There are two questions people ask when I first meet them. The first is "What does a psychologist actually do?". The answer can be kinda complicated! Clinical Psychologist's work with people who would like to change something about their mental health. We are trained to be able to carefully listen, to formulate an understanding of how the person got to where they are today, to assess for any risk that might exist, understand what the person would like to be different, and how they might be able to achieve that. It's important to bear in mind that it's impossible to force change on anyone, so it's crucial the client is part of this process, helping to design the therapeutic process, learn the tools which may help bring them closer to their goals, reflect on how these have impacted on them, and choose what they need to move forward.
The second question I get asked a lot is "Do you enjoy your job?". The simple, wholehearted answer is yes! Without fail the people I meet, the journey they have taken, and the one they are planning, is absolutely inspirational. I am truly lucky to have a career in which I meet so many people from different walks of life who demonstrate the remarkable resilience of the human race.
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