Useful/Necessary Inclinations/skills

[whiteelephant]

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I'm currently trying to decide whether psychology would be a fitting track for me. While I am interested in the objectives of the work, I'm not so sure it would be a good fit based on my natural skills and weaknesses. Some people have told me that the training teaches you these things, but I feel that psychology requires a definite level of ability and ease with many skills.

In particular, I am concerned that I do not have the ability to work with a range of people, to guide and hold my own in a variety of conversations. I am good at diagnosing and assessing people and good helping younger children with more moderate issues. But I certainly struggle with kids/adults who have motivational issues.

In some ways, school helps train ability to hold counseling sessions and handle difficult topics. But what would be a good way to assess my own skills and if the career is a fit?

 

[erg923]

Remember, being a clinical practitioner is not the only career option in psychology...

 

[whiteelephant]

Thing is my attention span isn't always the greatest. I've worked in research and found working with people significantly more rewarding and energizing.

 

[erg923]

Thing is my attention span isn't always the greatest.

That may be a barrier in pursuing an advanced degree then.

The best way to figure out if you actually want to want to work with mentally ill folks is to gain some kind of clincal experience now, before grad school...work with psych pops in any roles you can (suicide hotline, state hospital, psych ER tech, Autism center, etc).