Counselling psychologists provide a variety of techniques and therapeutic approaches that meet the specific needs and circumstances of clients.
Work in areas such as grief and loss, significant life transitions, developmental issues, relationship difficulties, domestic violence, sexual abuse/assault, trauma, maintaining healthy lifestyles, vocational assessment and career development.
Counselling psychologists can work in a private practice setting, an outpatient facility, or a hospital setting. The workplace of counselling psychologists depends upon the type of clients a practitioner chooses to serve. For example, colleges and major universities employ counselling psychologists to teach as well as conduct research alongside clinical psychologists.
Businesses and corporations may hire counselling psychologists for consultation services as well. Public health facilities also employ counselling psychologists to oversee the vocational coordination of the facility’s services in addition to coordinating group-orientated psychotherapy.
Being a psychologist can be a rewarding, but challenging field. A psychologist requires a diverse set of skills and traits to be successful in their line of work and improve outcomes for their clients.
Here are some skills every psychologist should have.
- Communication– There are a variety of clients with a variety of conditions and knowing how to communicate with them is important in gathering information. This skill is also important in portraying one’s feelings and how practically applying observations that are seen.
- Patience– As you can imagine, dealing with patients in this field can be particularly difficult because their behaviour deviates from what we consider “normal.” Therefore, being patient with these clients, as well as continuing to be motivated, is important.
- Ethics– is paramount in establishing a rapport with clients, as they have the right to be directly involved in important decisions being made. Unfortunately, bias is also prevalent in this field. Ethics ensures it is not present.
- Problem-Solving– One essential skill a psychologist should have is the ability to solve a problem when it arrives. Often, you will be required to step in and come up with a solution that will benefit all parties involved.
- Research– When it comes to actual practice, there is nothing performed that hasn’t been backed by evidence-based practice and research. If what you are trying to accomplish hasn’t been backed by a study, it could pose a potential risk to the patient and to your credibility as well. You will also have to look at scientific journals and do your independent research so you can improve your practice.
- Commitment to Learning– While it can be difficult to keep on top of everything, you will still need to have at least a general understanding of what is changing in your field so you can have better outcomes for those who entrust you with guidance.
- Organization– There will be a lot of information that will be thrown your way, from new research studies to the data of your clients. Having a way to organize everything will ease this potential burden. This is also essential for doing your job efficiently.
- Listening– Listening, particularly active listening, is extremely important, especially when it comes to counselling and coming up with therapeutic interventions to help clients in your care. Any information that comes from a client is pertinent to finding a way to improve their condition.
Kenya institute of professional counselling is a top-performing institution in matters concerning psychologists, set with modern short courses to equip you with the required skills to be a top-notch psychologist in Kenya and the world.
