Rionnah L. O’Neal
Texas A&M University - Commerce
Author Note
This document was prepared for Aspects of Psychology (Psychology 214), Section 01W, taught by Professor Shirley Allen-Craun.
Abstract
This paper was constructed for an Aspects of Psychology course that outlines the different career paths you can take with a degree in Psychology. This report covers what a child clinical psychologist is, some of the skills that may be beneficial in the career, the steps it takes to get educated and licensed, and where I may be willing to work after graduation. These are my own thoughts and ideas about why I chose this career field and where I want it to take me. Becoming a clinical psychologist has at most many emotional …show more content…
It focuses primarily on promoting psychological well-being and optimal functioning by interfering at emotional, mental, biological, psychological, social, and behavioral facets of individual performance. Child clinical psychologist do this, but for younger patients. They may use methods such as play therapy (the most common therapy), psychotherapy, and/or interviews to assess and possibly modify behavioral …show more content…
Level of Education
Becoming a clinical psychologist requires multiple years of work and a few degrees. One must acquire a Bachelor’s degree, though it does not necessarily need to be in psychology. After undergraduate studies, graduate studies are next on the road to success. One can earn one of two types of degrees: Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) or one of Psychology (PsyD). Understanding the difference between the two is quite essential to choosing which degree to earn. The choice is as simple as choosing between researching and practice.
Psy.D. A PsyD is more ideal for one entering into clinical psychology looking to open his own practice. It will allow the graduate to excel in knowledge pertaining to research methodologies and being able to apply the research to the work. This degree takes less time than a Ph.D. and mandates its own time in coursework, as well as a dissertation.
Ph.D. A Doctorate of Philosophy deals with more theory. These psychologists can understand and apply research, but are also have expertise in conducting their own research. They create new knowledge and stress upon creating new scientists and unique discoveries. A dissertation is more involved with this degree and one will need to create and defend research study that makes a new contribution to literature in the field, taking an additional one to two