Choosing a profession is very important for life. The feeling of satisfaction, success in the field and salary depend on it. Not everyone knows how to become a psychologist and what needs to be done to achieve this. In addition to receiving a specialized education, a person will have to develop for a long time.
A psychologist deals with healthy people, the center of his interest is improving the client’s life
Characteristics of the profession: functions and tasks
Specialization is very difficult; it involves constant contact with different people. Some come to the appointment themselves, while others are forced. Difficulties in some situations cannot be avoided.
The services of such a doctor are in demand everywhere. Specialists in this profile work in law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, and large companies. Where, against a background of constant stress, employees or students may need psychological support.
The activity involves working with clients, conducting consultations, trainings, assessing personal qualities and mental state, and providing assistance in difficult life situations. Direct responsibilities are usually determined by the workplace and area of specialization. For example, in a large company, a psychotherapist advises management on interaction with subordinates; in kindergartens and schools he monitors the mental health of children.
Why psychotherapy
In psychological communities you can often hear the phrase: “Before you become a psychologist, you must first become someone.” And I first became a journalist. At the age of 15, she began writing articles about psychology for newspapers, later she entered the journalism department of Moscow State University and began working in the media. I have always strived to heal with words and tried to ensure that every article or TV program of mine helps someone, makes someone better in some way. Journalism has opened doors for me to the hearts of thousands of people from all different worlds. I conducted in-depth interviews with outstanding, famous personalities - artists, musicians, actors, directors, writers, doctors, politicians, athletes, businessmen, scientists. What interested me most was how they found their way and discovered their talent. I wanted to understand their development, learn something from them and teach others through their experience. My sincere interest always resonated, and most often after each interview I heard: “This interview was better for me than a psychotherapy session.”
In researching the experiences of successful people, I went even further - I began working as a personal manager for foreign artists (from the USA and Canada to Europe and Japan). A personal manager is practically an artist’s psychotherapist. He is forced to deal with different situations, regulate and resolve emotional outbursts, conflicts, take into account the mentality and personal characteristics of everyone. What have I not experienced with the stars, working with them 24/7! Deep down, I dreamed of opening up myself and allowing as many people as possible to show their potential.
But I didn’t go into psychology out of idle curiosity, of course. And through the deep labyrinths of the soul. To overcome my own fears, I had to do a tremendous amount of inner work. Completely transform.
They say you need to hit rock bottom in order to push off and rise up. My growth began with my fall. I hit emotional and psychological rock bottom.
What does it take to become a psychologist?
First of all, you need to understand that choosing a profession is a big responsibility. In the course of his activities, a specialist, like any other doctor, should not cause harm to the patient. His distinctive feature is his love for people - a true desire to help them understand their problems and choose the right path in life.
Iron patience is the most important tool for successful psychotherapy. Only a truly passionate person can become patient. There are a lot of areas of such activity, so it is impossible to be a professional in all of them at once. A good start would be a self-education course, in which you should study available information on the Internet and popular science books.
What makes a good specialist
How to become a confident man and increase your self-esteem
Before starting work, a person must understand what a psychologist needs to know to work. This applies not only to knowledge of subjects, but also to what can be done and what cannot be done. Ethics must be at the forefront of everything.
Important! In Russia and the CIS countries, the ethical code of psychologists has not been adopted, but it is advisable to adhere to it.
A specialist cannot devalue, give advice, insult, humiliate, or harm the client. Before starting therapy, the psychologist must determine whether the problem is psychological. If it is of a psychiatric nature, then the client should be sent to a doctor.
A person receives the necessary level of knowledge during training, but it is constantly worth improving. During supervision, i.e. mentoring, a young specialist analyzes each case of his work with an experienced person. This is necessary in order to identify errors in therapy.
A competent psychologist regularly visits a personal specialist
You can become a good specialist through years of hard practice. This is a long process, do not rush it, otherwise you can harm your clients. Psychological work requires a high level of responsibility.
What qualities are required?
Tactfulness, the ability to empathize, and listen, of course, will be very useful to a future specialist. But intelligence and professionalism are the main characteristics necessary for effective work. In addition, in order to study a huge amount of general and specialized literature and absorb the information received, you need to have excellent memory, perseverance, logical thinking and willpower.
