Over a million people right now are living with the idea that psychologists can read minds. It is a fascinating myth that captures the imagination. However, the reality is otherwise. So, basically, a clinical psychology practitioner uses scientific methods to understand and interpret human behaviours and emotions.
This is the reason that the way to become one is very extensive; the process is intimidating but not for long. We are here with the 6 simple steps of how you, too, can join this profession by untangling all the complexities of the journey.
Have a look below, read mindfully and then decide for yourself whether becoming a psychologist is an easy job or not.
How To Be a Psychologist? But Faster
For the people out there who want to embrace psychology as a profession but don’t have much time on their hands, here is an efficient six-step solution. This comprehensive guide is all that you need to make sure you know exactly what you are supposed to do without getting bogged down in unnecessary details.
Moreover, you will be relieved to hear that this guide is as smooth as a Cheap Essay Writing Service UK is for everyone from beginners to professionals. So, enough of the talking. Let us jump directly to the answer you are desperately waiting for.
Step #1 – Get Done with the Bachelors
It is a famous quote that every journey begins with a single step, but that ‘one step’ is, at times, the hardest to take. So, think through and prepare yourself, for endurance is the only key to success here. Once you are ready, you must apply for enrolment into a psychology bachelor’s program.
This step is foundational as it introduces you to key concepts, theories and research methods. Here, you will be exposed to the different branches of the subject, such as clinical, developmental, and social. Other than that, you will be probed for internships, projects and clubs for hands-on experience.
Step #2 – Pursue a Master’s Degree
After the knowledge-building stage, you are now ready for advanced studies and more practical exposure, so you must apply for a master’s degree. This will provide you with more depth in your chosen branch of psychology. Moreover, with a degree, a lot of opportunities become available to you in research and clinical practice.
Now, it is time for you to dive deeper into the chosen field, do some planned investigations, and complete the experiential training productively. As a result, your understanding of the crucial topic will solidify, and you will be all set to face the rigorous demands of your career.
Step #3 – Complete a Doctoral Program
Now, after the bachelor’s and master’s, the last education certification you need is either a Ph.D. or Psy.D. A doctoral degree like this will involve several years of intensive study, research and clinical training.
There will also be dissertations, supervised practices, and expert-level knowledge of the specialisation niche that you picked. Furthermore, as this is an advanced course of learning, you will acquire diagnostic and treating skills. So, by the end of it, you will have a strong commitment to an independent career.
Step #4 – Gain Practical Experience
Number four says that regardless of the lengthy theoretical learning, practitioners are not completely ready until they gain real-world experience. In addition, working with actual patients without close supervision is 180 degrees different from assisting seniors with their cases.
So, if we put it in simple words, the difficulty bar has now been raised to give you a taste of the ground realities. However, this phase will do to you what intense pressure does to change coal into a diamond. The implementation of knowledge into a situation will also give a nice boost to your confidence.
Step #5 – Apply and Wait for Your License
Soon, this phase will also be over, and with the tangible proof of the skills you gained, it is time to apply for the license – a permit to practice the knowledge. To do this, you first have to pass the required exam and meet the state-specific requirements with flying colours.
The relevant authorities on the other side will judge you and ensure that you have the competence and ethical rounding to practise independently. After applying, there is a brief waiting period that you have to abide by, and then you will finally be able to call yourself a certified psychologist. Cheers!
Step #6 – Continue Education & Training
Do you think the process is finished already? If yes, then let me correct you. The profession of health caretaker never really begins or ends at a point. Speaking of initiation, for some, it starts at a young age with the development of compassion in their hearts. For some, fate decides the chance, so, like the unspecified beginning, the end is also indefinite.
One can never get enough knowledge because, thanks to technological evolutions, there will always be room for further learning. It becomes a part of the psychologist’s duties to stay updated with the latest research, techniques and ethical standards.
The Frequently Asked Questions
The monthly salary of a mental health doctor is based on the level of their specialisation, location and experience. If we look at the UK market, an average doctor earns between £65,000 to £100,000 annually.
If one wishes to, he or she may work as a clinical psychologist as a part-time obligation. Many others around the world are already doing it, especially those in private practice.
The answer is yes. Being an extrovert was never a prerequisite for being a successful practitioner. People with either personality traits, introversion or extroversion, are equally capable of excelling in this field.
There are no strict age brackets to keep anyone from starting a career in psychology. There are instances of people entering the domain a lot later in life or after gaining a certain level of life experience. The only restriction is the need for education and training.
The Summary of Getting into a Psychology Career
So, is it official already? Have you made up your mind about the question we asked you in the introduction – is becoming a psychologist an easy job or not? We are hoping you have your answer now.
As a psychologist in process, you will have to keep attending the never-ending workshops, conferences, and seminars and continue to pursue certification in specialised niches because, apparently, the learning is endless. As a result of this constant refining of skills and expanding of expertise, you will soon be on the list of ‘World Best Psychologists’. Are you ready for this lifelong commitment? Think again.