Psychologist

Introduction

Psychologists study the way people think and act. They look at all aspects of behaviour and the thoughts and feelings that make us act the way we do. Psychologists use their understanding to help people with difficulties to change their lives for the better. Many psychologists work in health and education services, but they can be found in a very wide range of other areas.

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Work Activities

There are various different types of psychologist, although they all use their understanding of the way we think and act to help people to change their lives for the better.

Clinical psychologists help people who have physical and mental health problems. For example, they may train people in relaxation techniques to help them cope with anxiety. They also work with people who have eating disorders, phobias, depression, stress, HIV/AIDS, head injuries and problems linked to age. Clinical psychologists work in different hospitals and community settings.

Health psychologists apply psychological knowledge and methods to the study of behaviour relevant to health care. For example, they may investigate why and when people seek professional advice, what might prevent them from complying with medication, and how they cope with illness. Health psychologists usually work in universities, medical schools and health services.

Educational psychologists study and treat the learning, behavioural and emotional problems of children and young people, from birth up to the age of 19 years. They assess young people's progress, and academic and emotional needs. Increasingly, educational psychologists help teachers to improve the school environment, recognising that this can influence young people's behaviour and ability to learn. Educational psychologists usually work in schools, colleges, nurseries and special units.

Occupational psychologists look at the performance of people at work and in training. They are involved in issues like the selection and training of staff, effective management and the working environment. The work can also involve workers who are redundant or about to retire. They work for large companies, the government and public services, management training centres and as private consultants.

Counselling psychologists help people improve their sense of well-being, resolve crises and increase their problem solving abilities. Counselling psychologists may work with individuals, groups or families. Some work privately, others in GPs' surgeries, counselling organisations and academic settings.

Forensic psychologists give evidence in courts of law and tribunals, and to prisoners' review panels. They help offenders to understand their behaviour and to avoid re-offending on release. Some forensic psychologists are involved in prison management, others work with the victims of crime. Forensic psychologists work in prisons, youth custody centres, special units and regional secure hospitals. They may also help with crime investigations by 'profiling'.

Sports psychologists help athletes with the psychological aspects of sport. They motivate and build up the athletes' confidence, helping them to cope with such pressures as, fear of losing, and the pressures to win. They also counsel injured athletes to enable them to return to their sport.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

To work in any of the psychology careers, you must have a strong interest in the way people think and act. You must also be committed to helping people transform their lives in a positive way.

Psychologists need investigative minds and a logical, methodical approach to solving problems. You must have the intellectual ability and psychological knowledge to understand behaviour in a scientific way.

You will also need excellent communication and interpersonal skills. You must be able to build a trusting, constructive relationship with clients. Many psychologists also need strong team skills; for example, clinical psychologists may work alongside consultants, nurses, occupational therapists and social workers. The ability to express your findings, in writing as well as verbally, is an important part of many psychologists' careers.

This work can be very demanding, so you must be generally enthusiastic and able to bounce back from setbacks. You are likely to be involved with some clients who have severe problems, who display vulnerability and extremes of emotion. You must therefore be resilient and able to avoid becoming burdened by the difficulties you encounter. This means having a calm, professional approach at all times. You must also have a strict respect for your clients' confidentiality.

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Pay and Opportunities

Earnings for psychologists vary depending on their area of specialisation and whether they are employed in the National Health Service (NHS) or work in private practice (either employed or self-employed).

In the NHS, trainee clinical psychologists are paid on Band 6 of the Agenda for Change scale. From April 2007 this has been £23,458 - £31,779 a year. Clinical psychologists are on Band 7, £28,313 - £37,326 a year and psychologist principals can earn up to £43,335. Consultants can earn up to £90,607 a year, depending on responsibilities.

Non-clinical psychologists in the NHS usually earn slightly less,

In private practice, some psychologists can earn considerably more.

Psychologists work a basic 37-hour week. Some evening and weekend work may be required.

Employers include private companies, consultancies, the Civil Service and local government. Others work in university teaching and research, or in private practice.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree course, a college or university Access course could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

There are accredited conversion courses open to graduates with degrees in subjects other than psychology. Graduates with non relevant degrees should contact the British Psychological Society (BPS) for further details or look on the BPS website.

Part-time study is available from a number of universities. However, most part-time degrees are not accredited by the BPS.

Open or distance learning is available from the Open University, which offers a BSc degree in Psychology. The Open University also offers a postgraduate Conversion Diploma in Psychology. These qualifications are accredited by the BPS.

The BPS website has a searchable database of funding opportunities. These range from studentships to research grants.

• 27% of psychologists (including assistant psychologists) work part-time.
• 23% have flexible hours.
• 21% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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