Psychology

Think Freud - that legendary analyst of human nature or Jung (may be his alter ego) and while you are at it try to guess which is the dominant force while I am writing this article - my id, ego or superego? Sounds nightmarish - well, don’t worry that too falls within this domain! You see, it is the science of behaviour, i.e. Psychology we are talking about.

Split Personality 1: Many people often mistake the role played by Psychologists. Psychiatrists and Psychologists may be similar in some ways but the major difference lies in the drugs for treatment. A Psychiatrist is a specialised medical practitioner using drug therapy along with psychotherapeutic techniques. A Psychologist on the other hand devotes himself purely to the study of memory, emotions, attitudes, motives, perception, etc. mainly by observing and listening to people.

many areas for specialisation as the human life is so varied and diversified. Psychologists are those students of human nature who try to provide solutions to any and every problem faced by man at any stage of his life.

Split Personality 1: Psychology is both a science and an art, hence it is a part of both, the B.Sc. and the B.A curriculum in Indian Universities. You can begin your study in psychology at the +2 stage or at graduation level. Most of the specialization is, however, possible at the postgraduate level or through professional training after post graduation.

Split Personality 2: Yo ! Here are the ways to go man! Psychologists can specialise in various areas like-

Applied Psychology - involves counseling and conducting training programmes, market research, providing mental health services in hospitals, clinics or private organisations.

Educational Psychology - centers around playing a very important role in designing, developing and evaluating educational programmes. Their work requires them to be involved with children and teenagers who have problems in learning and adjusting in school and society. Psychologists work with the teachers, parents and the child himself to understand and make a difference in his life.

Criminology and Legal Psychology - involves working in special hospitals, juvenile centres and prisons. They provide rehabilitative programmes through individual and group therapy.

Split Personality 1: A Psychologist’s area of specialization determines his placement - Schools, Colleges, professional Institutes, Industries and Market Research Groups, Hospitals, Rehabilitation Centres, Prisons, Government Social Welfare Departments, Selection Boards and of course, as teachers and professors.

Split Personality 2: You will dig this...a brand new trend is catching on in the field of education. Today, there is a guidance section in every school where students can get help from professional counselors in educational, personal and vocational matters. They act as catalysts to help produce a conducive environment for growth and development. Training to be a counselor is a rigorous job. NCERT, New Delhi provides a diploma course in guidance and counseling.

Split Personality 2: Know what I mean-It sure ain’t cheesecake to become a Psycho-logist. Logical and creative thinking are major assets, and so are good communication skills, as you will be required to spend most of your time talking and listening to your clients. Confidentiality and tolerance are important aspects of a Psychologist’s job. But before anything else, a sympathetic nature and a friendly approachable attitude is what you should cultivate. (That is, if you do not have it already!) Since statistics will be involved in the evaluation of outcomes, computers and numerical ability will come handy. Moreover, it always pays to be systematic and methodical, no matter which career you take up. Read lots of books to keep yourself up to date with the progress of the human being and his mind. Observing, talking, listening (interacting, basically!!) to people is what you should love doing , if you wish to be a successful Psychologist someday.

Split Personality 1: One thing every budding psychologist (specially all you young and handsome ones) must always remember is, ‘no emotional involvement’ with the patient. You will have the tough job of staying detached, yet finding answers to questions.