Why become a psychologist?

[covertly]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here, so I'm not sure if I'm posting in the correct section.

I've finished my undergrad in psychology, and put in an application for masters (clinical). A question that comes up in the masters interview is "Why have you chosen to study this course?".

I don't think it's sufficient to say "I want to become a psychologist" or "I like helping people". I'm looking for something a little less typical. I'd be very interested to hear any ideas.

Thanks
c

[Shell]

Welcome!!

I envy you - I'm still an undergrad!  LOL  Ah well, I'll get there.    Congratulations on graduating!!

Since I have no experience in applying for master's yet, I don't want to suggest anything.  What school are you applying to?  I've decided to apply to Fieldings since they offer many online courses, which is extremely helpful to me.

Good luck in getting accepted!!!  I'm sure you'll get some great advice here.

[SWM]

hi C

welcome to the forum, i will move this topic to the general psychology forum, i think that will be the best place for this topic. i geuss it is confusing with all the different subject categories.

reading your question i believe their is a better way to help you than by giving you something to regurgitate, that is by helping you find the motive and values that drive you to study clinical psychology. by focusing your attention to your own motive and values you will gain a better understanding of your own purpose and you will be able to communicate that more effectively when required to.

does that make sense?

so what can you say about your desire to become a clinical psychologist, what reasons can you give for chosing to study clinical psychology?


 

[corwin137]

Hello Covertly...

Unfortunately, we are not as great at asking questions as we might like to be.  I think they are really asking why you want to be a psychologist/therapist/counselor.  In terms of "wanting to help people", that may be true, but it is probably incomplete.  There may be issues near and dear to us, or we might have an insight to impart that we think is really important.  It may not even be the answer- it may be that we want to understand more about human development, certain "illnesses", serve a specific population, or do research.

All I'm getting at really, is that they ask "Why do you want to be in this program?" when they really mean, "Why would this course of study be important/interesting to you?" and/or "What is it that you're interested in being a psychologist/therapist?"  So really, we end up having to interpret the question and answer accordingly.

Good luck in the interviews...

[SWM]

on the subject of questions,
during any encounter whether i am counselling or using counselling skills i will try at all costs to avoid asking questions that start with  "why... ... ...?" in my experience why questions are followed by the answer "i dont know" or response that starts "because... ... ..." and which rapidly ends the flow of communication.

any "why.. .. ..?" questions that arise in my mind i refocus and rephrase into "how.. .. ..?" or "what.. .. ..?"

this way of quesitioning will get much more prooductive answers. as in the question in the opening post.

Why do you want to become a psychologist?

rephrased to..

how did you become intersted in psychology?

how will this psychology course benefit you?

what do you hope to gain studying psychology?

what do you find interesting in psychology?

[covertly]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies and advice. Sorry for the late reply.

CecileT: I've applied to quite a few different institutions (I'm from Aus)

Corwin and Stan, I can see where you guys are coming from, but I can't think of anything that someone else won't say. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to. I want to become a clinican because I am genuinely interested in psychology. I like to understand human behaviour, actions, and interactions. I like to know the reason behind things. I also like to benefit others (I'm an RA at the moment, and I don't feel like I'm really benefitting anyone but myself). I don't just mean benefitting patients one-on-one; one of my long term goals is to become involved in programs with certain minority groups who lack clinicians from there own backgrounds, and to help build bridges between groups within the community.

But I don't know how to say all that without sounding like I'm rambling.

[corwin137]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the replies and advice. Sorry for the late reply.

CecileT: I've applied to quite a few different institutions (I'm from Aus)

Corwin and Stan, I can see where you guys are coming from, but I can't think of anything that someone else won't say. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to...

That's essentially what I'm getting at, and something I tell a lot of my clients, friends, etc.  There are few things more relevant than finding out who/what we are in a circumstance, relationship, our lives... and being that.  With that said, am really suggesting all you have to do is discover what you would say- that's even more important than getting in a program.  'Sides- we tend to see stuff like that. 

[SWM]

as long as what you are saying is relevant then you are not rambling. if you are talking and talking and not actually saying anything then that is rambling. however if what you are saying has meaning and purpose than you could talk for hours and it would be interesting because it would be coming from somewhere within you that is real and passionate.

Corwin and Stan, I can see where you guys are coming from, but I can't think of anything that someone else won't say. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to. I want to become a clinican because I am genuinely interested in psychology. I like to understand human behaviour, actions, and interactions. I like to know the reason behind things. I also like to benefit others (I'm an RA at the moment, and I don't feel like I'm really benefitting anyone but myself). I don't just mean benefitting patients one-on-one; one of my long term goals is to become involved in programs with certain minority groups who lack clinicians from there own backgrounds, and to help build bridges between groups within the community.

there are many things here than you can talk about.

what interests you about minority groups?
what experience do you have of minority groups?

what drives you to understand human behaviour and interaction,  how has the understanding you have gained so far helped you in your own life?

what problems would you focus on in the community?
what experiences have prompted your interest in community projects? 

these are just some starters. try to answer a couple of these questions see how you go on.

for my own curiosity what is an RA?

[covertly]

Thanks guys. Lots of food for thought there.

RA-Research Assistant.

c

[SWM]

how are things going with your application?

[covertly]

Thanks for asking Stan.

I had an interview at the uni which was my first preference. It must have gone well because I got an offer last night. Looks like I'm doing Masters in Clinical psych next year.

[SWM]

well done on getting a place AND in the university of your choice.

hope we get to see more of you and experience your development into clinical psychologist.

[covertly]

Thanks Stan. I hope to become a little more active soon.

c

[SWM]

Thanks Stan. I hope to become a little more active soon.

c

yeah. So do i. Haha. Seems things just get busier and busier.

[Corey]

Hey,

I know this was posted back in 2008?? Did yo ever go on to study Psychology further and do your masters? and where? I have an interesting article here on reasons to become a psychologist -http://www.psychology-canada.ca/why-become-a-psychologist/

I cannot post links sorry that it is not hyperlinked..