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:
Counseling refers 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
about yourself and about life, what you really believe, 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.
To some extent, my role varies, according to the goals we
determine. The number of
counseling sessions will depend on the type of problems being dealt with,
as well as your personality and goals.
Most often, sessions are initially scheduled weekly, but frequency
can vary. Psychological tests are often 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.
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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.
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.
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