The Top seven Characteristics a Psychologist Should Have
                     The Top seven 
Characteristics 
a Psychologist 
Should Have
Introduction
The psychologist’s work can be stressful, overwhelming, and it’s not always as 
successful as it would. Being in contact with people who often have trouble 
managing their emotions or experiencing serious conflicts, this professional needs 
special preparation and not only in regard to the techniques of diagnosis and 
treatment but also about managing emotions, frustrations and impulses.
For this reason the characteristics of a psychologist are emphasized and usually are 
also performed attitude tests before entering the career, several trials to evaluate 
the potential that the applicant has in terms of human relations and self-control.
What are the most important characteristics of a psychologist?
 
Psychologists Must Possess Analytical 
Skills
In order for any mental health professional to help their clients, they must be able to draw 
inferences, analyze and examine the information they gather. Being a psychologist is more 
than just listening to people’s problems. They must gather data about the individual or 
family seeking help, and use that information to help create solutions for change.
Passion for Learning
Commitment to lifelong learning characterizes a competent psychologist. Because new 
ideas and therapeutic approaches continually emerge, psychologists must stay abreast of 
their profession by attending seminars, reviewing evidenced-based research findings and 
consulting with colleagues. A desire to help people can backfire if the psychologist is not 
adequately prepared to work with a certain type of client or situation. Inappropriate 
advice or an inaccurate diagnosis can profoundly harm a client. Psychologists must have 
the self-awareness to recognize areas where they need more training.
3) Empathy
The psychologist must not only feel sympathy for the person in front of him, but should go 
a step further putting himself in the place of the patient to feel what he feels and think 
what he thinks. Only in this way he can really help the other person, as this attitude 
permits him to understand the magnitude of the problem that the patient is experiencing. 
In fact, several laboratory studies have been able to appreciate that the brains of people 
who are very empathetic react the same way as those who are experiencing the problem 
in first hand. It’s like when reading a book you get in the skin of the character and feel the 
same frustration, pain or sorrow. If the psychologist is unable to empathize, is likely to 
minimize the problem or the reason of the patient and will end up applying inappropriate 
therapeutic techniques.
Trustworthiness
Clients intuit whether a psychologist is trustworthy. Psychologists show they can be 
trusted by emphasizing confidentiality. As part of the initial intake, clients are informed of 
their privacy rights and notified of any possible exceptions to confidentiality, such as 
threats of imminent harm to self or others. Psychologists reassure clients that are free to 
share thoughts and feelings without judgment. Feedback to clients is constructive and 
supportive.
Integrity 
The psychologist must inspire confidence so that people feel comfortable telling him 
problems that probably have not dared to reveal to anyone. This sense of trust can be 
created starting with small details, such as the body movements of the therapist to the 
decor of the room, but the basis resides in the value system of the psychologist. When a 
person feels that the professional is confident, that knows very well himself, has clear 
goals and is consistent with what he thinks, and that person will rely and open itself to 
that psychologist.
Psychologists Must Possess Observational 
Skills
Much of psychological practice goes beyond talking to making keen observations. Most 
psychologists can gather a great deal of information about an individual or family simply 
by watching their interactions. Things like body language, facial expressions and 
mannerisms can tell a much larger story than words.
 Patience 
Psychotherapy is often a long process where reversals occur. On the contrary to what 
many may think, the setbacks of the patient’s also affect the psychologist by the moment 
that this part of the process also leads him to question the method or even his ability to 
cope with the case. For this reason and because it’s not always easy to deal with some 
behaviors that can affect anyone, patience is an essential quality that every psychologist 
must have.
Thanks
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