Do I need to be good at my interpersonal skills to be a Psychologist?

Psychology is an extremely complex science working on pure logic and reasoning combined with apt sensitivity. Psychologists definitely needs to have good interpersonal skill as their job mainly involves interacting with people of all ages to assist them to cope with with emotional, behavioral or psychological concerns. There are diffrent areas of specializations within the field of psychology and each and every specialization involves interacting with diffrent group of people. Clinical psychologists assess and treat people with psychological problems such as depression, stress, panic disorder, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder , trauma etc. They carry out psychotherapies. The psychotherapy is a specialized kind of talk therapy and relaxation techniques applied by a psychologist to assist patient in coping up with any kind of psychological distress. Industrial psychologists interact with people in large industrial establishments and corporate houses or academic establishments. Sport psychologists are concerned with psychological factors that improve performance of sports persons,. Sports psychologists interact with various sports teams.

Dear Aspirant,

Thanks for posting your concern at www.mercareerguide.com.

Psychologists need to demonstrate knowledge. Attitude and skills necessary to develop and maintain appropriate interpersonal therapeutic relationship and communicate effectively with clients, families, and other professional colleagues.

Therefore, Interpersonal skill is very important in helping profession like psychology and mental heath. Interpersonal skills help psychologists create conducive environment for clients and maintain professional relationships. Interpersonal skill encompasses following:
-Active listening
-Expressing one's self (communicating clearly through verbal and non-verbal cues)
-Demonstrating empathy
-Maintain positive mental set and attitude
-Maintaining relationship (nurture therapeutic relationship with clients, families and other
professionals)

Hope this is helpful.

Best Wishes for Your Bright Career,
Apurvakumar Pandya, PhD