Developing as an Effective Psychologist : Skills and Competencies

Developing as an Effective Psychologist : Skills and Competencies

• In psychology, a client may refer to an individual/group/organisation who on her/his own seeks help, guidance or intervention from a psychologist with respect to any problem faced by her/him.
• ‘Skill’ is defined as proficiency, facility or dexterity that is acquired or developed through training and experience. The Webster dictionary defines it as “possession of the qualities required to do something or get something done”.
• American Psychological Association (1973) identified the following skills essential for professional psychologists:

1. Assessment of individual differences
2. Behaviour modification skills
3. Counselling and guidance skills

• Following can form the basis of differentiating between a pseudo psychologist and a real psychologist:

1. Professional training
2. Educational background
3. Institutional Affiliation
4. Experience in providing service
5. Training as a researcher
6. Internalisation of certain professional values
7. Knowledge of tools used by psychologists, their methods and theories

• Some psychologists carry out research to propound or investigate theoretical formulations while others are concerned with our daily life activities and behaviour.
• The basic skills or competencies which psychologists have identified for becoming an effective psychologist fall into three broad sections: