Psychologist facts for kids
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| Occupation | |
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| Names | Psychologist |
| Description | |
| Competencies | Psychotherapy, psychological assessment and testing, depends on specialty |
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Education required
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differs by location and specialty, Bachelor's degree with honors in Psychology, Master's degree in Psychology, PsyD or PhD |
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Fields of
employment |
clinical neuropsychology, clinical, community, counselling, educational and developmental, forensic, health, organisational or sport and exercise |
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Related jobs
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A psychologist is a professional who studies the human mind and behavior. They learn how people think, feel, and act. Psychologists help people understand their emotions, personalities, and how they relate to others. Their main goal is to help people deal with challenges and improve their mental well-being. They do this without using medicines.
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind. It looks at how our brains work and how that affects our actions. Psychology helps us understand individuals, groups, and relationships. It also explores how our personality traits can influence different situations. Psychologists study mental functions and social behaviors. They also look at the brain processes that affect how we think and act.
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What Does a Psychologist Do?
Psychologists help people in many ways. They often work with individuals, families, or groups. They use different methods to understand and help people.
Helping with Mental Health
One common way psychologists help is by providing therapy. This is like talking to someone who is trained to listen and offer guidance. They help people with many different issues, such as:
- Dealing with stress or anxiety
- Overcoming sadness or depression
- Managing anger
- Coping with big life changes
- Improving relationships with others
A very common type of therapy used today is called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT helps people understand how their thoughts and feelings are connected to their actions. It teaches them new ways to think and behave to feel better.
Studying Behavior
Psychologists also do a lot of research. They study how people learn, remember, and make decisions. They might study how children develop or how groups of people interact. This research helps us learn more about the human mind. It also helps psychologists find new ways to help people.
Where Do Psychologists Work?
Psychologists work in many different places. Their job depends on their special training.
Different Fields of Psychology
- Clinical psychologists help people with mental health problems. They often work in hospitals or private offices.
- Educational psychologists work in schools. They help students with learning difficulties or behavioral issues. They also help teachers and parents.
- Counseling psychologists help people with everyday life problems. This might include career choices or relationship issues.
- Forensic psychologists work with the legal system. They might help courts understand criminal behavior or help victims of crimes.
- Sports psychologists help athletes improve their performance. They focus on mental toughness and dealing with pressure.
- Organizational psychologists work in businesses. They help companies improve teamwork and employee satisfaction.
Education and Training
To become a psychologist, you need a lot of education. Most psychologists earn a university degree in psychology. This usually includes a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, and then a special doctorate degree. These higher degrees can be a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or a PsyD (Doctor of Psychology). This training teaches them how to understand the mind and help people effectively.
Images for kids
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South African psychologist Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela
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The University of Pennsylvania was the first institution to offer formal education in clinical psychology in the U.S.
See also
In Spanish: Psicólogo para niños
