I am looking to change my career, and have recently started on a degree in psychology. I am looking to an end result of working in a clinical or counselling psychology post.
My main worry is that I am still currently receiving therapy for a well established eating disorder (12years anorexia and bulimia) and whether this will mean I will be refused work.
I am aware that I have to beat my own issues first, and I really am working on that. Is a history of an eating disorder, rather than a current disorder, still be enough to stop me pursuing my career?
Thanks for your time.
H
2006-09-09 20:41:41 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
It is important to point out that we all have problems and concerns from time to time, that we need to address and people who work in psychology aren't any different. The best thing is that you have acknowledged your disorder and that you are taking steps to overcome this.
Going through the therapy process yourself will lead you to become a more empathetic psychologist and will help you gain re-pour with your patients, especially if they come to you with the same problem. In certain circumstances if you reveal your history to patients, you will act as a positive role-model for them.
Just be truthful if asked by your clients and future employers and be proud of what you have achieved in your own therapy and the journey you have been on and realise that no body expects you to be perfect.
2006-09-09 21:19:31 · answer #1 · answered by Maximisses 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would have thought any psychologist would tell you the first step to healing yourself is being aware, and if you want to become one then try and use this to heal yourself.
You are aware of having a eating problem, a problem is only a problem if we allow it to be.
To be a good pyschologist, and a future friend by sharing experiences maybe then heal yourself, you are already half way there by being aware of it.
What is the underlying problem that causes you to neglect and punish your body?
I came close to having a eating disorder, but realised it was me neglecting myself like I felt by others really. I wanted better for myself and to be better than those who was neglecting my needs.
There is always a problem hidden behind it, try and deal with the problem and then you will discover the path of healing.
I was blessed, always become aware of something before it become a problem, and most of the time was able to deal with it at the time because of it. Other things I ignored yet was aware, I wasn't ready to face my own fears which was separating the family. When I faced my fear I discovered my strength
Discover your inner strength by facing your fears, and then you can thrive in life not wither
My prayers and strength are with you, be strong and live-want to live and be hungry for life!
God Bless You!
xxxx
2006-09-10 00:36:08 · answer #2 · answered by WW 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not. The fact is, no one is perfect and most psychologists would agree. A lot of people go into psychology to figure out their own problems in the first place so I really see no problem with it. Also, as an employer they cannot ask you for your personal info like that. Your personal life is your personal life and no one has to know unless you want them to know. Good luck, I'm sure you'll do great!
2006-09-09 20:54:22 · answer #3 · answered by Monika S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
But you do have to be careful on how much you eat if you have diabetes. I can only have half of a medium banana or my blood sugar really goes out of whack. But I have to wonder if my banana consumption is what helped me recover from my stroke. One more thing, did you know that bananas, though viewed and used as fruit, are not fruit? Because the trees are grown from the rhizomes, bananas are actually an herb. Have to say, it's the best tasting herb I've ever eaten.
2016-03-27 05:03:07 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on who is doing the hiring and how much information you provide them with regarding it...You do need to complete your
own therapy and recover so you can then be in a real position of being able to assist those who may seek your help for the same problem or something else related to the psychology field that you may receive a degree in. If I were you I would also inform my current therapist of my scholastic studies as well as my instructor(s) in my chosen field of study so I could gain even more assistance that would hopefully aide me in helping someone else in the future with whatever problem he/she may approach me with.
2006-09-09 21:40:29 · answer #5 · answered by annrizzo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont think it will. many psychologists have personal problems of their own. as long as it doesnt get in the way of your patients treatment then you should be fine. i know someone who has rage issues who is studying psychology.
i think if any of your patients were to find out that you had an eating disorder then they may lose faith in you. keep it to yourself if you can.
but really, you should try to cure yourself of this disorder. otherwise it may be the blind leading the blind.
2006-09-09 20:46:01 · answer #6 · answered by NAQ 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, you can't ethically treat women with eating disorders if you are still struggling with yours. HOWEVER, WHEN you do fully recover, you will be an even better therapist for it, will have more insight and empathy for your patients and will be able to better help them.
Recovery first, fantastic therapist second. :)
2006-09-10 05:12:43 · answer #7 · answered by EDtherapist 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO In fact it could help you in your career in psychology! My OWN Psychiatrist has Dyslexia. Never knew that before!
2006-09-09 20:52:12 · answer #8 · answered by jennifersuem 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best psychologists tend to have had troubles in their pasts.
2006-09-10 03:31:43 · answer #9 · answered by *babydoll* 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Physician, heal thyself." You've got it exactly right. I think it would make you more empathetic, and they can't discriminate against you based on that. I wouldn't tell them.
2006-09-09 20:47:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