Psychologist

A psychologist is a professional who studies and analyses the psyche-- the mind or the spirit/soul-- of a person. It is the mind or the spirit of the person that influences his thoughts, behaviour and personality.

The objective of the psychological study and analysis of human psyche is to help people overcome their mental and emotional problems. It is said that 80% of diseases are caused due to tension, which is basically a psychological problem.

• Psychologists conduct research on the real world problems and provide solutions for them. Their special areas of study include abnormal human behaviour, which manifests itself through memory lapses, learning difficulties and overall inadequate mental development.

• They work in hospitals, clinics, schools, nursing homes, prisons, business, industry, government and non-government organizations. They also provide their expertise in management, law, sports and courts.

• They also work for individuals, families, groups and communities and help them to resolve the problems in adjustment and personal development. They help them by conducting personality tests, objective tests or projective techniques.

• Some psychologists specialize in severe psychological diseases like schizophrenia, acute depression, adjustment to physical diseases and disabilities and neurological issues.

• They also help to cure the drug addiction or other forms of addictive behaviour, eating disorders such as excessive or under eating.

• Other areas include personal and relationship problems, learning disabilities, anxiety and panic disorders and so on.

• They also counsel people in their personal issues such as divorce or the death of the loved one.

• They usually encourage their patients to talk out their thoughts, worries, anxieties or confusions. They then try to interpret their problems and suggest solutions.

• While in the hospitals, they work with other specialists and physicians to provide a holistic treatment to the patients. It means that they collaborate with the doctors to provide both the physical and mental treatment.

• Some psychologists work in physical rehabilitation centres where they help in treating the patients with spinal injuries, chronic pains, strokes, arthritis, debilitating accidents, trauma, or neurological conditions.

• More experienced clinical psychologists work in forensic psychology, where they are asked to evaluate the mental health of criminals, write legal reports and act as expert witnesses in criminal cases.

• They normally do not prescribe medicines to treat mental problems. They refer patients to a psychiatrist or medical doctor if a prescription is advisable.

They make a valuable contribution in the areas of mental health care services. All in all, they help people to understand and adjust to the difficulties in life and improve their behaviour.