3 answers
Wanjiru
Student
Nakuru, Nakuru County, Kenya
2
Questions
Asked
368 views
As a trainee psychologist,how can I ensure that my personal biases and experiences don't impact the objectivity and effectiveness of my work with clients,while still maintaining genuine empathy and connection ?#Fall24 by Nov22
Iam currently a trainee psychologist, pursuing my studies in psychology.My favorite area of focus is mental health, particularly in understanding the complexities of human behavior and emotional well-being.Outside of my studies,I enjoy volunteering during the holidays, and exploring ways to promote mental health awareness in my community. These passions drive my career aspirations and shape my approach to both learning and helping others.
Login to comment
3 answers
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
396
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
As a trainee psychologist, ensuring personal biases don’t affect your work is crucial for maintaining objectivity. One way to manage this is through regular self-reflection and supervision. Engaging in discussions with mentors or peers helps identify potential biases and challenge assumptions. It's also important to follow evidence-based practices and guidelines, which can help you stay grounded in your professional role. Empathy and connection can still be maintained by listening actively, being non-judgmental, and respecting clients' unique experiences. Maintaining personal boundaries and seeking continual personal development also allows you to be compassionate without compromising professional objectivity.
Angel, thank you!
Wanjiru
J Huff
46
Answers
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Updated
J’s Answer
Good day,
You are on the right path. The first step is recognizing that personal beliefs and values can influence one’s work. The fact that you’re asking about this topic shows that you’re already aware of this important consideration.
If at any time you feel your judgment is being influenced by personal beliefs or biases while working with someone, it’s important to seek supervision from your training professors or supervisors. Remember, your role is to help the person you’re working with address their concerns and guide them in finding solutions or a new perspective from their point of view.
The key takeaway is this: when in doubt, seek supervision—not only for this issue but for any concerns that arise. Both trainees and licensed professionals need supervision or consultation from time to time.
I wish you the best and much success.
You are on the right path. The first step is recognizing that personal beliefs and values can influence one’s work. The fact that you’re asking about this topic shows that you’re already aware of this important consideration.
If at any time you feel your judgment is being influenced by personal beliefs or biases while working with someone, it’s important to seek supervision from your training professors or supervisors. Remember, your role is to help the person you’re working with address their concerns and guide them in finding solutions or a new perspective from their point of view.
The key takeaway is this: when in doubt, seek supervision—not only for this issue but for any concerns that arise. Both trainees and licensed professionals need supervision or consultation from time to time.
I wish you the best and much success.
J, thank you!
Wanjiru
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1928
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Wanjiru !
The subject of being unbiased as a psychologist will definitely come up as a topic in your training or maybe it has already.
Working with patients (psychologists work with patients) that have mental health issues is a very focused interaction and you will see that the focus is on the patient, not your beliefs. With experience, you will definitely begin to feel this. I do not know what the issues are in Kenya, but in the U.S., you can hear just about anything and everything from patients and you probably will. You will see many patients that do not share your lifestyle, values and it will be unimportant. They're not there to make friends and neither are you.
I am not exactly sure what a "trainee psychologist" is in your country, but this advice is for if you plan to be a clinical Licensed Psychologist, doing clinical therapy and cognitive testing for people who have mental illness and developmental disorders.
The only way to find out your level of focus for this issue would be when you start working with patients. If you have very strong convictions about a certain thing see if it is an issue for you and if it is, you may want to consider a different field of work. But I can reassure you that most students and professionals have no issue with this. It's because it's work, not a social interaction. You'll need to go though your own experience with it, though.
The subject of being unbiased as a psychologist will definitely come up as a topic in your training or maybe it has already.
Working with patients (psychologists work with patients) that have mental health issues is a very focused interaction and you will see that the focus is on the patient, not your beliefs. With experience, you will definitely begin to feel this. I do not know what the issues are in Kenya, but in the U.S., you can hear just about anything and everything from patients and you probably will. You will see many patients that do not share your lifestyle, values and it will be unimportant. They're not there to make friends and neither are you.
I am not exactly sure what a "trainee psychologist" is in your country, but this advice is for if you plan to be a clinical Licensed Psychologist, doing clinical therapy and cognitive testing for people who have mental illness and developmental disorders.
The only way to find out your level of focus for this issue would be when you start working with patients. If you have very strong convictions about a certain thing see if it is an issue for you and if it is, you may want to consider a different field of work. But I can reassure you that most students and professionals have no issue with this. It's because it's work, not a social interaction. You'll need to go though your own experience with it, though.