8 essential keys to be a good psychologist

Psychology is the science that studies the individual, their behavior and their experiences. As we can see, it is a very broad and extensive field of study, which requires very specific and specialized training. Thus, To be a good psychologist, regardless of the specialty, you must possess a series of fundamental characteristics and skills.

According to its Code of Ethics, this professional must at all times be respectful, responsible, honest, sincere, prudent, competent and guarantee “solidity of the objective and scientific basis of his interventions.” But, in addition to all these skills, the good psychologist is something more.

Empathy

It is important that the psychologist knows how to put himself in the shoes of the patients he treats. He must have the mechanisms and mental strategies to understand what are their fears, their needs and the particularity of their circumstances. Only when you reach that understanding will you understand how to approach the case and be able to help you.

But empathy is mistakenly considered by many to be a kind of mysticism. Psychologists have achieved such a high level of understanding of the human mind that they are able to adapt their ideas to those of the patient.

In this way, they understand any other way of thinking, even if it is radically different from theirs. This means that he knows how to give the same importance to other people’s ideas as to his own.

Mental opening

Being a good psychologist means being free of prejudices, stereotypes, beliefs and preconceived ideas. It refers to being open to new ideas, to the different and the unknown.

This quality, in addition to allowing anyone to live more fully, is essential for these professionals. You never know who is going to come to the consultation. Therefore, you must always be open to knowing the essence of the person, their own culture, their interests and ideas.

In order to acquire this degree of tolerance, it is necessary that the psychologist has previously left his or her comfort zone. The one in which we feel protected and protected by what is known. It is convenient to question, discover, investigate and assimilate that what surrounds us can serve as a true source of inspiration.

Security

Closely related to mental openness is the psychologist’s confidence in himself and in his training as a professional. If he cannot show confidence in his own words, it will be difficult for him to convey it to the person who asks for his help.

It does not mean that he is pedantic, too direct or says things without any tact. Refers to transmit action guidelines in a clear, concise, and reliable manner. Of course, hesitating, ambiguities, giving contradictory messages or considering oneself inferior to the patient harm the therapeutic relationship.

Introspection

To achieve this degree of mental openness, it is necessary for the psychologist to previously carry out a very important work of introspection. This implies that observe yourself, analyze it, understand it. Only by knowing yourself will you achieve that better knowledge along with the management and control of your mental states.

Accessibility

This quality It is halfway between comfort and understanding. It is convenient for the patient to feel comfortable with the professional, in order to be able to talk and tell him or her about their case, their problems, their intentions or their biggest secrets.

On the other hand, there is that empathy that we have considered as one of the main skills that must be had to be a good psychologist. The convergence between the two results in accessibility: that ease and naturalness of being able to tell the professional your concerns.

Analytical capacity

In order to act, it is necessary for the professional to know how to interpret what the patient tells him. Since you can’t cut off the flow of the conversation, Your ability to select what is fundamental is basic. Stay with what is important, with the thread to pull.

This ability also allows you to apply the most appropriate measurement techniques, thereby guaranteeing the success of the therapy. Likewise, it is crucial to design an intervention plan and evaluate the results.

Good communicator

It’s maybe one of the biggest challenges psychologists face in daily practice, especially if they do not yet have years of experience. Knowing how to transport all theoretical knowledge to real cases is not always easy.

Therefore, It is essential to master certain communication and social skills to be a good psychologist. Developing this gift and knowing how to relate and interact with people are fundamental qualities.

For example, during a session it is good to know how to generate questions, as well as previously detecting what may be the main trigger of a disorder or pathology. Likewise, you must have the ability to organize the time of the session, distributing the minutes effectively.

Know how to listen

If you manage to create a relaxed atmosphere in the consultation, the professional will be halfway there. If you create that climate of complicity, the other person will be able to speak calmly and sincerely. Knowing how to listen means having at all times a active and open attitude and show interest in what the other person tells you.

That is, be a good listener and thus manifest it. It is advisable not to interrupt the patient so that he can express himself freely. Thus, he will be able to answer the rhetorical questions that he himself asks out loud.

Leaving space for silence is also very informative. The professional must observe how the patient experiences these pauses. What is the movement of his hands, his posture or his gestures. Everything communicates.

As we see, to be a good psychologist you must not only have certain skills, but also know how to use them. Furthermore, during the practice of your profession, you must maintain an appropriate, committed and rigorous attitude.

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