The career of a psychologist unfolds through many phases.聽 How does the experience, including both the joys and the challenges of being a psychologist, change over time?聽 Borrowing Jeffrey Kottler鈥檚 (2012) depiction of the stages in the career of a psychologist, we asked MSP faculty to offer their perspectives. La-Toya Gaines, PsyD, LP聽talks about Stage Two.
Stage Two – Hero Worship:聽鈥淚f only I could be like you鈥�
My advice for this stage is:
Students, know that your professors and supervisors have moments that confuse them and leave them at a loss. I may appear poised and knowledgeable, and mostly I am, but I still have clients that prove to be a challenge for me.
I鈥檝e learned to think fast on my feet and be creative. I don鈥檛 want my students to be like me, I want you to discover your professional identity and what works for you.
Kottler, J.A. (2012).聽The therapist鈥檚 workbook: Self-assessment, self-care, and self-improvement exercises for mental health professionals聽(second ed., pp. 10-16).聽 Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.