Are you the go-to person when your friends need advice? Do you enjoy helping others gain new perspectives? Are you a good listener and able to communicate effectively? If so, a career as a psychologist may be worth exploring.
Psychologists assess, diagnose and treat psychological, emotional and behavioral disorders. They also research, develop and apply theories about how people behave and think, and they often teach and consult.
Psychologists work in various specialties, such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, industrial or organizational psychology, and research or experimental psychology.
Psychologists need to be patient, empathetic, and have excellent communication skills. They should also be open to learning new approaches and enjoy problem-solving.
To become a psychologist, a post-secondary education of about six years is typically required. The average salary in this field is approximately $51.30 per hour. Certification is provincially regulated, and the demand for psychologists in each province is around 5,300 per year.
In addition to the main specialties, psychologists can work in areas like forensic psychology, developmental psychology, health psychology, rehabilitation psychology, and sport psychology.
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a psychologist, consider exploring the different specialties and gaining the necessary education and training. Being a psychologist requires a genuine interest in helping others, emotional maturity, and a willingness to keep learning and adapting to new approaches.