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Quick Links: What is a Psychologist? What makes a good Psychologist? How do I become a Psychologist? What is a Psychologist? Psychologists usually fall into two general categories: 1. Clinical Psychologists – endeavour to treat patients by assessing their mental processes and behaviour, and then provide or recommend therapeutic treatment (often called psychotherapy). 2. Research Psychologists – study and research the way people think, feel, learn and act. What is the difference between a Clinical Psychologist and a Psychiatrist? Psychiatrists differ from Clinical Psychologists in that they are also qualified doctors and therefore they tend to focus on medication based treatment regimes, although they do also conduct therapy based treatments. What makes a good Psychologist? Good Clinical Psychologists: - Are first and foremost competent, and have the necessary psychological knowledge to recommend and provide the best treatments. They must therefore enjoy reading and staying up to speed with the latest psychological research.
- Think objectively, critically and analytically.
- Are empathetic, good listeners and have a genuine desire to help their patients
Good Research Psychologists: - Are passionately interested in human mental processes and behaviour
- Think objectively, critically and analytically.
- Enjoy maths and statistics.
- Are effective verbal and written communicators
How do I become a Psychologist? To become a Psychologist you generally first have to undertake an undergraduate arts or science degree with a major in psychology followed by either a two year accredited postgraduate qualification or two years of supervised experience with a registered psychologist. The bachelor and post graduate courses must be accredited by the Australian Psychological society. To become a full member of the Australian Psychological society (APS) applicants are required to complete an accredited 6 year sequence of study including a four year undergraduate course and a two year post graduate course. Membership of the APS is not compulsory. Entry to accredited postgraduate courses is highly competitive.
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