This work often leads to emotional stress. Therefore, a person who has connected his life with this profession must be able to abstract himself and isolate himself from the problems of patients. Otherwise, depression is inevitable due to mood swings, poor sleep and lack of rest. A psychotherapist must have good psychological and physical health.
Empathy is a feeling that is needed to work as a psychologist. The ability to understand your interlocutor and truly empathize with him is invaluable. A good specialist is distinguished by tolerance, he is always restrained, and has complete control over his emotions.
To learn how to help people with psychological problems, you should read more, constantly observe those around you and work hard. This doctor, like no one else, must understand that the missing skills must be developed.
Myth No. 3. You're not the smartest - it's too early to start consulting.
When I first started studying psychology, everything seemed simple. There is a consulting algorithm, my personal experience and desire to help people - it seemed that this was enough. I was even sure that it was all easy, and I could easily become a better psychologist. But the more I studied, the more often I remembered Socrates. If he already knows that he doesn’t know anything, what to say about me. I took courses after courses, but the more I studied, the more it seemed that I still knew little.
Every time, algorithms who have a certificate of completion of two-month courses in “practical psychology” calmly work and advise people like me, guardians of the internal saboteur.
Of course, I don’t encourage you to emulate the above-mentioned, but it’s worth learning courage from them. After all, knowledge that does not find practical application is lost. You can read as much as you like about how to sew, but you can only learn how to do it with a needle in your hands.
The only place where you can truly learn how to consult is in the consultation itself. Not a single seminar, not a single training will teach you to hear the client and feel what will help him at the moment. Knowledge, skills and training are important, of course. When a person starts going to the gym, it is extremely important to know how to use the equipment, lift the barbell correctly and squat, without this knowledge you can harm your health. But you will never make your figure more toned with only this knowledge and without exercising regularly. Both knowledge and regular practice are important. And for the best and fastest results, you can use the services of a trainer. In consulting practice, these are experienced colleagues, supervisors, and mentors.
Conclusion: we accept our imperfections and start working. And if you feel uncertainty, fear or doubt, ask for help!
What kinds of psychologists are there?
There are several varieties of this profession. Specialists in this field deal with a variety of problems and use appropriate techniques suitable for achieving certain goals.
Children's
His job is to help adults understand what is happening to their children. How can they overcome the difficulties that arise in communicating with him, how to establish contact and have a beneficial influence.
The pediatric doctor involves not only the child, but also his parents in the therapeutic process. All his activities in this case are aimed at identifying problems and the causes of their occurrence. He perfectly understands the psychological characteristics of children’s development, knows everything about the age-related crises that absolutely every little person goes through. After all, the psyche of children is completely different, so a special approach to such patients is needed.
School
As a rule, he works in educational institutions, where he observes the development, adaptation and behavior of his students. Qualified psychological assistance is very important during this period. Parents themselves are not able to cope with the numerous difficulties that inevitably arise at a young age.
The leading goal of an educational psychologist is to ensure the mental health of students. It helps them develop in the right direction, taking into account individual character traits. Corrects the realization of creative potential, stimulates interest in various social spheres. His responsibilities include ensuring a favorable climate for the development of children.
Military
This specialist devotes most of his time not to research work, but to practice. He is in constant contact with military personnel and their loved ones, so he is well versed not only in his profession, but also has the necessary knowledge about the life of officers and soldiers. It carries out its activities through constant monitoring, conducting questionnaires, testing, surveys and analyzing the information received.
Psychologist Daria Milai
Make an appointment
This is a very responsible specialization. The distinctive features of such a doctor are restraint and the ability to retain information. Every day he has to solve many questions and tasks, because the duties of a military psychotherapist include:
- psychological selection of those wishing to enter the service;
- development of methods that help strengthen discipline and patriotism;
- adaptation and rehabilitation of soldiers returning from the combat zone;
- training those who are about to go to hot spots;
- resistance to negative influence from outside that personnel may be exposed to;
- conducting consultations for military personnel and their relatives.
