I am nearly finished an Introduction to Psychology course through correspondence. I feel that I have done well in the course and am still really interested in psychology. I am a fairly shy person but usually get on with everyone I meet, especially talking one on one with a person.
Just to ask everyones opinion, do you think it's a good idea to become a counsellor or psychologist if you are naturally shy?
2007-08-22 15:53:30 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I think it could be possible to be a good psychologist but first you have some work to do. You assume you are "naturally" shy, but most shy people carry a set of expectations or beliefs about themselves which cause them to withhold or be guarded, or hesitant to take the initiative. These traits are not compatible with being a good therapist. So if you can work in therapy to become aware of doing this and then have some success in changing these aspects of yourself, you could be a good therapist.
As a therapist myself, I have done clinical supervision for about 40 to 50 therapists-in- training, and my experience shows that therapists-in-training who are not comfortable with taking the initiative, asking hard questions, doing and saying things that can cause or increase discomfort, are not successful at doing therapy. Therapy is much less about comforting others than it is about challenging them, and you have to be able to tollerate the discomfort of others. If you can't challenge people because of your shyness, then you will be a very well liked therapist but an ineffectual one.
One final question to ask yourself: would you be going into psychology as a career because you are motivated to "fix" yourself? Many people who go into the field have that motivation (consciously or unconsciously) and most often things turn out poorly.
2007-08-22 16:56:30 · answer #1 · answered by Pat D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you were painfully shy to the point of hiding or cringing when someone so much as looks in your direction, I would say that you would need to get some help first before helping others. However, you have stated that you get along very well talking one on one. This, and confidentiality are very important factors in the field of psychology. If, though, you are easily intimidated by those you are speaking one on one with, I would suggest different career field. As a psychologist / psychiatrist, or pretty much any type of medical profession, you need to be in control of the situation. If you are intimidated by the patient, they can normally feel the unease. This will result in them being unable to trust you, or, more prone to manipulate you. Hope this helps; and good luck!
2007-08-22 16:06:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you can; I was like you and still am a bit. the shyness will dimnish as you gradually become familiar with oral presentations and speaking in class. It helps, yet most times I do not like to be put on the spot becasue my answer isn't prepared. I have to think on things first. But you'll do just fine. I am also better with one on one interactions.
You could be just a shy introvert.
http://www.theintrovertadvantage.com/
2007-08-22 16:09:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can be anything if youre shy, anything that i would want to be... still a lot of things. anyway, it could work if youre willing to listen to another person and you get into the habit of being assertive. but being shy, you might not be able to tell people a problem they have when you see them on the street, most likely you wont notice it...
being a psych major you can still be other things
2007-08-22 16:05:44 · answer #4 · answered by ceesteris 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think your desire to help people is the predominant consideration here. Together with the congeniality you mention, they make a dynamite combination. If you start each therapeutic relationship (and even each session) with the words, " Hello, I'm here to help you, and I will do my best to accomplish that. How are you today?" I think you will do just fine.
2007-08-22 16:00:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cure Social Anxiety Shyness - http://SocialAnxiety.uzaev.com/?CtGT
2016-06-21 10:46:52 · answer #6 · answered by Deann 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can, and remember that you will continue to grow as a person as you get older. Your shyness won't feel as debilitating to you as you mature.
2007-08-22 16:14:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
if it is easy for you to become accustomed with everyone you meet, then you should be able to handle it.
2007-08-22 16:25:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