The Top 10 Qualities of Good Psychologists
Important Personality Traits of Therapists Working in Psychology
Sep 30, 2009
A job as a therapist or psychologist requires certain personality traits, most of which can be learned in graduate school and as a psychology intern in a hospital, prison, or private practice.
This list of the top ten qualities of good therapists can help with the decision of whether or not to pursue a career in psychology.
Psychologists are Compassionate and Caring
Good psychologists are compassionate and can empathize with a client’s pain, psychological issues, and other difficulties without judging or making the client feel worse about the problem.
To have a successful career in psychology, a therapist needs to put clients at ease and help them comfortable.
Emotionally Stability is Key in Psychologists
Good psychologists have resolved (or at least are aware of) their own emotional issues. They’re able to handle the stress of helping others deal with psychological disorders, without letting their own issues cause problems.
Therapists are Introspective and Self-Aware
Good psychologists are aware of how their own culture, education, socioeconomic status, values, and religious beliefs affect their practice and interaction with patients.
To have a successful career in psychology, a psychologist must set aside his or her own personal beliefs when working with patients.
Psychologists Need Strong Interpersonal Skills
Good psychologists are comfortable working with different types of people from all walks of life! A psychologist can have introverted personality traits and still have a successful career in psychology. Good written and verbal communication skills are part of strong interpersonal skills.
Therapists are Tolerant and Open-Minded
Good psychologists are open to new research (that may challenge previously held beliefs in psychology) and new ways of thinking. A good psychologist must also accept clients who can’t or won’t work on their psychological disorders or issues.
Good psychologists also ensure their clients feel comfortable and safe as they're confiding their deepest secrets and most embarrassing problems. A psychologist also has to inspire trust in the process of therapy.
Patience is Key in a Psychology Career
Good psychologists understand that significant periods of time can pass before clients are able to make changes in life. To have a successful career in psychology, a psychologist must be able to communicate this patience to their clients and their clients’ families!
Ethics, Morals and Regulations in Psychology
Good psychologists understand the ethics in working with patients, and know the importance of keeping client sessions confidential. Psychologists mus understand the difference between ethics and morals
A psychologist must also understand and work within the state or provincial laws and regulations that control the industry. To have a successful career in psychology, a psychologist has to work within the boundaries of the law.
Therapists Have a Strong Belief in Continuing Education
Good psychologists are always learning about new findings in psychological research and new ways to communicate with and help clients. The best psychologists are always brushing up on their own therapeutic skills and people skills; they're also constantly expanding their knowledge base.
Some of these personality and other traits of good psychologists are innate, but most can be learned and developed over time. Individuals who go into a psychology career with many of these personality traits will often find they excel in the field.
Related Reading in Psychology
Read Jobs for Psychology Graduates for a full list of career possibilities for budding psychologists. And for a basic explanation of different types of jobs for therapists, read Types of Psychology.
 |
