Characteristics of Good Psychologist

 

 

Characteristics of Good Psychologist

Psychologists are concerned with human behavior and the mental, emotional and social implications that it brings. Through observations, surveys and tests, they seek to understand the motivations behind a person’s actions and in so doing gain insight into a p person’s erson’s behavior and, in a wider sphere, help foster understanding between betwe en individuals and groups. Following are the characteristics of good psychologists

  Passion for Learning



Commitment to lifelong learning characterizes a competent psychologist. Because new ideas and therapeutic approaches continually emerge, psychologists must stay abreast of their profession  by attending seminars, reviewing evidenced-based research findings and consulting with colleagues. A desire to help people peop le can backfire if the psychologist is not adequately a dequately prepared to work with a certain type of client or o r situation. Inappropriate advice or an inaccurate diagnosis can profoundly harm a client. Psychologists must have the self-awareness to recognize areas where they need more training.   Empathy 

Psychologists exude empathy and genuine concern. They notice nuances in voice tone and body language. Skills such as active listening and reflection encourage clients to share repressed thoughts, feelings and beliefs. Psychologists communicate understanding and acceptance of  powerful emotions being discharged. They manage their own reactions and feelings when working with incarcerated clients, such as sex offenders, of fenders, in an attempt to understand them and  bring about change.

  Problem-Solving Ability  Ability 



Although tempting, psychologists resist the urge to give advice. Instead, they patiently wait for the client to open up, identify problems and express reasons for dissatisfaction dis satisfaction with life’s circumstances. Motivation is evoked by pointing out ou t discrepancies between the client’s goals and misaligned behavior. Goals are discussed and a treatment plan p lan developed outlining next steps in therapy.

  Appropriate Boundaries  Boundaries 



Psychologists adhere to boundaries and never cross the line of the professional, therapeutic relationship. They maintain appropriate personal distance. Clients are given instructions for seeking help after hours when the psychologist is not available. Romantic relationships with

 

clients are never considered due to the power differential, ethical codes and sexual exploitation laws prohibiting such actions.

  Trustworthiness Trustworthiness  



Clients intuit whether a psychologist is trustworthy. Psychologists show they can be trusted by emphasizing confidentiality. As part of the initial intake, clients are informed of their privacy rights and notified of any possible exceptions to confidentiality, such as threats of imminent harm to self or others. Psychologists reassure clients that are free to share sha re thoughts and feelings without judgement. Feedback to clients is constructive and supportive.

  Patience Patience  



Psychologists are realists who recognize that long standing, maladaptive behaviors be haviors cannot be unlearned quickly. Instead of telling the client what to change and how to change it, they  patiently guide the client in the process of self-discovery. They accept that progress is nonlinear and setbacks are common. Angry Angr y or resistant clients are not forced or manipulated into changing  before they are ready to do so.

  Solid Ethical Core  Core 



Ethical psychologists internalize the standards set by their state licensing board of psychology ps ychology and the ethical code of the American Psychological Association. They demonstrate openness, honesty and transparency. Everything from counseling clients to writing case notes to insurance  billing is above reproach. Behaviors of ethical psychologists are congruent with their professed professed attitudes and values.

  Cross-Cultural Sensitivity  Sensitivity 



Self-awareness and commitment to diversity exemplify an effective psychologist. A cookie cutter approach to diagnosing and treating clients does not work in a pluralistic society. Socially conscious psychologists understand social constructs, such as race, power, privilege p rivilege and systemic oppression. They recognize and confront their own personal biases while striving to be fair, just, equitable and inclusive in their practice.

  Good Interpersonal Skills  Skills 



Psychologists possess excellent interpersonal skills. They are comfortable talking with and giving advice to people of diverse backgrounds and personality types. They also have that uncanny ability to get people peo ple to share their innermost secrets. Not all people have this kind of

 

charm and powers of persuasion. They also use this skill to guide patients through the therapy  process, asking follow up questions that will help give clarity to what the client is going going through.  through.  

  Stable Persons  Persons 



Psychologists are mentally, emotionally and socially stable individuals. They are dealing de aling with those who already have issues in these areas so it’s important for psychologists not to carry their own problems to work. Of course, psychologists psycholo gists aren’t perfect but they should be stable enough enou gh to handle other people’s problems without breaking them down themselves.  themselves.