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Clinical Psychologist
As a clinical psychologist, you would work with people with psychological difficulties such as anxiety, depression, phobias, eating disorders or relationship problems.
You could specialise in work with a particular group, such as children, young offenders or older adults.
Clinical Psychologists attempt to modify behaviour, beliefs and attitudes. These behaviour traits are deep-seated and by making use of methods such as psychotherapy, behavioural or group therapy and in some cases hypnotherapy it is possible to alter the extent of the behaviour.
As a Clinical Psychologist it might be necessary to prescribe medication in order to assist the processes that are being used to treat the client.
As a Clinical Pscyhologist your work would involve:
- interviewing prospective clients, doing pscyhometric tests and observing in order to assess their needs
- deciding on the most appropriate form of treatment, including therapy, counselling or advice
- planning a treatment programme and treating clients in groups or one-to-one
- writing reports and attending case conferences
- carrying out research
- counselling and supporting carers
- In some cases medication is prescribed in order to assist the processes.
You would work closely with other professionals such as doctors and probation officers to achieve specific goals with your clients, for example, rehabilitating an offender into the community. Once you gain experience, you could be involved in producing legal reports and acting as an expert witness in court.
Psychologists of all natures work mostly independently or they belong to psychological clinics.
PLEASE NOTE! If you are serious about becoming a clinical psychologist and do not speak Xhosa you will have to take a recognised course in it (eg. first year University course). You also MUST do community service. Good organisations to be involved in are:
Lifeline: http://www.lifeline.org.za/default.aspx?link=give_help_volunteer or contact Debbie Richards on 011-715-2000.
Rape Crisis: http://www.rapecrisis.org.za/index.php/about-rape-crisis/our-approach
St Luke's Hospice: http://www.stlukes.co.za/ or contact Dawn on 021 797 5335
Police Station Counselling: http://www.capegateway.gov.za/eng/directories/services/11460/9598 or contact the station commander of your nearest police station
Becoming a psychologist is not an easy road. You need to be dedicated and passionate about this career choice in order to suceed.
Useful Information
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Career Snapshot Clinical Psychologist |
In Demand
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Qualification Required |
Work Outdoors |
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Maths Required |
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Science Required |
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This is a general guide - it is important to check admission requirements with the various training institutions first because entry requirements may vary.
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