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how could i follow my dreams of being a psychotherapist?

i need tips on how to start studying the topic early. how does it take to become a psychotherapist? how much money could i make? any tips on how to study better?

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Judith-Ann’s Answer

danny, Deborah has given you all the logistics and steps to follow. As she mentioned there are many paths to take in the psychology field. Whatever you do, I encourage you to get a doctorate even though some credentials don't require it. In the meantime while you are learning about yourself and about this field, I think it is a good idea to read self help gurus like Brene Brown, Depak Chopra, Estelle Perlman. Read and listen to podcasts about self help. Here are some of my favorites:
https://brenebrown.com
https://www.deepakchopra.com
https://www.estherperel.com
Enjoy learning and learn all you can about who you are. It's a wonderful journey.
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Deborah’s Answer

How long it takes to become a psychotherapist depends on how long it takes you to complete your dissertation and your postdoc hours, assuming you can do all the studies, practicum, internship and postdoc hours full time. Assuming no interruptions such as from life events, you may be able to complete your degree, dissertation and postdoc hours within 6 years.

To get a start on studying the topic early, I recommend learning about the different ways to be a psychotherapist. What is your nature or personality? For example, are you more of a mainstream psychotherapist type person, a humanistic/transpersonal psychotherapist, etc? If you dont know what those terms mean, then start there. Study Freud's ideas, and read about those who disagree with his ideas. Read about Jung's work, the behaviorists, and so on, to get a feel for what calls to you. Is your strength social justice? Research? Work with individuals, families, children, etc? Explore at this level first. What you discover may shape your choice of degree program. Also, whatever degree program you choose will make sure you learn all the foundational material (that's why they are accredited) and you'll have to read the required materials for classes anyway. Your explorations may expand how you complete various assignments and what you select for a practicum, internship, and postdoc site. All of this will help you grow, develop, mature, as it is designed to do.

The next layer to my response is to look at what pathway to being a psychotherapist you want. Technically, the term 'psychotherapist' means someone with a PhD or PsyD who then gets licensed in your state. However, you can also serve as a therapist with a Masters in Family Therapy (MFT) or as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW). You will need to look up the full requirements for each degree preparation in your state to check this out for yourself.

I think these questions and explorations will give you a better start and foundation for your journey than trying to study didactic material at this point. You'll get plenty of that later, but not necessarily the exposure to the wide range of options and approaches to being a therapist once you start school.
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Shelisa’s Answer

Good Morning!! Dreamchasers!!!

Thank you for your Question!!
It is the 8th Wonder of the World!!!

Here are some tips you may want to try!!
A. Take Beginners Psychology Class in High School.
B. Find a job, that allows you to interact with humans daily.
To help with therapist and Client Interaction!!
C. Ask the Students at The College of your Choice
Who are the best professors in your Career Field !! You might come across the individual that can help you too!!
Before I was a Doctor, I used to look in fashion magazines at The questions and quizzes and practice giving my advice! just for fun!!! I want to call you A Psychotherapist One day!!
Put that on your Goal List Next To I will give it a Try!! Dreams do come true!!

Hope this helps!!
Good Luck!!!
Shelisa🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Danny!

You're interested in pursuing your dream of becoming a psychotherapist and need advice on how to get started, how long it takes, potential earnings, and study tips. Let's dive in!

Psychotherapy, a branch of psychology, is all about helping individuals overcome mental health issues, emotional difficulties, and behavioral problems. It's a crucial part of mental healthcare and plays a significant role in improving people's well-being.

If you're considering a career in psychotherapy, you'll need to think about several important factors. One of these is your choice of university. Coal City University, a private institution located in Enugu State, Nigeria, offers programs and courses related to psychotherapy.

To become a psychotherapist, you'll typically need to complete a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. This degree will give you a strong foundation in psychology and human behavior. After your bachelor's degree, you'll usually need to pursue a master's degree in counseling or clinical psychology to practice as a licensed psychotherapist.

Keep in mind that while Coal City University may offer undergraduate programs in psychology, it may not have specific graduate programs solely focused on psychotherapy. You might need to explore other universities for specialized master's programs in counseling or clinical psychology.

In addition to education, you'll also need practical experience, often gained through internships or supervised clinical placements. This experience is vital for developing clinical skills, building therapeutic relationships, and understanding mental health treatment complexities.

You'll also need to consider obtaining licensure or certification. The requirements for this vary, but they usually involve completing a certain number of supervised clinical hours, passing a licensing exam, and fulfilling continuing education requirements.

There are also several qualities and skills important for success in psychotherapy. These include empathy and compassion, active listening, critical thinking and problem-solving, cultural competence, and ethical practice.

Now, for studying better, consider maintaining a healthy diet. This includes small meals throughout the day, avoiding harmful substances, drinking plenty of water, and consuming a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

In conclusion, becoming a psychotherapist involves completing relevant education, gaining practical experience, obtaining licensure, and developing essential qualities and skills. While specific information about psychotherapy programs at Coal City University may be limited, you can explore other universities that offer specialized programs in counseling or clinical psychology.

