As a student you decided to choose this field because you wanted to know more about people’s minds and behaviors. But have you ever thought that perhaps you have some personal challenges that prompt you to study it? This article will discuss the personal problems and opportunities of the individual who is interested in obtaining a degree in psychology, as well as possible difficulties and important aspects of ethical nature.
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The allure of psychology: Why students are drawn to the field
Psychology is a very interesting and complex science that attracts students of different profiles. This is rather complicated for learning, and some learners require employing a paper writer to grasp all the subjects. They continue to do so because the promise of psychology is to explain who we are and why we act the way we do, explore and understand our thoughts and feelings. To many learners, the opportunity to learn about the workings of the mind and its influence on our lives is a major attraction.
Common misconceptions about studying psychology
Before you dive head first into the world of psychology as a profession there are some myths that you should be aware of.
Psychology is all about individual issues.
- Every psychologist is a therapist who helps a client cope with relevant issues.
- It is easy to stay on this road of self-enlightenment and other changes when you become a student of psychology.
- Psychologists are resistant to experiencing psychological disorders.
- This is a common statement people make when they pursue a psychology degree; they simply do not want to face their problems.
If you have any of these misconceptions, take a deep breath and ask yourself if this degree is what you want.
The role of personal experiences in choosing a psychology major
The feelings that you have about the subject can influence your decision to take psychology when in school or college. Maybe you have your own mental health issues and hence want to gain more insight into how to go about it. Or you may have experienced the suffering of a close person and want to prevent the same things from happening to other people. These people-to-people relationships can be persuasive in deciding on the type of degree to get in psychology.
The potential benefits of studying psychology for personal growth
While it’s important to be mindful of the potential pitfalls, studying psychology can also offer significant benefits for your personal growth:
- Learning more about yourself, your attitudes, feelings, and actions.
- Learning skills that can help to improve interaction with people and improve personal communication ability.
- Acquiring the knowledge of how to deal with stress and anxiety and other issues.
- Promoting the sense of the self and the skills which help to analyze one’s own experiences.
- Development of problem solving skills which can be applied to individual problems.
The impact of personal issues on the effectiveness of therapy
When you start having an exploratory look at the psychology it is very important to understand that your own problems can reflect in the efficacy of the therapy whether you are on the other side of the table or planning on sitting on that side in near future.
- All central interpersonal conflicts produce prejudices and distortions which are didactic barriers to neutrality.
- The countertransference therapy where the therapist get more or less feelings and experiences of the client is dangerous to the clients treatment.
- Countertransference may develop in the therapist who has never addressed some of the experiences of the clients in their personal treatment.
- Sometimes one will have personal problems that prevent him or her from building good professional relationships and sometimes will not be able to escape codependency.
To address the issues that are characteristic of the analysis of psychology as a field of knowledge, certain attitudes should be developed, as well as particular patterns of behavior should be observable: attitude to self-reflection. This involves being willing to look at your self honestly and appreciate any prejudice, interpersonal need, or conflict that may predispose you toward certain kinds of behaviors in patients.
The potential dangers of using therapy as a means to solve personal issues
Although studying psychology one can potentially gain a lot personally, it is necessary to be careful not to simply use therapy to solve one’s own problems. Some potential dangers include:
- Losing sight of your own troubles when the process would be more beneficial if you were developing the skills required to assist others.
- As a student working as a client it becomes challenging when some lines that are drawn between the roles become blurred, hence creating ethical issues.
- Gaining illusions of competency or the notion that through one’s studies you will be able to ‘cure’ yourself instead of getting the professional help that you need.
The ethical considerations for psychologists with personal issues
Being a future psychologist, it’s important to know what are ethical implications of your personal problems and how they could affect your professional work.
- Maintaining objectivity and avoiding the influence of personal biases in the therapeutic relationship.
- Seeking supervision, consultation, or personal therapy to address any unresolved issues that could compromise your work.
- Adhering to professional standards and codes of conduct, even in the face of personal challenges.
- Prioritizing the well-being and best interests of your clients over your own personal needs.
Strategies for managing personal issues while studying psychology
As you navigate the challenges of studying psychology, consider the following strategies to manage your personal issues effectively:
- Engage in regular self reflection and look for a chance to personalize growth such as individual treatment or needs groups.
- Find a strong support network of peers, mentors, professionals to give you advice and help you hold yourselves accountable.
- Find education on effective stress management techniques and ways to learn mindfulness practices, exercise and healthy coping mechanisms.
- Draw firm boundaries between your personal and professional lives, and remember that your lives might overlap.
The complex relationship between personal issues and studying psychology
The study of psychology is a complex and multifaceted relationship with personal issues. Pursuing a psychology degree is a great way to grow personally and discover yourself but you need to understand that you’ll be working with future clients and it’s crucial that you approach this journey with self awareness, ethical considerations and a dedication to the wellbeing of your future clients.
We wish you a continued exploration of the field of psychology, and encourage you to continue self reflecting and seeking out resources to help you navigate this rewarding discipline. If you’ve got it, share it. Consider connecting with a mentor or joining a support group for psychology students to share your experiences and get the inside scoop. The growth of you personally is just as important as the well being of your future clients and with the right strategies, you can have the balance to succeed in your studies and beyond.
