that both the therapist and clients will benefit when all goes well. If we can feel good about the work we do, it will produce better outcomes, in my opinion.
The hardest thing about being a therapist, to me, is the need to make sure to care for one's self. The temptation to make self care a low priority most often leads to less effective and less happy therapists.
When deciding on which field of psychology you want to go into, take a broad range of college courses and read books and articles from areas that seem to be of greatest interest to you. Choose a path that feels best, based on your priorities. I strongly recommend you allow yourself the flexibility to change paths if the one you are on does not feel right. Your fist decision does not have to be final.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best.
Mark V.
Talk with professionals in the field.
Read about other people's experiences as psychologists.
I became a counselor primarily because I wanted to make a difference in the the lives of children and their families. I felt that I had an ability to connect with people on a meaningful level, and found that my training reinforced that notion. There is a reciprocal nature to wanting to do something like becoming a therapist, in that both the therapist and clients will benefit when all goes well. If we can feel good about the work we do, it will produce better outcomes, in my opinion.
The hardest thing about being a therapist, to me, is the need to make sure to care for one's self. The temptation to make self care a low priority most often leads to less effective and less happy therapists.
When deciding on which field of psychology you want to go into, take a broad range of college courses and read books and articles from areas that seem to be of greatest interest to you. Choose a path that feels best, based on your priorities. I strongly recommend you allow yourself the flexibility to change paths if the one you are on does not feel right. Your fist decision does not have to be final.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best.
Mark V.
mark recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, mark!
Brooke
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6084
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Brooke,
Insights into Choosing Psychology as a Career Path
Psychology, an intriguing field, delves into the intricacies of the human mind, emotions, and behavior. It's a multidisciplinary science, marrying elements from biology, sociology, and other fields to decode the enigma of human experiences. Here are a few reasons why one might be drawn to psychology:
Intrigue for Human Behavior: A profound interest in human behavior and an eagerness to uncover the factors that shape it often motivates individuals to explore a career in psychology. This curiosity could stem from personal experiences or a genuine intrigue about how people think, feel, and react.
Yearning to Assist Others: The aspiration to positively influence people's lives often lures individuals into the realm of psychology. Psychologists collaborate with individuals, families, and communities to address mental health concerns, foster personal development, and enhance well-being.
Diverse Career Prospects: Psychology offers an array of career paths, including clinical practice, research, teaching, and consultation. This variety enables individuals to find a role that resonates with their interests, abilities, and values.
Intellectual Stimulation: Psychology is an intellectually invigorating field that demands critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. For those who relish challenges and learning new concepts, psychology can be a thrilling and fulfilling career choice.
Personal Development: The study of psychology can catalyze personal growth and self-improvement by fostering a better understanding of oneself and others. This self-awareness proves advantageous in personal and professional realms.
Choosing a Specialization in Psychology
Psychology is a broad field, encompassing numerous subfields, each with a unique focus and research questions. When selecting a specialization, individuals should contemplate their interests, values, and career aspirations. Some popular subfields in psychology include:
Clinical Psychology: Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and addiction. They assist individuals, families, and groups in managing emotional and behavioral challenges.
Cognitive Psychology: This subfield delves into the mental processes involved in perception, learning, memory, and decision-making. Cognitive psychologists strive to comprehend how the brain processes information and applies it to real-world scenarios.
Developmental Psychology: This branch studies how individuals evolve and transform throughout their lifespan, from infancy to old age. Developmental psychologists examine the factors that influence growth and development, such as genetics, environment, and social influences.
Social Psychology: Social psychologists study how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are shaped by others and social contexts. They explore themes like group dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and the impact of social norms on individual behavior.
Neuropsychology: This interdisciplinary field merges psychology and neuroscience to investigate the correlation between brain function and behavior. Neuropsychologists may concentrate on specific brain regions or disorders, like traumatic brain injury or Alzheimer’s disease.
Industrial-Organizational Psychology: This subfield applies psychological principles to the workplace, focusing on employee selection, training, development, organizational effectiveness, and productivity.
The ideal specialization in psychology for an individual will hinge on their unique interests, values, and career aspirations. It's crucial to explore various subfields and gain exposure to different areas of study before reaching a final decision.
Recommended Reference Titles
"The Psychology Student’s Handbook" by Daniel A. Barrett and Shane W. Ralston
"Careers in Psychology: A Guide to Choosing a Profession in the Behavioral Sciences" by James L. Fancher
"Exploring Psychology: An Introduction to the Science of Behavior" by Paul A. Mennenga and John F. Bonner
Also, please do check out my autobiography for nutritional advice. It enumerates foods that are nutrient-rich and conducive to academic work. Thank you for your time.
Blessings,
James.
Insights into Choosing Psychology as a Career Path
Psychology, an intriguing field, delves into the intricacies of the human mind, emotions, and behavior. It's a multidisciplinary science, marrying elements from biology, sociology, and other fields to decode the enigma of human experiences. Here are a few reasons why one might be drawn to psychology:
Intrigue for Human Behavior: A profound interest in human behavior and an eagerness to uncover the factors that shape it often motivates individuals to explore a career in psychology. This curiosity could stem from personal experiences or a genuine intrigue about how people think, feel, and react.
Yearning to Assist Others: The aspiration to positively influence people's lives often lures individuals into the realm of psychology. Psychologists collaborate with individuals, families, and communities to address mental health concerns, foster personal development, and enhance well-being.
