What does a psychologist do?

Some people seek help from a psychologist because they are discontent or unhappy with themselves.  Some are having difficulty in important relationships, or struggling with difficult circumstances.  Some are in crisis.  Some have been referred by people or agencies for a specific purpose, such as court-ordered or physician-recommended evaluations.  I provide two primary services:

• Individual and Marriage Counseling

• Psychological Testing and Evaluations

Counseling & Psychotherapy refer to resolving specific problems involving life circumstances and relationships, or facilitating changes in characteristic patterns of thinking, behavior, or dealing with emotions.  During the course of counseling, we might examine your thoughts, how you express and process your emotions, your values, and how you make important decisions.  Through the process of counseling, I try to help you better understand yourself, and develop alternative ways of approaching the problems you are facing.  My role varies, according to the goals we determine.  I may function as a guide, coach, or instructor.  The number of counseling sessions will depend on the type of problems we are dealing with, as well as your personality and goals.  Most often, sessions are initially scheduled weekly, but frequency can vary. Psychological tests may be used to provide additional, objective information that facilitates the counseling process. 

Psychological evaluations are conducted for a specific purpose. A personal interview is conducted, and a battery of psychological tests is administered. Tests may measure cognitive or neuropsychological functioning, as well as personality characteristics and psychological functioning. The results are summarized in a written report, which may be used for medical, legal, or other purposes. Psychological evaluations typically require three to six hours. 

  Becoming a Psychologist

Psychologists must first complete a four-year college degree.  This is followed by four to five years of graduate school, culminating with the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).  Graduate work consists of courses in various aspects of applied psychology, including studies in personality theories, professional psychology practice, assessment of intelligence and personality, psychopathology and diagnosis, techniques of counseling and psychotherapy, psychological research and measurement, biological bases of behavior, and neuropsychology.  A dissertation, involving original research is completed for the PhD.  Several practicum's must be completed, working in specific settings under supervision.  Some graduate programs require personal therapy.  Comprehensive examinations must be passed to determine that course work has been adequately learned.  Professional qualifying examinations may also be given, to determine readiness for full-time clinical experience.  Lastly, a psychologist must complete an internship, working in a clinical setting under the supervision of licensed psychologists. 

Psychologists then must be licensed by the state in which they practice.  South Dakota law requires that a psychologist graduate from an accredited doctoral program in psychology, pass a written and oral examination, complete a supervised internship, and receive one year of post-doctoral supervision.  A state board of examiners functions as a government-appointed body to license and oversee the practice of psychology.