Introduction
At some point, everyone needs to evaluate their passions and interests to choose a profession that is a good fit. The career path chosen by child psychologists would allow them to combine their passions with a meaningful contribution to society by aiding in the care of children who have experienced trauma, suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, or have been diagnosed with a mental illness. The knowledge they are starting with the children who will one day lead the world gives them peace of mind. In doing so, they hope to reduce the number of children stigmatized and marginalized in society due to their mental health issues or exposure to abuse. Even though child psychologists dedicate their lives to the well-being of children, society does not always see it that way. Since child psychology is a fulfilling career path that individuals concerned with children’s welfare should consider, I have written this essay to promote it and debunk some myths surrounding it.
Discussion
Most of the population does not comprehend the primary function of a child psychologist. Child psychologists, for instance, are tasked with studying children, administering standardized tests, and treating children in individual and family settings. Experts in child psychology can be found in various settings, such as private practices, universities, hospitals, and government agencies (Leavitt 16). Help in the form of counseling and therapy can be obtained from any of these facilities. Various mental health issues that children and their families face are the focus of research and treatment in child psychology. Therapists who specialize in working with children are crucial in ending the cycle of abuse and neglect that many children face.
Children whose parents do not take the time to get to know them and care about them as they get old are more likely to get stuck in a vicious cycle. The work of child psychologists is crucial in ending the cycle of abuse and neglect that many children experience (Leavitt 17). The reality, however, is that a first-time diagnosis of mental illness in a young person can have unforeseen consequences (Autin et al. 609). The good news is that all of this is entirely preventable with the help of a licensed psychologist.
The concept of the weight of duty accompanying a profession is the foundational idea that should be understood by society in order to appreciate the career of child psychologists. The duties of a child psychologist include the following:
- Evaluating the child to determine the nature of the problem,
- Developing a treatment strategy for the child, and
- Meeting with the child in a setting conducive to therapeutic discussion.
In addition to providing direct patient care, the responsibilities of a child psychologist also include counseling, providing guidance to parents, and instructing other adults living in the home. A child psychologist needs to have strong skills in analysis, observation, an open mind, and the ability to solve problems (Jiang et al. 340). These areas of expertise should align with the three primary responsibilities of a child psychologist. The primary responsibility entails analyzing and judging the current state of affairs. The first step in the therapeutic process that involves a child seeing a child psychologist is an assessment of the child’s present circumstances (Jiang et al. 345). In order to evaluate the child’s condition and its implications it, a wide variety of diagnostic tools are utilized. The unique set of skills that the psychologist possesses for observing and analyzing human behavior will make him or her an excellent candidate for this position.
When a child’s emotional or behavioral problems persist for an extended period, the next step is to intervene and provide assistance through various therapeutic techniques. When the child reaches a certain age, this can be done. An intervention, also known as therapy, teaches children and adolescents essential life skills such as coping, communicating with others, and expressing their emotions (Phares 105). One of the essential things a caring adult can do for a child who has been through a traumatic experience or is depressed is to help them rediscover who they are. Among children who seek therapy, traumatic life events such as parental separation, physical or sexual abuse, witnessing a loved one’s mental illness or addiction, or the child’s own experience with these things are expected. These children may have personal experience with these issues as well. Empathy, gentleness, and patience are all qualities that a child psychologist must possess in order to manage intervention and therapeutic strategies effectively.
Educating families and helping them avoid conflict are among the primary responsibilities of a child psychologist. Child psychologists advise parents on how to best encourage their children’s healthy development at home as part of their job duties. Parent management training is a strategy used by child psychologists to educate parents and other caregivers on how to effectively address behavioral issues and implement healthy discipline strategies (Jiang et al. 349). It is crucial because prevention and parental education are the keys to improving a child’s health, but neglecting this duty will waste the time of both the professional and the patient. In addition, this duty will waste the time of the patient.
When it comes to meeting the educational requirements of a child psychologist, there is no room for sloppiness or insufficient preparation. The bar has been set very high. Choosing a bachelor’s degree program that provides coursework in subject areas prioritized by graduate school admissions officers when conducting application reviews is essential. A bachelor’s degree is a stepping stone to studying further. Sociology, statistics, psychology, and the study of children fall into this category (Lent and Brown 103448). The most effective way for child psychologists interested in working in a pediatric hospital or clinic to distinguish themselves from potential employers is to earn a degree that focuses on experiential learning. It is also necessary to locate a program leading to a graduate degree. It takes students between two and three years of full-time study to earn a master’s degree, and they can pursue either a master of arts or a master of science.
