Psychologist Work: Behind The Scenes

2024 Author: Harry Day | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 15:43

My friends are sure that the work of a psychologist boils down to sitting in a chair opposite the client and scratching his tongue manipulating people to row money with a shovel - that's all. Those. if I am not currently working with a client or a group, then I am not working, in their opinion. And they are perplexed: "What are you doing?" - “Working” - “But you're at home. Do this for me … "-" Now I can't, I'm working. "-" But kaaaaak ?! You're home!"

Yes I'm home. AND…

…Writing an article. This is also a job. Although, in my case, they usually don't pay for it. And it is even quite possible that I will not publish the article. But while I am writing it, I am structuring the information for myself. Perhaps I will understand that I have not considered all the options and I still need to get information and rethink, or that I was mistaken at all (like this, while I was writing, I came to such conclusions). But that's work. And I will apply its result directly during the session with the client.

… I read professional materials. Because I was writing an article and realized that this is where the gap needs to be filled. Or I prepared a training and decided to dig deeper. Or a client with a specific topic. Or you just found / recommended an interesting book on your topic. And the result of this will again go into direct work with the client.

… I am preparing some kind of product: an exercise, an Internet course, a group, a training, a webinar, a book. I think it over, run it in, develop an idea, write a description. I am choosing dates, looking for a room or a web site for the event. Perhaps it will not "shoot" right away. Perhaps in the process I will realize that this is not what I want. Perhaps I will decide to modify something in the materials or in myself. But this is also work. And sooner or later there will be a product. Although, perhaps, he will not be at all the same as I first saw him.

… I watch movies with a specific topic in order to get in touch with a topic more deeply, to rethink, to find new facets of the topic and new solutions to the problem. Maybe write an article about it, maybe give a reference to the movie to the client. In addition to films, there can also be a theater, an exhibition, a book. Researching forums, chatting with someone and even traveling somewhere.

… I am discussing some professional topic with my colleagues.

… I am thinking about some professional topic. Reflecting. Analyzing. Synthesizing. From this then there will be articles, exercises, trainings. The same will flow into the work with clients. This is one of the very important parts of the workflow. Although for other people it looks like "I sit-do-nothing."

Both at home and not at home there are layers of activity associated:

• With the development, inner purification and enrichment of your personality and its support in order to work efficiently. It's kind of like sharpening a tool. These are therapy, supervision, intervision, refresher courses and other professional activities. Books, films, cultural events. Professional and other interesting communication. Own reflections. Various practices to support yourself. Timely and deep rest: taking time for yourself so as not to communicate with anyone is also part of the job - it is restoring strength for high-quality activity.
• With the manufacture of a product (articles, books, training, course, etc.). Reflection, preparation, development, a cycle of trial and error, results and changes, packaging, the actual release.
• With the development of connections with people and information about their products and services. Visiting various professional events. Conducting demo master classes and free webinars. Maintaining accounts in social networks and professional networks, maintaining the site up to date. Articles, notes, videos, etc. Choosing an adequate type of advertising, etc.
• With organizational issues. Purchase materials, find a more convenient place to work, pay for website hosting, etc. Don't get confused about what, where, when.

And as a result of this activity, there will be direct work with clients - like the tip of the iceberg.

I am sure that I have not listed everything. After all, each specialist has his own specifics. And their own behind-the-scenes chips.