Why are most psychologists a little peculiar?

Question

I've got nothing against them - some of my best friends are psychologists! But they tend to be a touch odd. Why is that?

Answer 1

I once heard a quote that said something about Psychologists getting into the field to understand themselves, so some may be the most odd out there. Perhaps it's a lack of understanding in themselves that they reach out in an educational way to attain knowledge to better their understanding of themselves and the world around them. Perhaps their mind processes in a different way or they just have a way of seeing an "out of the box" perspective that leads to them being seen as "peculiar" by outsider positions. You would, however, have to view what each person's view of "peculiar" is.

Answer 2

I don't think MOST psychologists are odd, but many are, that's true! My theory is that the REALLY odd ones became psychologists because they thought it would help them escape their problems, so they wouldn't have to deal with them.

The other reason for just regular oddness is that studying human psychology lets you see just how weird and often SICK humans can be! I don't care HOW "immune" you become to hearing about peoples neuroses, phobias, fetishes and psychoses, it eventually does a number on your mind! Either you become hardened to it and then, not much use to most clients, OR if you're sensitive, you get freaked out and eventually avoid dealing with people who are too messed-up.

IMO, it takes a VERY well-adjusted, "grounded" person to be a good shrink for life and not go a little tappy. I've only met a couple people like that.

P.S.: The thing about writing down that someone is abused if they cross their legs is not true! Most shrinks would write that the person seemed "emotionally distant" or "closed-off" or "protective". (OR, they could just be getting comfortable!) That gesture alone would not be enough to make any psychologist worth his/her salt assume abuse!

Answer 3

Most psychologists went into the field because they knew they were odd and were trying to figure out themselves.

Answer 4

It might seem to you that we are peculiar. I imagine that comes out of the paranoia that all psychologists care enough when they aren't working to psychoanalye their friends. Calm down. We are as insecure and needy as the next person. We have simply memorized a bunch of psycho-babble to appear overly intelligent.

Answer 5

Because they think there's a meaning behind every little thing someone says or does. If I cross my legs in front of a psychologist they will write down something like I was abused when I was a child. Stupid stuff like that.

Answer 6

IT could be YOU. If your acting peculiar you may be projecting your feelings upon them. tee hee

Answer 7

they know too much

Too much of a good thing is also not good