How can i become a psychologist? what character traits do i need?

Perseverance : The educational requirements are a doctoral degree (either a ph.D or a psy.D). When you get into a program you should be given some guidance on what kind of clinical training you need. Each state is different, but count on 1 to 4 years of post-doctural training. There is also at least one big test you have to pass for licensure. It helps to really know yourself, getting your own therapy will help.

First, work hard: On your bachelor's degree before applying for graduate school. I think it is important for a behavioral health provider to care about others, to be intuitive, psychologically minded ; bright. Probably most important - take care of your own demons before taking other's demons on. Take care.

Dedication: You will need empathy, intelligence, humility, curiosity, and excellent listening skills. You will need dedication and commitment to a long and arduous education process in college and grad school -- plus courage to try your skills ; be supervised in your client interviews. Patients are good teachers too! also you need to manage your time well as you develop a thesis for your phd. Good luck!

Becoming a : Psychologist requires a BA in Psychology, a MA and. PhD in psychology which takes about 9 years. You need to be intelligent, inquisitive, empathetic, patient, and persistent with a strong moral compass and social skills. You need to be open to work on your emotional issues, as well.

Listening : In addition to having to be very tenacious, due to the competitive nature of psychology PhD programs and PsyD programs, you have to be a good listener. Psychologists are often thought of as people who give advice. This means talking more than listening as opposed to the other way around. Listening isof primary importance and asking good questions based on what the patient is telling you.

Great answers here: People who become psychologists are real people who don't start out perfectly adjusted or knowing everything they need to know. I decided to become a psychologist late after dropping out of college for 2 years. Then I got serious & 40 years later, here I am. Look into the excellent info from the experts & if you think it's for you, go for it. Time is all we have and it's a great career.

Psychologist Traits?: Some of things that come to mind.... You'll be most effective if you are ethical; honest and sincere; empathic (you can put yourself in someone else's shoes); non-judgmental; a good communicator; self-aware; easy to talk to; flexible; curious. These "traits" can be seen as skills that can be developed.