[thefascinatedone]

First of all, I would like to clarify that I'm from USA.

I have a desire to become a psychologist. I have done my fair share of research on the internet to see what it takes to become a good psychologist. I was unable to arrive at a satisfying conclusion.

I can be sympathetic, kind, caring, a good listener, creative to solve problems. However, people around me, who claim to know the best, say that I should not choose psychology as I apparently would not be a good psychologist. I am unsure about why exactly they say so.
I can be extremely calm at most times but I do get angry with my parents sometimes and act in a rude manner. (never to the extent of hitting a family member though) Isn't that something which is common and very much normal?
Second thing is that communication is not exactly my plus point. I'm 17 but I do not engage into as much social interaction as I am supposed to at this age. But, I am fairly certain that I would be able to interact well with people who face several problems would need my help.

I have a year (approximately) to decide which Bachelor degree I would like to pursue. I am planning on pursuing Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Looking forward to hearing some insights on this subject.

[(JD)]

Originally Posted by thefascinatedone

First of all, I would like to clarify that I'm from USA.

I have a desire to become a psychologist.

However, people around me, who claim to know the best, say that I should not choose psychology as I apparently would not be a good psychologist. I am unsure about why exactly they say so.
I can be extremely calm at most times but I do get angry with my parents sometimes and act in a rude manner. (never to the extent of hitting a family member though) Isn't that something which is common and very much normal?
Second thing is that communication is not exactly my plus point. I'm 17 but I do not engage into as much social interaction as I am supposed to at this age.

I edited your post to the above because I think these are the main factors so far. You are only 17 and while you could be farther along in your emotional development, I doubt that you are too far behind to catch up. Being able to prevent anger, use it properly and not be rude to anyone, including your parents, are probably good skills to develop.

That you have a desire is good. No one really wants to work a job they don't like or in which have no interest. Can you figure out the "why" you have that desire?

Generally being able to talk easily with people, being the one people come to for advice and help are common among those going into the field. There are many fields to psychology, and you are young and still maturing, so I think you'll know by the time you are done with the bachelor degree if this is what you want.

No one is perfect and no will ever be. The key is to learn to embrace your weaknesses and work around them or develop them to be stronger.

I would see if your friends can open up to the real reason (you think you already know?) why they would say don't go this route. It may be important, and then again, you may not be sharing with them because of the type of friends they are... only you can figure this out.

Why not take a self assessment to find out what type of work would really suit you and make you happy? If you test out to being on the boundary with psychology, then put your electives into the other closest area of career choices and then if you need to switch over, it's easier. (I switched majors for my PhD! )

Good wishes!

[missbelle]

I think its great you want to go in a helping profession. Thats how you're made...nothing wrong with that.My granddaughter who is 17 is thinking of being a child psychologist. She loves kids, does a lot of volunteer with with disabled kids, coaches a girls cheerleading squad and does other volunteer work. She is in all honors classes, and graduates in 2012. She had thought of teaching, and may yet still I think when she is is in her sophmore year of college she'll have more insight. She is very level headed and stable. I say this because I think she posesses good qualites for a child psychologist especially because of her volunteer work with disabled kids and volunteer work in the community and her stability..I mention the volunteer work because she knows some of what might be entailed working with kids with problems.

You might think of interning or something in an office working with people or some type of volunteer work where you are hands on.This might help you decide if that type of work is for you.

I became a caseworker for the welfare dep't in Florida....not much money but fullfilling....I was never as stable as granddaughter or as bright

Its up to you...still time to think about occupations and also time to change your mind

[Travelinglady]

I decided to major in psychology when I was in 10th grade. However, I became a social psychologist, so I don't actually "counsel" people for a living. Certainly take an intro course in the field when you get to college, and you'll find out all the different kinds of psychologists and see the options.

You might want to talk to a guidance counselor about your situation--and, as JD suggested, take some "tests" to see what careers seem most amenable to your skills and interests. A guidance counselor ought to be able to help with that information, too.

Keep in mind that someone can not be a "psychologist" with a Bachelor's Degree in the field. In fact, a doctorate is required for that legal title. (Officially, a Master's Degree in this area allows the title "psychological associate.") I'm not trying to discourage you, especially since I don't even know you, but one factor you need to check is how good a student you are. Competition for doctoral programs in psychology is very keen. Historically, just 1 chance in 300 of being accepted into any Ph.D. program in clinical psychology, for example. And I know two people in the clinical program at the grad school I went to who were told after they had been in classes for awhile that they would not be approved for becoming clinical psychologists who counseled because of some problems that the profs picked up on. I don't know what these problems were--lack of people skills, personal mental problems?

All that said, people can become official counselors with other degrees, too. Other types of psychology degrees and social work M.S.W.'s for example.

It's a noble profession, and we certainly need good people. Thanks for asking! And best wishes!

[thefascinatedone]

As much as I don't like to admit, I am not too good with communication, at least as of now. However, I am pretty sure I can work upon it and ensure that my communication skills do not become a hindrance in whatever type of psychologist I decide to become.

I informed my parents about my decision to become a psychologist, and the answer I got was big NO. Though their reasons are completely irrational, I understand their concerns and arguments, only partially though.
Psychology is a field which most people think does not yield a good income, at least that's the scenario in India. In even simpler words, you can't become something "big" in a career in psychology. It doesn't pay much. (This is what I have been told so far by my family, I am unsure as to how much of it is actually factual and how much is just an assumption/myth.) One doesn't often here of a child choosing a career in psychology here. It is extremely rare and hence, a bit frowned upon by their parents as I stated.
The above, even though not being completely true, acts a demotivating factor. (What if I don't get a job/make a living out of this once I complete by bachelors/masters? What if the job doesn't pay good?

The reason why I would like to become a psychologist is because I have developed a lot of interest in psychology after reading a few articles about it on the Internet. I have read quite of few things about psychology and it turns out that I am actually like studying it, at least as of now. The study of human behavior and life, how people react and why they do so, interests me immensely.

I am opting for a career assessment test tomorrow which will be followed by a career counselling session(s) with a professional counselor, who I plan to brainstorm with about the potential of a career in psychology.

I would like to get more insights as to how fruitful/not fruitful/financially rewarding/non financially rewarding a career in psychology is in India and globally as of now.

[Travelinglady]

I really don't know about the situation in India. Are people prone to go to see psychologists there? We have a fair number of doctors from places like India who work in the States. I'm not sure what that means!

I know some parents worry that people will think they did something wrong in bringing up their children if one of them wants to be a psychologist. I know an aunt and uncle of mine didn't want my cousin to become one. But she is now a clinical psychologist married to a clinical psychologist.

As far as money, it depends on where you practice. My general thinking is that clinical psychologists make the most money in the counseling field, and probably clinical social workers the least.

Other folks have any data on this topic?

[Perna]

I would take a few courses in psychology, see if it interests you; very little of your undergraduate studies will be about psychotherapy, which I think is what you are saying you would like to be, a clinical psychologist? There are many different kinds of psychologists, most of them do not see clients.

Seeing clients is about communication and interaction, not just listening and sympathy is not really involved but empathy is and it helps if you know yourself completely (you will have to see a therapist as part of your training to help you do this) and are very aware of or have resolved your own psychological issues. If you do not enjoy interacting with others then you may not enjoy being a clinical psychologist.