The connotation of psychology has evolved historically. However, within some cultures the word psychology and its subsidiary mental health, carry the dark undercurrent of the historical practices of trephining and exorcism. Such perception attributes to the stigma of mental health and its perceived embodiment of an unhinged individual. This particular mindset propels me to research the contributing elements involved in this dilemma. There is no greater feeling than the enlightenment one reaches at the end of a research study. Whether the hypothesis was supported or rejected the results, still reflect an attempt. The attempt drives psychologists and when the attempt reveals its results, we add or subtract a new piece to the never-ending puzzle of psychology. The results of psychological studies have strong communal influences and lead to the creation of new theories. I desire to partake in the hidden jewel of academia, the unremitting realm of psychological research.
Early on, I knew I had to seek opportunities that would help strengthen my entrance into the field of Clinical Psychology. While obtaining my undergraduate degree I gained exposure to different areas of psychological research, some of which heightened my interests and motivated me to seek higher education. While attending Hampton University I worked on research with Dr. Spencer Baker and Dr. Zina McGee. Dr. McGee supervised my research involving incarcerated women and their relationships with their children, as well as effective programs provided to them as resources upon release. Under the supervision of Dr. Baker, I studied African American academic achievement, depression and stressors that affect academic conscientiousness in freshmen. Additional resear...
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...nality. Concomitantly, I am seeking the academic guidance of the professors focusing on some aspect of one or more of these elements. The following professors are conducting research that matches my pivotal areas of interest, Dr. Anne Bogat and Dr. Christopher Hopwood. Additional professors that I have found share similar interests and research resembles studies from my past, are Dr. Frederick Leong, Dr. Jason Moser and Dr. Nicole Buchanan.
The conjunction of my research, teaching and real life experiences has propelled me to seek a PhD program in Psychology. Such a degree, will supply me with the proper tools to accomplish my goal of helping individuals rise above the barriers that subdue them. A PhD in Clinical Psychology from Michigan State University will allow me to obtain a career where I can submerge into research while teaching at the college level.
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a psychologist and analyze how their theories impact society in general. Sigmund Freud, one of the most recognized names in psychology to date, had developed some eccentric theories that many scientists still accept as having some factual basis. His theories on hypnotherapy, psychosexual development, and defense mechanisms gives people the ability to control and predict their future behavior. These theories, being recognized as some of the most remarkable and influential, have transformed a generation of free thinkers and scientists. His ideas have paved the way to what is now universally known as the field of psychology.
The study of psychology began as a theoretical subject a branch of ancient philosophy, and later as a part of biological sciences and physiology. However, over the years, it has grown into a rigorous science and a separate discipline, with its own sets of guidance and experimental techniques. This paper aims to study the various stages that the science of psychology passed through to reach its contemporary status, and their effects on its development. It begins with an overview of the historical and philosophical basis of psychology, discusses the development of the various schools of thought, and highlights their effects on contemporary personal and professional decision-making.
My vision as a practitioner scholar in the field of psychology lies in clinical counseling. As a clinical counselor
My interest in pursuing a doctorate degree in counseling psychology has been influenced by a combination of life experiences and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. Though the path which has led me to this destination is complex, the journey has provided me with the clarity and insight necessary to understand human behavior from a holistic perspective. As I approach the completion of my masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I am faced with the unsettling realization that I have more questions than I do answers. This has fueled my innate desire and motivation to continue challenging myself by attaining a doctorate degree from the University of North Texas.
The overall history of psychology is a short one in comparison to the other fields of medicine and this is because things considered to fit into psychology today were put in other categories throughout history. They were passed off as other ailments or labeled as nerves or stress (Tracy, 2013). Anxiety disorders were seen as a woman’s problem and unimportant. This is a misconception though, because both men and women suffer from anxiety disorders (Tracy, 2013). As time progressed many things were tried and most failed due to the little to no understanding of the cause. Many early treatments involved bloodletting, hydropathy, herbs and balms, bathing in very cold rivers or streams, and health spas (Tracy, 2013). The a...
