Being a psychologist can be a rewarding yet challenging field. Psychologists require diverse skills and traits to succeed and improve client outcomes.
What are the Top 10 Skills Every Psychologist Needs
Skill #1. Communication
Communication is essential in any field, but even more so in psychology. It is the principal and is the hallmark of what a psychologist does. Psychology is about understanding human behavior and what can predispose humans to act in a specific manner. There are a variety of clients with various mental health conditions that need to be heard and understood so knowing how to communicate is vital in gathering critical information.
Skill #2. Patience
Even though you may have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree, there are certain things that a degree cannot teach you. One is patience. As you can imagine, dealing with patients in this field can be particularly trying because their behavior deviates from what we consider “normal.” Therefore, being patient with these clients, as well as continuing to be motivated, is essential.
Skill #3. Ethics
Ethics is indispensable in any profession that entails caring for people in any capacity. Whether it is treating all patients the same equally, informing them of their rights, or just being honest with them, ethics guides professional humanistic practice. This is also paramount in establishing a rapport with clients, as they have the right to be directly involved in important decisions. Unfortunately, bias is present at times. However, having that bias could be the time to refer your patient to a colleague.
Skill #4. Problem-Solving
One essential skill a psychologist should have is the ability to solve a problem when it arrives. You will often be required to step in and develop a patient-driven solution that will benefit all parties involved.
Skill #5. Research
If you are trying to accomplish a change in your patient, it should be backed by research, and this could pose a potential risk to your patient and your credibility if you choose to use a therapeutic process that lacks research.
Skill #6. Commitment to Learning
Any field that ties directly to caring for others is constantly evolving. New studies are published, research trials are conducted, and new information is available to the public. If you are going to enter this field, committing to learning for the rest of your life, this would be a prerequisite. While it can be challenging to keep on top of everything, you will still need a general understanding of what is trending in your field to have better outcomes for those who entrust you with guidance and a healthy being.
Skill #7. Organization
When transcribing and analyzing research data, which can be very heavy in specific cases, you must understand how to be organized. There will be much information that will be thrown your way, from new research studies to the data of your clients. Having a way to organize everything will ease this potential burden. This is also essential for doing your job efficiently.
Skill #8. Emotional Stability
Ethical psychologists have control over their emotions and have deep, rooted emotional stability. Certain psychological disorders can lead certain people to have tendencies that might make them think of ways to unalive themselves, disturbing thoughts, and other potentially alarming scenarios. Keeping yourself focused and serene is vital to conduct your practice professionally.
Skill #9. Listening
Listening, particularly active listening, is extremely important, especially when counseling and developing therapeutic interventions to help clients in your care. Any information from a client is relevant to finding a way to improve their condition.
Skill #10. Compassion
Finally, psychologists must have a sense of compassion rooted within their character. Being empathetic will improve communication and the relationship that you will be establishing.
Florida National University’s Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology
These are 10 skills that every psychologist needs to be successful. Challenges are ever-present but having these character traits can improve your future practice immensely. Florida National University offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology Degree program. Are you ready to begin your career as a psychologist? Contact FNU at 305-821-3333 for more information on our Psychology program.