Clinical
This profile requires additional medical education. It is necessary for working with psychosomatics and providing assistance to physically ill patients. This doctor is knowledgeable in the field of pathopsychology and is able to diagnose mechanical disorders. His responsibilities include:
- carrying out work aimed at restoring health;
- elimination of deviations and difficulties in personality development;
- training physicians in aspects of social psychology and deontology;
- assessing the clients' condition and the effectiveness of the treatment interventions involved;
- conducting psychodiagnostic studies and monitoring patients who are susceptible to various types of disorders.
How I learned to promote my services online
On the Internet, I came across an advertisement for an information businessman who promised to teach me how to start an online business correctly. According to advertising, I switched to a three-day free intensive course. The businessman said that the owner needs to understand advertising settings and understand his target audience. It turned out that there is no need to create heavy websites: now there are many free designers on which you can create a landing page that sells. Explained why you need a good offer and lead magnet.
I paid for a two-month course. I bought a package for 20 thousand rubles. with the opportunity to receive feedback and 3 individual consultations. I was very inspired and could already imagine how new clients from different parts of the world would come to me for advice.
The training did not bring the desired result: it was more designed for people who already have experience in online promotion. I didn’t have that kind of knowledge at all. Now I understand that I needed a course adapted for beginners.
There were 10 people in my group, and my training colleague had more than 200 thousand subscribers. As a result, I had to master a new direction step by step and hit the bumps on my own.
I completed the course, but it did not bring me results. I decided not to despair: I hired a producer and a targetologist. These specialists were recommended to me by friends.
I paid the producer 50 thousand rubles. for starting the project. He needed to create a group on VKontakte (this was the assembly point of the future target audience), and help with the script for a three-day selling webinar. It was assumed that I would already be selling my consultations on it.
The services of a targetologist cost 10 thousand per month, and I replenished my advertising account on VKontakte by 30 thousand rubles.
The targetologist promised to collect 1,000 subscribers in the group for me and achieved this result after 2 months of work. Yes, I had my own audience, but they did not order paid services. Then 10 people agreed to consultations, all of them responded to the campaign “One consultation - 2,500 rubles,” which we carried out on the recommendation of the producer.
I can’t say that the producer and targetologist are to blame. The reason was me. I didn't understand the target audience. It seemed to me that everyone without exception needed a psychologist, that I could help everyone. In fact, not all people will go to a psychologist and agree to pay for consultations. This is not my only mistake.
While setting up advertising, people who were not interested in paid services subscribed to my community. The entire emphasis of the advertisement was on free consultation. Now I understand that a free meeting should not be full, and my first consultations lasted an hour and a half.
Imagine that you are hungry and go to a pies tasting. In general, you don’t like them very much - this is the wrong diet. And then there’s a free tasting, and you’re hungry... And they give you 10 pies to try. By the time you’ve tried each one, you’re full and don’t want to buy them anymore. Also consultation. A person comes to a free consultation with acute pain. You can stop this pain or completely remove it. In the latter case, the client will be grateful to you, but will not want to pay.
It is necessary to numb the wound and invite the client to work to eliminate the causes of pain.
Currently my free consultation lasts 20 minutes. This time is enough for the client to get to know me and tell me what worries him. I give him a technique or carry out diagnostics. During this time, we both understand whether we are suitable for each other or not.
If the twenty-minute consultation went well, we agree with the client on a paid consultation. For some, it is important not to offer multiple sessions at once. Start with an initial paid consultation, and then recommend therapy or a multi-session program.
Here's another mistake. One day, an online client who agreed to a paid consultation after a free consultation did not pay. This experience quickly taught me to take money up front.
Lack of client support reduces efforts to nothing.
I realized this six months later. By “accompaniment” I mean contact with the client through useful articles and holiday greetings. Even if the client only took advantage of a free consultation, this does not mean that you need to give up on him. Invite him to subscribe to your Instagram, Facebook account or VKontakte. By receiving useful information and reading the success stories of your clients, he will remember you, and when he is ready, he will come for a paid consultation.
Main responsibilities
There are advantages and disadvantages to this work. The main disadvantages are the constant tension and stress that inevitably arise when communicating with patients. You should not forget about them if you want to become a practicing psychologist. The specialist's activities include:
- various tests carried out to determine the personal characteristics of clients;
- psychological trainings;
- consultations in difficult life situations;
- analysis of the influence of social, professional and other factors on behavior and thinking;
- studying the reasons resulting from the unsatisfactory condition of patients;
- therapeutic conversations, individual counseling;
- assistance in adaptation (at a new place of residence, in a different team).