For more information, consider checking out the following authoritative references:
1. American Psychological Association (APA) - www.apa.org
2. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - www.nami.org
3. Psychology Today - www.psychologytoday.com

The careervillage.org AI facility truncated my reply it was 5,000 words

So I will add
Salary
https://www.indeed.com/career/psychotherapist/salaries/IL

Also wrote you a Nutrition Care Plan for studying too but AI deleted that.
Go to ASK AI "best nutrition for academic study diet guidelines"

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According to www.iAsk.ai Ask Ai Search Engine:

The best nutrition for academic study diet guidelines are those that provide the necessary nutrients to support optimal brain function, focus, and memory. A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods is essential for maintaining cognitive performance and overall health. Here are some key guidelines to consider:

1. Eat a Balanced Diet: A balanced diet should include a mix of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) as well as micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Each macronutrient plays a crucial role in brain function. Carbohydrates provide energy for the brain, proteins supply amino acids needed for neurotransmitter production, and healthy fats support brain cell structure and function.

2. Include Complex Carbohydrates: Complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes provide a steady release of glucose into the bloodstream, which is the primary fuel source for the brain. Avoid refined carbohydrates and sugary snacks that can lead to energy crashes and difficulty concentrating.

3. Prioritize Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish (such as salmon), walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, are particularly beneficial for brain health. They help reduce inflammation, support neuronal communication, and enhance cognitive function. Other healthy fats like avocados, olive oil, and nuts also contribute to brain health.

4. Include Protein-rich Foods: Protein is essential for neurotransmitter synthesis and repair of brain cells. Include lean sources of protein such as poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, tofu, and dairy products in your diet.

5. Consume Antioxidant-rich Foods: Antioxidants help protect the brain from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables like berries, leafy greens, broccoli, bell peppers, and tomatoes in your diet.

6. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can impair cognitive function and lead to fatigue. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

7. Moderate Caffeine Intake: While caffeine can enhance alertness and focus, excessive consumption can lead to jitters and disrupt sleep patterns. Limit caffeine intake and opt for healthier alternatives like green tea.

8. Avoid Skipping Meals: Regular meals provide a steady supply of nutrients and energy to the brain. Skipping meals can lead to low blood sugar levels, which can negatively impact cognitive function.

9. Manage Stress: Chronic stress can impair cognitive function and disrupt eating patterns. Practice stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, or deep breathing to maintain a healthy mind-body balance.

10. Get Adequate Sleep: Sleep is crucial for memory consolidation and cognitive performance. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.

It's important to note that individual nutritional needs may vary based on factors such as age, sex, activity level, and overall health. Consulting with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs.

Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications/Domain Names:

1. Harvard School of Public Health - www.hsph.harvard.edu
2. Mayo Clinic - www.mayoclinic.org
3. National Institutes of Health (NIH) - www.nih.gov

Organic Web Results:
10 results

www.hsph.harvard.edu
The Best Diet: Quality Counts | The Nutrition Source
High-quality foods include unrefined, minimally processed foods such as vegetables and fruits, whole grains, healthy fats and healthy sources of protein – the ...

www.hsph.harvard.edu
What Should I Eat? | The Nutrition Source
Using Harvard's Healthy Eating Plate as a guide, we recommend eating mostly vegetables, fruit, and whole grains, healthy fats, and healthy proteins.

newsinhealth.nih.gov
Plan Your Plate
Eat a variety of foods—vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, lean meat, seafood, eggs, milk, yogurt, and cheese. Limit foods that are low in ...

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Defining a Healthy Diet: Evidence for the Role of Contemporary Dietary ...
The MIND diet focuses on increasing the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables and emphasizes brain-healthy foods such as green leafy vegetables, ...

health.gov
Dietary Guidelines for Americans | health.gov
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (Dietary Guidelines) provides advice on what to eat and drink to meet nutrient needs, promote health, and ...

www.aafp.org
Diets for Health: Goals and Guidelines
One-half of each meal should consist of fruits and vegetables. C. Plant-based foods should be emphasized over animal-based foods in the diet. B.

www.davidson.edu
Nutrition Tips
Choose foods that come from food groups, such as grains, meat, fruit vegetable, dairy and fat. Use the chart below to see how you can find a better balance in ...

www.dietaryguidelines.gov
Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the Dietary Guidelines ...
Focus on meeting food group needs with nutrient-dense foods and beverages, and stay within calorie limits. Limit foods and beverages higher in added sugars, ...

www.dietaryguidelines.gov
2020-2025
Suggested citation: U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of. Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition.

www.who.int
Healthy diet
WHO fact sheet on healthy diet with key facts and information on essential dietary elements, practical advice, salt, sodium and potassium, ...


Best of luck on your journey to becoming a psychotherapist!

Best,
JIM.
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