Diverse Career Prospects: Psychology offers an array of career paths, including clinical practice, research, teaching, and consultation. This variety enables individuals to find a role that resonates with their interests, abilities, and values.
Intellectual Stimulation: Psychology is an intellectually invigorating field that demands critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. For those who relish challenges and learning new concepts, psychology can be a thrilling and fulfilling career choice.
Personal Development: The study of psychology can catalyze personal growth and self-improvement by fostering a better understanding of oneself and others. This self-awareness proves advantageous in personal and professional realms.
Choosing a Specialization in Psychology
Psychology is a broad field, encompassing numerous subfields, each with a unique focus and research questions. When selecting a specialization, individuals should contemplate their interests, values, and career aspirations. Some popular subfields in psychology include:
Clinical Psychology: Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and addiction. They assist individuals, families, and groups in managing emotional and behavioral challenges.
Cognitive Psychology: This subfield delves into the mental processes involved in perception, learning, memory, and decision-making. Cognitive psychologists strive to comprehend how the brain processes information and applies it to real-world scenarios.
Developmental Psychology: This branch studies how individuals evolve and transform throughout their lifespan, from infancy to old age. Developmental psychologists examine the factors that influence growth and development, such as genetics, environment, and social influences.
Social Psychology: Social psychologists study how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are shaped by others and social contexts. They explore themes like group dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and the impact of social norms on individual behavior.
Neuropsychology: This interdisciplinary field merges psychology and neuroscience to investigate the correlation between brain function and behavior. Neuropsychologists may concentrate on specific brain regions or disorders, like traumatic brain injury or Alzheimer’s disease.
Industrial-Organizational Psychology: This subfield applies psychological principles to the workplace, focusing on employee selection, training, development, organizational effectiveness, and productivity.
The ideal specialization in psychology for an individual will hinge on their unique interests, values, and career aspirations. It's crucial to explore various subfields and gain exposure to different areas of study before reaching a final decision.
Recommended Reference Titles
"The Psychology Student’s Handbook" by Daniel A. Barrett and Shane W. Ralston
"Careers in Psychology: A Guide to Choosing a Profession in the Behavioral Sciences" by James L. Fancher
"Exploring Psychology: An Introduction to the Science of Behavior" by Paul A. Mennenga and John F. Bonner
Also, please do check out my autobiography for nutritional advice. It enumerates foods that are nutrient-rich and conducive to academic work. Thank you for your time.
Blessings,
James.
Yvette Roberts
People Operations Generalist
8
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Yvette’s Answer
Hi Brooke,
When I was completing my Bachelor’s degree in psychology, I really thought I wanted to go into counseling psychology. Then, Covid happened! This made me entirely rethink what I wanted to do within the field of psychology.
After doing a lot of research, I stumbled upon Industrial Organizational Psychology, which is the study of human behavior in the workplace. This fast growing field combines psychology and business and I immediately felt it was the right path for me.
As a female who values independence and being self-sufficient, I knew that IO Psychology would allow me to live a very comfortable lifestyle while also allowing me creative freedom within my career. I highly recommend you explore IO Psychology. There are many great Master’s programs around the US. If you want to go straight into the industry, all you need is a Master’s degree. If you want to go into research or academia, a PhD is the best choice.
I attended University of Houston-Clear Lake and absolutely loved this program. I hope this is helpful and I wish you the very best of luck on your journey!
When I was completing my Bachelor’s degree in psychology, I really thought I wanted to go into counseling psychology. Then, Covid happened! This made me entirely rethink what I wanted to do within the field of psychology.
After doing a lot of research, I stumbled upon Industrial Organizational Psychology, which is the study of human behavior in the workplace. This fast growing field combines psychology and business and I immediately felt it was the right path for me.
As a female who values independence and being self-sufficient, I knew that IO Psychology would allow me to live a very comfortable lifestyle while also allowing me creative freedom within my career. I highly recommend you explore IO Psychology. There are many great Master’s programs around the US. If you want to go straight into the industry, all you need is a Master’s degree. If you want to go into research or academia, a PhD is the best choice.
I attended University of Houston-Clear Lake and absolutely loved this program. I hope this is helpful and I wish you the very best of luck on your journey!
Syedaa Ikl
Psychology student
1
Answer
Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Updated
Syedaa’s Answer
Psychology… because it always seemed easier to understand the other person, I could sense the feelings around me.
I would call my self quite sensitive to what normally people are insensitive about.
Utmost goal, to help people in any way possible, to alleviate their pain and suffering… by guiding others genuinely.
Another reason to understand why i think and behave the way I do! Getting to know my unconscious.
In a country where I reside… mental health is considered taboo. Nobody wants to show themselves with mental health issues , want to go low key, would rather hide this ailment and give even lesser value to this stigma as they call it.
My attempt.. to break this vicious cycle of shame and help people grow out of this thinking pattern.
Hope you will find your reasons too.
All the best.
I would call my self quite sensitive to what normally people are insensitive about.
Utmost goal, to help people in any way possible, to alleviate their pain and suffering… by guiding others genuinely.
Another reason to understand why i think and behave the way I do! Getting to know my unconscious.
In a country where I reside… mental health is considered taboo. Nobody wants to show themselves with mental health issues , want to go low key, would rather hide this ailment and give even lesser value to this stigma as they call it.
My attempt.. to break this vicious cycle of shame and help people grow out of this thinking pattern.
Hope you will find your reasons too.
All the best.
Thank you, Syedaa for the advice.
Brooke