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Child Psychologist
You know you want to do something to help children or to continue doing so; however, you cannot decide on how to proceed. With the mounting pressures and influences of today’s culture and society, we can never have enough people willing to become a child psychologist. This is a profession with various methods of assisting children.
What is a Child Psychologist?
A child psychologist is not simply providing a sounding board for complainers. The intricacies of the profession are far more profound and rewarding. Many children are faced with great adversity and difficult environments today. Often, these children cannot understand their dire situations and face the potential of becoming an unhealthy statistic. With the aid of the amazing individuals who pursue this often taken for granted profession, children have the opportunity for a bright future.
Several areas exist to assist in molding the positive futures of children. Providing counseling or therapy makes up a large percentage of the profession. One could be employed at a school or hospital to provide necessary counseling and therapy during a time of crisis and emotional strain. Another option is to have a private practice. Also, one could choose to perform research and work more directly with evaluating learning disabilities, as well as methodologies to aid in child development. It is also possible to work for departments within the state or the court systems to evaluate abuse scenarios. Whichever area you choose, you will be working in a highly rewarding profession.
The areas of specialization are Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Adolescent Psychology. Developmental Psychology is basically the conducting of research to monitor the overall behavior of children in various environments and stages of their development. An Abnormal Psychology specialty will concentrate on creating treatments to assist children with various,and sometimes troubling, behaviors. At the same time, they will work with the child’s doctors, parents, and teachers. Adolescent Psychology has a greater emphasis on the overall challenges of growing up during the formative years of 12 through 18. Each area has its own set of challenges and rewards.
Is this a career for you?
It is always important to weigh one’s options when choosing a profession, whether one is just starting out or changing their profession. Salary in this field can be well above average, depending upon the chosen area of practice and the employer. An expected growth in demand exists for the child psychologist over the next several years. A bachelor’s degree grants you permission to work with children on a basic level. One will require a master’s degree to work at a clinical level. If you prefer to have your own practice, a doctorate degree is required. Children are in need of assistance at all levels, whichever is right for you.
It is important to enjoy being around children, especially during times of turmoil or frustration. A person with high problem solving capabilities and analytical skills typically will make an excellent child psychologist. Patience is another highly sought characteristic, as well as a capacity for empathy. While it is possible to make a very comfortable living being a child psychologist, ask yourself the following question: Do you want to and are you capable of helping the children who need you?