How to become a family psychologist-consultant
This is not an easy task. After all, you have to work not with one person, but with entire families, the relationships in which are developing inappropriately. To competently help them get out of difficult situations and cope with numerous problems, a liberal arts education will not be enough. You'll have to constantly practice. It is better to start gaining experience while still a student. Various programs for volunteers that are aimed at helping people in difficult situations can contribute to their development. It wouldn’t hurt to take advanced training courses in the field of family psychology.
Evaluate investments in your future profession
To develop a new area, you need to set aside a certain budget. Spending on training is only part of the total investment. Consider what other expenses await you.
Supervision and professional development.
From time to time, any psychologist must update his knowledge. A supervisor is an experienced colleague with whom you can discuss problems and difficulties, correct mistakes, set priorities, and formulate personal and professional goals. Supervisor services usually cost more than regular psychological counseling.
Office rental.
Working at home is not always comfortable, so even those psychologists who provide online consultations often rent offices.
Maintaining the website and social networks.
If you want to do a professional photo shoot, hire an SMM specialist who will manage your pages on social networks and delegate website development.
Other expenses.
Subscribe to specialized publications to keep up with news in the field of psychology. Or a new wardrobe that will boost your confidence and help you impress clients and employers.
How to become a consultant
First of all, you need to take care of getting basic education in this area. Then you need to undergo additional training at an institution that trains counseling specialists. Remember, obtaining this specialization requires regular practice. You should start training first of all on yourself, identifying and considering your own problems.
Face-to-face consultation
What are the features and advantages of face-to-face consultation?
Find out more
Skype consultation
What are the features and benefits of Skype consultations?
Find out more
Only after all the techniques have been worked out and brought to perfection can you find a job. Over time, the level of professionalism will increase, which will make it possible to think about private practice.
How to become a psychotherapist without medical help. education
The professional development of a psychologist can occur according to two branches of training: medical and humanitarian. It is enough for a general specialist to be a humanist. He will be able to work in a school, kindergarten, private company or research institute, that is, consult, provide psychological support, but not correct mental disorders. Only an educated physician can be an employee of healthcare institutions.
I want to be a psychologist: where to start self-study
To master psychology, you need to learn to feel people. This skill is honed over years and strengthened through practice. It is based on three main parts of conversation:
- Personal space that every patient visiting a doctor has. Of course, no one likes it when someone else tries to get into it, especially by actively imposing their point of view. A competent specialist is obliged to establish a trusting relationship with the client and only then penetrate his territory.
- Non-verbal. Not everyone is able to easily open up and immediately tell everything about themselves that is needed for further therapy. Some may deliberately provide false information out of fear of their true nature. In such situations, the psychologist resorts to facial expressions and gestures, which can tell a lot about a person. Noticing nonverbal manifestations, he changes his own behavior to make the conversation comfortable for the patient.
- Listening skills. This is the most important skill needed to provide psychological support. Sometimes people come to an appointment just to talk, to express their emotions, to talk about what is painful.
What did studying give me?
As a creative and sensitive person, since childhood I was prone to depression, addiction and even suicidal thoughts; because of my childhood dislike, I really needed love. I felt all the emotions incredibly intensely. If it was love, then it was super strong. If it's pain, it's completely unbearable. I had a very difficult time with myself before psychology.
Previously, if something bad happened, like a breakup, it was simply unbearable. It was like I was falling apart. I tried to run away from the pain - addiction, chatter, smoking, alcohol, etc. I called someone, asked for advice, sought support from others, drank wine, ate sweets, ran somewhere to forget myself, just so as not to be alone with my feeling... The pain was unbearable, because at such moments I lost my “I”, as if she had disappeared.
Now I don’t run from pain. I'm left alone with her. And I live it from beginning to end. Without eating, without drinking, without chatting. I realized that I would not be destroyed if I lived it. If I look straight into her eyes and feel her completely. I learned to accept it. Because “I” is not the same as my emotions. "I" is greater than them. I feel where they go in the body. And this is the coolest thing you could learn.