Students typically spend between five and seven years in school to earn a doctorate in clinical child psychology or clinical psychology with an emphasis on child development. A master’s degree is necessary for a career that involves working with children and adolescents. A degree in psychology or the arts is vital for this child psychologist career (Phares 93). The individual will be able to enroll in a doctoral program and will be able to complete it in a shorter amount of time as a result of the additional education that they have gained from earning a master’s degree. The next significant step is to finish the clinical training and get certified in the chosen specialty. Blustein and colleagues in their study note that before being eligible to apply for certification in the field, students should first complete an internship that is up to the standards set by the American Psychological Association (165). In many states, the first step toward obtaining a provisional license in the field of psychology is to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and complete a one-year internship (Blustein et al. 165). As a result, individuals interested in the field may be discouraged from pursuing it due to the time commitment required to study for it and the rugged nature of the processes involved.
To be a licensed child psychologist requires first demonstrating proficiency in the field by passing a practice exam and then demonstrating mastery through a comprehensive examination. Therefore, it is essential to review all of the material thoroughly before taking either exam. Postdoctoral fellowships in child psychology are available to licensed psychologists (Phares 483). The last thing to do is to get board certification. The American Board of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology Board Exam can be successfully taken by those who have worked in this field for between one and two years (Phares 142). The exam, which is given every two years, is the last step in becoming a licensed child psychologist. In the past, applicants needed two or three years of professional experience in the field and a license. Focusing on one’s goal of becoming a licensed child psychologist requires meticulous record-keeping. In no other way will they be able to maintain the focus necessary to make their career successful?
Critics of child psychology often highlight the difficulty of training to become a child psychologist, highlighting the importance of finding a balance between one’s personal and professional lives. Those who choose to become psychologists prioritize their work over everything else, neglecting to spend time with loved ones so they can give their patients the best care possible. It is not uncommon for psychologists to withdraw from family activities, vacations, and even their time because of the high stress levels, pressure, and overwhelming daily decisions in their professional life (Blustein et al. 191). When it comes to their time, most psychologists try to strike a balance between seeing patients, talking to their patients’ loved ones, and taking care of themselves. However, it is natural to feel irritated when work demands the psychologist focus instead of their personal life.
In addition, opponents point out that child psychologists experience much pressure in their work. In the workplace, emotionally draining factors include clients going through major life crises, irregular hours, mountains of paperwork, and strict deadlines. It is imperative to have stress relief strategies that work. Suppose the prospect of dealing with high-stakes emotional situations causes the individual undue stress. In that case, this is the best career choice for them, even though there are strategies for increasing resilience. If they have difficulty coping with stress, this does not mean they should give up hope and feel helpless. There are a variety of approaches taken in order to increase resiliency. One of these approaches is as simple as becoming involved in activities that benefit others. It assists the individual in feeling more at ease and confident in their abilities.
Despite some negatives, a career in child psychology is worthwhile because of the benefits it provides to society. Kendra Cherry, an author and educational consultant focused on helping students learn about psychology notes that child psychologists earn public respect due to the nature of their work (par 2). As highly trained medical professionals, they are held in the highest regard by the general public. Training as a clinical psychologist requires at least six or seven years and as much as ten if the student opts for a doctoral program. Cherry, in her research, highlights the position’s attractive salary as she emphasizes that child psychologists in elementary and secondary schools make an average of $78,830 per year (par 4). Employees with the lowest pay earned $47,850 or less, while those with the highest pay earned $133,890 (Cherry par 4). An increase in salary is possible for a child psychologist who takes on managerial responsibilities or opens a private practice. Those with the best interests of children should seriously consider the profession since the advantages far outweigh the criticisms against it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming a child psychologist is fulfilling due to its significant role in ensuring children’s well-being and contentment. In addition to the esteem and admiration they garner from the general populace, psychologists also take pleasure in a financially rewarding and professionally fulfilling career that offers diverse employment opportunities. This field of work is extremely important because it contributes to breaking the cycle of abuse and neglect that many children are subjected to. Child psychologists play a vital role in society because of the importance of safeguarding and nurturing the next generation. They should be supported, and many students should be encouraged to pursue this self-fulfilling career path.
Works Cited
Autin, Kelsey L., et al. “Career Development among Undocumented Immigrant Young Adults: A Psychology of Working Perspective.” Journal of Counseling Psychology, vol. 65, no. 5, 2018, pp. 605–617., Web.
Blustein, David L., et al. “Vocational Psychology: Expanding the Vision and Enhancing the Impact.” The Counseling Psychologist, vol. 47, no. 2, 2019, pp. 166–221., Web.
Cherry, Kendra. “5 Signs That Majoring in Psychology Isn’t Right for You.” Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind, Web.
Jiang, Zhou, et al. “Career Exploration: A Review and Future Research Agenda.” Journal of Vocational Behavior, vol. 110, 2019, pp. 338–356., Web.
Leavitt, Amie Jane. Dream Jobs If You like Kids. Capstone Press, 2021.
Lent, Robert W., and Steven D. Brown. “Career Decision Making, Fast and Slow: Toward an Integrative Model of Intervention for Sustainable Career Choice.” Journal of Vocational Behavior, vol. 120, 2020, p. 103448., Web.
Phares, Vicky. Understanding Abnormal Child Psychology. Wiley, 2020.