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Psychology

Are you interested in one or more of the topics in the following list, or in some related issues?
Learning, Memory, Emotion, Thinking, Problem-solving, Sleep Work, Dreaming, Hypnosis, Psychotherapy
 

If so, then you are interested in the wide and fascinating field of psychology
The wide and fascinating field of psychology works in areas such as the study of human (and sometimes animal) behaviour, motivations, thoughts and feelings both normal and abnormal. Psychologists use their understanding of theory along with counselling and other forms of therapy to help people avoid, overcome and control their problems.
Psychology includes the diagnosis or evaluation ofmental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests, and formulate and administer programs of treatment.

Psychologists:
   - Identify psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues, and diagnose disorders, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, and reference materials.
   - Develop and implement individual treatment plans, specifying type, frequency, intensity and duration of therapy.
   - Interact with clients to assist them in gaining insight, defining goals, and planning action to achieve effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment.
   - Discuss the treatment of problems with clients.
   - Utilize a variety of treatment methods such as psychotherapy, hypnosis, behavior modification, stress reduction therapy, psychodrama, and play therapy.
   - Counsel individuals and groups regarding problems such as stress, substance abuse, and family situations, in order to modify behavior and/or to improve personal, social, and vocational adjustment.
   - Write reports on clients, and maintain required paperwork.
   - Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or treatments, and the accuracy and completeness of diagnoses, then modify plans and diagnoses as necessary.
   - Obtain and study medical, psychological, social, and family histories, by interviewing individuals, couples, or families, and by reviewing records.
   - Consult reference material such as textbooks, manuals, and journals in order to identify symptoms, to make diagnoses, and to develop approaches to treatment.
   

Psychologists would typically specialise in a field and this could be one of the following areas:

• Clinical psychology - working with people suffering withpsychological difficulties such as anxiety, depression, phobias, eating disorders or relationship problems
• Educational psychology - helping children and young people overcome difficulties and assisting in the promotion of their educational and psychological development
• Occupational psychology -assisting businesses improve their performance and increase employees' job satisfaction
• Forensic or criminological psychology - using theory to help invetigate crimes, rehabilitation of offenders and the support of prison staff
• Health psychology - the promotion of healthy attitudes behaviour, helping patients and their families to cope with illness
• Counselling psychology - helping people during stressful times to resolve problems and make decisions
• Sports psychology - helping sportsmen/women overcome anxious times
• Neuropsychology - helping patients with brain injuries and neuropsychological diseases to recover or improve their quality of life.

As a psychologist, working hours vary depending on the area of specialisation, but would typically be from 9 to 7pm, weekdays. The hours of work also depend on the working environment. Some psychologists will work in their own practice and thereby dictate their own working hours and others will perhaps be attached to a hospital or prison and will work according to the institution hours.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
   - an interest in how people react and interact
   - a desire to help other people
   - the ability to maintain a professional distance
   - excellent communication skills
   - the ability to work as part of a team
   - a tolerant and patient manner
   - good problem solving skills and a logical approach
   - respect for confidentiality
   - IT skills.

What opportunities are there?
Most opportunities are with local authority education or social services departments, and in the NHS. You could also work for the Prison Service, some government departments or in the private sector.
Alternatively, you could specialise in teaching and research work in colleges and universities.