The profession of a psychologist and its difference from a psychotherapist

A psychologist is a specialist who works with people's internal problems (complexes, phobias, etc.). In the modern world, this profession is becoming important.

If you are interested in learning about the advantages and disadvantages of specialization, job descriptions, ethical principles and other details and nuances of the work of a psychologist, continue reading our article.

A modern person is subject to a wide variety of stresses that directly affect the quality of his life. In this regard, psychologists occupy an important place in the world. These specialists help to understand the internal problems of people, to establish their state of mind.

At the same time, the description of the profession of a psychologist can be varied. So, some specialists work independently and help people cope with all kinds of emotional anxiety, if a person cannot do this on their own. At the same time, there are psychologists who work with more serious ailments - in such cases they do not act alone, but resort to the help of professional doctors.

The work of a psychologist, like any other profession, is characterized by a number of signs (both positive and negative).Therefore, before you finally decide to link your fate with psychology, you should study and analyze both the pros and cons of the position.

First of all, we will consider the advantages of the profession of a psychologist.

• Great social value and help to people. If you are an altruist by nature, then the profession of a psychologist is the ideal job for you. So, in the course of his daily professional activity, the specialist provides assistance to people who find themselves in difficult life situations. It is very important that you get moral satisfaction from such work.
• Creative work. The work of a psychologist is directly related to creativity and creativity. In the course of performing your duties, you need to show yourself as a highly qualified specialist who knows how to apply your knowledge in a variety of situations and look at your responsibilities from an original perspective.
• Lack of routine. Human psychological problems are never the same. That is why every day you have to perform new functions and solve psychological problems that are unique in their nature.

Now it is worth paying attention to the shortcomings of the work.

• Constant emotional stress. When working with clients, you cannot remain indifferent and neutral - it is imperative to show empathy and compassion. In this regard, the work of a psychologist is characterized by great emotional stress, and in some cases, an increased level of stress.
• Lack of basic university education. Despite the fact that the university provides important theoretical and basic training, the knowledge gained at a higher educational institution will not be enough to fulfill the professional duties of a psychologist. You will have to constantly improve your qualifications in various courses, trainings and master classes.
• Low income. The psychologist is a low-paid profession. This is especially true for those specialists who are just starting their careers, work in government agencies or live in the regions.

In the course of his professional activity, the psychologist performs a number of functions and performs a number of tasks. In this case, all the duties of a specialist are prescribed in a special document - job description. When applying for a job, you should definitely familiarize yourself with this document in order to understand what requirements the employer will put forward to you. Usually the job description of a psychologist consists of the following points:

• adherence to professional ethics;
• compliance with the principle of confidentiality;
• analysis of the psychological state of the client;
• analysis of the personal characteristics and qualities of the client;
• assessment of the level of psychological development of a person;
• assessment of the climate in the team;
• assistance in resolving conflict and controversial situations (for example, interpersonal conflicts);
• assistance in solving internal personality problems;
• diagnostics;
• testing and processing of its results;
• drawing up a psychological portrait (of a person or a team);
• corrective functions;
• work to eliminate deviations of a different nature;
• implementation of preventive functions;
• implementation of vocational guidance;
• drawing up programs aimed at maintaining a favorable climate (in the work team, family, etc.);
• scientific work;
• empirical research and experimentation;
• helping other professionals (e.g. doctors, social workers, etc.).

The most important duty and duty of a psychologist is strict adherence to the professional code of ethics. This document contains moral rules and principles on the basis of which a specialist should build his work activity.

So, the code of ethics contains the following principles:

• the principle of respect for the honor and dignity of every person;
• confidentiality;
• awareness and voluntary consent of the client to provide psychological assistance;
• specialist competence;
• a responsibility;
• honesty, etc.

A psychologist is a diverse profession. A professional can specialize in different spheres and areas of human activity. So, there are such types of psychologists:

• medical;
• military;
• perinatal
• practical psychologist;
• psychologist-teacher;
• a psychologist who works in a kindergarten, school, university or any other educational institution;
• consultant psychologist;
• family;
• children;
• private;
• sexologist;
• vocational guidance psychologist;
• personal growth coach;
• universal specialist, etc.

Often people who are not aware of the subject confuse psychologists and psychotherapists. However, these are completely different professions. Let's consider their differences.

So, as a general rule the psychologist is not a doctor... This specialist has a general humanitarian education and does not take the Hippocratic Oath. In this regard, the psychologist does not make diagnoses and does not have the right to prescribe medications for treatment.

As for the psychotherapist, he is a full-fledged doctor. He deals with the treatment of complex and complex psychiatric illnesses such as depression and addictions.

In order for a psychologist to be able to effectively carry out his professional activities, he must comply with the requirements set by the professional standard. They relate to professional skills and abilities, as well as personal qualities. Let's consider them in more detail.

The necessary professional knowledge, without which no psychologist can do his job efficiently, at the highest level, include:

• general psychology;
• understanding the principles of human psychological development;
• differential personality psychology;
• proficiency in psychological diagnostic methods and techniques;
• social Psychology;
• family psychology;
• pathological psychology;
• knowledge of the principles of counseling;
• ability to conduct group and individual trainings, etc.

Due to the fact that the work of a psychologist is directly related to interaction with other people, requirements are put forward not only for professional knowledge and skills, but also for the personal characteristics of a specialist. So, a professional in the psychological sphere must have the following qualities:

• empathy;
• stress tolerance;
• emotional maturity;
• tolerance;
• objectivity and impartiality;
• observation and attentiveness;
• tact;
• responsibility, etc.

In order to become a psychologist, you need to obtain an appropriate higher education diploma. That's why after grade 11, you need to go to university.

When choosing a university, you need to give preference to prestigious educational institutions located in the capital or large cities. At the same time, you should find out in advance what subjects you need to take in exams for admission. To work in the field of psychology, you need to enroll in any specialty related to this field of activity.

It should be borne in mind that studies at the university will last for a significant period of time - at least 4 years. If you decide to enroll in a master's or postgraduate program, you will have to study longer - more than 6 years.

For some employers, the grades recorded in the diploma are important. That is why you need to seriously and responsibly approach your studies, prepare well for exams and tests. Excellent students who graduated from the university can apply for high and prestigious positions not only in state, but also in commercial firms. In such institutions, the material remuneration for work is significantly increased.