By experiencing each new pain this way, alone, on your own, you become stronger. But that doesn't mean I don't feel negative emotions. I feel it - and how, because my sensitivity during my studies only increased and increased. But now I know the reason for these feelings.
Now, if a separation occurs, my “I” does not fall apart, it has become integral and autonomous, and I can be happy with or without you. I don't need to ask for love from another, because I love myself.
I began to feel my needs, to understand when I need solitude and when I need communication. I began to give myself more time to be alone with myself.
I began to understand how to restore energy, where to get the resource from. Because I studied myself. And I know what will help me specifically, and what doesn’t work for me, but helps Masha/Sasha/Katya very well. Because we are different.
I learned to feel my body and influence my emotions through it. Because any emotion is reflected in the body, it is a single whole.
What exams should you take?
If you have already decided on a profession and are now thinking about what it takes to study to become a psychologist, it’s time for you to plan your admission.
After 11th grade
A compulsory subject is Russian. Firstly, it is the state language, knowledge of it is the responsibility of all citizens. Secondly, a specialist in this profile needs to constantly communicate with people. Without the appropriate skills, this will not be easy.
The second exam is biology. It is directly related to the life of the human body. Without sufficient information about its structure, you should not even dream of a successful career.
The third is mathematics. There is no need to confuse psychology with esotericism or astrology and consider it something like entertainment. This is a difficult industry to understand, where you need to be able to calculate and think logically. In addition to the above subjects, social studies may also be required.
After 9th grade
Many colleges and schools accept students based on the average score of the certificate, which they receive by passing the OGE. The required subjects are Russian, mathematics and two to choose from. To enroll in the Faculty of Psychology, you must choose chemistry, biology or natural science.
Build a personal brand
A personal brand is when there are many psychologists around, but they want to come to you for a consultation. You can build a reputation through impeccable work and increasing recognition on social networks. Share your values, make content that will be useful. For example, how to stop a panic attack, what to do to calm down before an important meeting. People will return to your page for new tips.
It is important to have your own website with beautiful visuals, an interesting story about yourself and your specialization, successful cases - which can only be published with the consent of clients. Organize events online or in real life. Join charitable initiatives - get +100 reputation. Try fresh formats: videos on TikTok, channels with memes and tips on Telegram, collaborations with bloggers.
University choice
If an applicant wants to engage in scientific activities in the future, it is necessary to find out whether there is an Academic Council at the university.
To gain basic skills, just inquire about the rating and the level of the educational and methodological basis. The main thing is to have accreditation, which will facilitate employment later.
Anyone who wants to fully understand the intricacies of the profession and gain theoretical and practical skills is better off enrolling as a full-time student. This way, you will be able to increase your knowledge every day with the help of competent and competent teachers.
Correspondence and distance learning
Distance learning methods are quite popular. But you need to understand that they are more relevant in terms of self-development. By giving them preference, you should not count on receiving a full education.
Already working applicants will benefit from the opportunity to obtain a specialty without interrupting their work activities. It will be necessary to interrupt it only for the duration of the sessions.
Ask a question
Myths
Many people have the illusion that “since you are a psychologist,” you must be something like a superman, know the answers to all questions, sprinkle quotes, never get angry, cry, or be sad. And probably not feel it at all. But this is not true at all. What I don’t like most is when friends tell me: “You’re a psychologist!” I would like to answer: a psychologist is also a person!
Knowledge of psychology cannot rebuild your personality structure. If I am a naturally highly sensitive, empathic person (and I consider this my strength, it makes me a super therapist), then I will remain that way. I just know how to deal with it now.
Pros and cons of the profession
Often the decision to enroll in the Faculty of Psychology is made thoughtlessly. Not everyone understands the true essence of the things that they will face. Students often swallow information from textbooks without taking them seriously, but in vain. Before you finally decide, you should consider all the pros and cons of future activities.
Advantages:
- interesting work from the point of view of science and practice;
- the opportunity to help people;
- likelihood of becoming successful;
- high income;
- a way to understand yourself.
Flaws:
- low respectability;
- low salaries for entry-level specialists;
- tension, stress;
- lack of budget places in universities.
