Would my lack of faith hinder me as a psychologist?

Question

I'm currently a psych major with aspirations to be either a clinical or counseling psychologist. In regard to existential matters, I am an agnostic. Religion plays no role in my lifestyle or decision making. I've had one professor tell me that being non-religious may be an asset because it could facilitate objectivity. And I've had another professor tell me that being non-religious may leave me unable to relate to many clients who draw hope from their religion. So I'm undecided. What do you think? Would you want a faithless psychologist?

Answer 1

I have my BA in psych and am currently working on my master's, and I'm also agnostic, so I think I can handle this one. NO! Being an agnostic will in no way hinder your effectiveness as a psychologist. I hang around PhD's all day and can tell you that about 70% are agnostic or athiest. As far as not being able to relate to a client with strong faith, well, for one thing, that may not even factor into your therapy. Someone suffering from OCD or depression would likely benefit from a cognitive approach anyway, and talk of God shouldn't be prevelant. If the client was obsessed with his faith, well, you could still help him determine whether or not it was an obesssion that was hindering his life. If the client rankled at this, then he could be referred to a faith-based counselor; it's done all the time.
In closing: I'm sure you know that the DSM-IVR now lists religious obsession as a neurosis!

Answer 2

I'm a senior Psychology major at my university as well, but I've got different aspirations. I'm gonna be going into a Master's program for Social Psyc and Anthropology, so that makes me a little biased. But honestly, I don't think that being "faithless" in a religious manner will detract from your ability to diagnose or treat people in a clinical setting. If counseling is your main focus, then it may make things a little dificult to asses and relate to people who do have faith in religion. But that does not mean you cannot become a counselor, you could specialize in marriage counseling or something.

I think that the main thing is to be objective, and if you atleast have faith in the human being, then I think you'll be fine.

Answer 3

Many times strict religious principles are what cause the inability to relate to society. So the trick would be to show people that they can live and relate positively in their society without having to conquer the world for their chosen religious views. So while you don't want to degrade them for having religious beliefs you also may want some knowledge of the common religions that you'll be dealing with. Studying a religion doesn't mean you have to practice it. Personally I try to start with getting them to define the difference in spirituality and religion, as spirituality is the cornerstone to recovery in most psych cases. You may feel less agnostic yourself in you try to differintiate between the two yourself.

Answer 4

Im a psychology and Business mgmt graduate.
Continue seeking the truth dude! However even if a religion is untrue it still provides a function to many people. You should be able to relate to them and know where their comming from. If it's going to be removed it needs to be replaced with someting that fulfills the same function. People who are religious are statisticaly happier. Doesn't mean what they believe in is the truth though.

What is religion and what does it do for us?
When you’re born, through genetics you have predisposition to feel more or less Cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance is the feeling you get whenever you’re your ideas and opinions are in contrast with that of another person’s or when your actions don’t match your beliefs. If not dealt with it turns into physical headaches and stress. This dissonance functions by making us come together and communicate for survival. If you look around you’ll see that like attracts like. People are attracted to other people with similar ideas because it is reaffirming and makes us feel good by reducing that dissonance. It makes us feel normal. You’re more likely to feel you are correct when other people agree. People will usually use the easiest method to reduce dissonance. Some people, join clubs, teams, or go to church with other people who have similar beliefs. Some people exercise and others use drugs like Tylenol or alcohol. A sense of normlessness is called anomie and can lead to depression and even suicide. In those like groups the ideas polarize and become more extreme while their members become more confident in their conclusions. Middle Eastern religious extremists use religion to enable them to become suicide bombers. If you look at the histories of religion you see a pattern. Each religion helps their society deal with their unique life situation for better or worse. The Egyptians had their sun god ect. Therefore, trying to change someone’s religion can make them less adapt to the issues they face in their life. Unfortunately the function of religion is not to show us the truth but to relieve the dissonance by giving us a set of beliefs that tell us what is normal.

Answer 5

Hey wow, me too! I've always wondered how my lack of faith will affect how I can help people...

I've come to the conclusion that I will just have to do my best not to diss other peoples faith. If people are having a crisis of faith I would encourage them to keep up with their faith, because it gives them direction. If they're at a point where they want to abandon it completely I'd work on trying to help the person find out why, if another faith suits them better so be it.

the focus is the patient. encouraging them and helping them find a stable place.

this is all theory of course.. but worth a try!

Answer 6

A good psychiatrist doesn't think of his/her personal beliefs when talking to a client. No matter your beliefs, if you are objective and thoughtful, you will be fine. You could have a virgin's blood from a sacrifice to the god of corn splatterd on your pants, and yet when talking to a client, it's all about them. *Sorry I'm taking a break from writing a paper. I don't know why I thought of "God of Corn" or splattered blood. But you get my point?

Answer 7

Psychology is a science. Your faith or lack of it has nothing to do with your skills. Your professor is a fool. For example, a doctor doesn't have to have cancer to treat a cancer patient. You don't have to be a woman to help a woman with her problems. You just have to be able to understand the human heart and mind.

Answer 8

You wont be able to relate but you'll be a better one. People are goofy for god and you can set them straight. I know a few who are anti-religion

Answer 9

You don't have to relate to all of your clients. That is not what your role is.

Answer 10

No it wouldn't,but you still have to be open minded.