Currently I am studying for my psychology degree and planning on finishing with my bachelors’ degree in 2014, I have faced few challenges with my plans so far because I feel as though I have prepared myself well for the future. I am a in the psychology club and I participate in psychology experiments at school. I want to utilize all that I can while I am in school to become the best at what I do. Where I work I call alumni of my college and ask them for donations, before I ask them I have to gain their trust and that is also the basis for any counselor patient relationship.
This field is founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful lives, to find what is best within themselves and to enhance their life experiences. As a result this following paper gives examples of educational requirements, salary, travel, and retirement funds and plans. Psychologist are necessary because people deserve to be heard, therefore, one should consider looking at the education salary, travel opportunities and etc. to join this career.
For my psychology interview assignment, I had the privilege of interviewing Elaine, who is the Director of Preschool X, which is an educational institution. She reports that she has been in this position for 13 years since its inception. Elaine is a close friend of my aunt, which was how I was able to meet her. She explained that her responsibilities include; the hiring of all personnel related to the school, submission of criminal background checks, the medical reports for all staff and children must be current, and also developed a curriculum for the teachers to execute. She has parent meetings and she deals with parents on a daily basis. For any arising issues, Elaine conferences with parents at least once or twice a week. Have weekly staff meetings regarding the curriculum. She also plays the role as the educational event coordinator, where she would “invite people from the dinosaur museum or alley pond park to come over to her preschool, to enrich the children”.
When most laymen think about psychology, a version of the psychodynamic theory is surely what comes to mind. Most people have heard of Freud and the somewhat ridiculous notions that he brought about over a century ago. What many people may not understand is just how advanced the psychodynamic theory was for the time in which it came about. Although this theory definitely has some flaws, it has some astonishingly valid aspects to it as well. An analysis of this Freudian theory shows that there are both strengths and weaknesses to the psychodynamic theory, and that it can still be applicable to modern-day social work.
The psychological genre as it relates to sociological and medicinal matters has gained an increasing amount of scientific approval. Impartiality and the scientific method are both integral components to a psychologist’s mode of practice. However, even the most esteemed of psychologists can only speculate at what makes human beings act the way they do. Absolutes play no function in psychology. Everything is relative and open to conjecture. Theologians give us their visions or thoughts about life. In the field of psychology, there have been many different regions of interest and speculation.
My first semester in college, I took a Psychology 101 course and immediately knew I wanted to work in this field. I was drawn into different theories and how individual’s minds work. I always believed I was born to help others and guide them to success in life. I desire to help others because of my own personal struggles with mental illness. My unique perspective on mental illness allows me to empathize on a different level with individuals. I desire to give back and support to the community the way it was there for me during my dark times. I was lucky to have known from the start that psychology was my interest. I am excited to continue my education in the counseling field and become a future Clinical Mental Health Counselor.
My interest in Psychology began in 2012, when I had the opportunity to research on my own about the subject. After I embarked on an introductory course in Psychology to relieve the boredom of working in a call centre, I then was motivated to continue with my studies. After securing my Higher and HNC in Social Science – I continued with the HND.
The British Psychological Society states that ‘Psychology is the scientific study of people, the mind and behaviour’ (BPS). In this essay I will be discussing what is actually meant by this and whether psychology fits into both the traditional views of a science, as well as more contemporary perspectives. It is widely suggested that Psychology is a “coalition of specialities” meaning it is multi-disciplinary (Hewstone, Fincham and Foster 2005, page 4). I will therefore examine whether it could be considered wrong to think that all parts of the discipline should neatly fit into one view of a scientific approach.
Research is a necessary skill in the Psychology field because it is the key to observing, diagnosing, and treating clients with psychological problems. “Among the health care professions clinical psychology is one of few to provide extensive research training.” (Howes, 1996) Clinical Psychologist uses the scientific method as the procedure for research. Psychology is the only mental health discipline that has its roots in academic research rather than in practice. “Research is the foundation of all Clinical Psychology activities.” (Plante, 2005)
My goal is to work in a mental health setting as soon as I graduate with my BSW. I would like to see if I should get my masters in social work or get my doctorate in psychology. Either way, I feel like I will be doing a great thing. As a professional, I want to help many people with their problems. I will encourage their opinions and ideas as well as help them form plans to better their