Why typical marketing tools are not suitable for a psychologist
When I was studying sales texts and copywriting, many recommendations from marketers caused me resistance. Psychologists know that if resistance arises, there will be no result.
I was terribly infuriated by selling tools with a time limit, with invented discounts, with last-minute offers. I felt like a fraud. I didn’t want to manipulate people, forcing them to emotionally give me money. Yes, the tools are cool and work well, but they didn’t suit me. At least not all of them... Through trial and error, I found a convenient toolkit that I personally liked.
The first tool is the psychology of numbers. For example, for a regular client, a consultation costs 3,500 rubles. Before this, the price was 3,000 rubles. for regular clients and 5,000 for a one-time consultation. Surprisingly, they agree to 3,500 more easily than to 3,000. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the higher the price, the greater the value a person sees in my services.
I have time limits. For example, a person who pays for a package of 8 consultations must use this package within 3 months. These restrictions help the client complete the course. For a therapeutic effect, it is enough to meet once a week. If during this time the client does not use my services or stops therapy for a long time, the consultations expire.
I want to become a psychologist: where to start my career
First of all, find a job in kindergartens, schools, social and psychological institutions, as this is a suitable start for young people. In the process of activity, diagnostics, correction, and prevention are carried out (you can develop your own methodology over time).
A person with the appropriate education will find a place in a hospital, clinic, dispensary or medical center. His responsibilities will depend on this.
Large trading companies are in demand for specialists who are able to develop corporate culture, control the team building process, assess the personal qualities of staff, and prevent conflict situations.
In addition, there is always a use for a psychotherapist in law enforcement agencies and military units.
Myth No. 1. No diploma – too early to start consulting.
“How can I start consulting if I don’t have a diploma in hand yet?” - this question arose in my head when I received my first psychological education. I specifically chose an educational institution where I could gain more experience, however, when the time came to start practicing, a stupor set in.
My first real client found me on the Internet. I left a comment on one of the thematic forums, indicating that I was a psychologist, and soon the first consultation was scheduled. By the scheduled time, I experienced the whole gamut of feelings and emotions: irresistible excitement, terrible resistance, panic, doubt, fear. It seemed to me that it was easier to jump with a parachute than to conduct an hour-long consultation. To be honest, I even hoped that the client would change his mind and not come. But everything turned out differently.
The client arrived, and my panic gave way to slight uncertainty. At the same time, it was noticeable only to me. I won’t lie and say that at my first consultation I was able to turn the client’s world upside down and immediately help solve all his problems. I didn’t do anything special, I just let the person talk, listened carefully and sometimes asked leading questions. As a result of the consultation, the client admitted that he received relief, and his problem no longer seemed so significant.
Many people are trapped by two conflicting beliefs. You cannot work for money with clients unless you have an education. And, also, you cannot get real experience without practice. The solution can be simple: first, practice techniques and practices with fellow students and friends. They will know that you do not have a diploma, but you are also unlikely to be able to do any harm, because you will act carefully and can always ask the teachers for help. In the worst case, you won’t help, but in the best case, you will gain experience and consolidate your knowledge.
And it’s better to look for your first real clients during the learning process, while you are still in a team of like-minded people and under the strict supervision of experienced colleagues. Conclusion: we start safe practice while studying.
Career
Depends on the ability of the psychologist himself to constantly improve and grow in the professional field, to expand the skills and techniques used. Its demand also plays a significant role. In the company, with due diligence, he will be able to rise from the ranks of an ordinary employee to the deputy head of the personnel department. If everything goes well, over time it will be possible to open your own office to provide psychological support to the population. All this is possible only with the necessary education and a tireless desire to constantly improve.
Psychologists in your city
Small communities may lack specialists. Fortunately, we live in the age of the Internet. Virtual communication allows you to communicate with people without leaving your home. This is a salvation for those people who experience severe stress during personal communication. You can contact Nikita Valerievich Baturin, a specialist in the field of hypnotherapy for getting rid of psychological disorders.
To become a psychologist, you first need to get an education in your chosen specialty. Then immediately start practicing in government institutions or continue studying science at a university. The psychologist who improves and keeps up with the times will achieve success. A good specialist does not stop developing: he constantly expands his knowledge and learns from his own mistakes.
