A psychology career offers a unique chance to make a difference in the lives of others.

Working in the psychology field involves listening to the problems people are dealing with and, through a combination of education and common sense, offering a roadmap for addressing their situations. Most careers in psychology, though, can involve several disciplines.

One of the important disciplines is the ability to listen to others. I have a dear friend who loves to talk on the phone and one of her favorite things to do is hear the problems of others. She's often commented that she should have pursued a career in psychology.

But what would keep her from being a good psychologist is that she talks too much. Often I have to talk over her to get in a word edgewise. Psychology is all about letting others to talk, listen, and then when appropriate offer observations on what they are dealing with.

Someone who can't or isn't willing to listen probably isn't right for this type of career.

Psychologists allow people to get in touch with their feelings through listening carefully and then commenting on their situations. Some people may just need a sounding board in the form of someone to vent to.

Individuals today, especially men, are hesitant to express their frustrations, shortcomings and other struggles. This provides an opportunity to help others by showing them how to get back on the right track in life.

Sometimes helping people involves common sense and, as mentioned above, listening to them. A psychologist almost always involves analyzing an individual's problems and that frequently requires applying information learned in the study of the human mind and behavior.

As with any discipline, this type of career requires staying current with the latest information and research. Knowing new techniques and other facts can make a difference to the success of someone who pursues psychology as a career.

Psychologists can direct individuals to literature, studies, and other information that can teach them how to deal with problems they face such as rage, depression, feelings of inferiority, etc. I knew a psychologist who once showed clips of the Jack Nicholson comedy "Anger Management" to teach a class on - anger management. The approach was unconventional but it highlights the different ways someone who is interested in a psychology career can approach the discipline.

A psychologist also needs to know how to analyze situations to determine if an individual needs to continue seeing them, is ready to deal with problems on their own, or needs the services of a psychiatrist. In many cases, medication may be the best therapy for the problems an individual is dealing with.

Depression over the loss of a loved one is common and can be dealt with by psychologists in most cases. But in situations where an individual's loss or other problems is leading to self-destructive behavior, a psychiatrist may be needed for further analysis or to prescribe medication (which psychologists cannot do).

Every individual has unlimited potential in life but sometimes they get distracted from the daily struggles or hardships they encounter. A psychology career offers an opportunity for service by reigniting a passion for living that individuals sometimes lose sight of.

Whether changing jobs because of family commitments, health, advancement or interest, career change advice is vital to finding a better, well suited field of employment. For more free tips, reports, and career advice, visit Christine Tran's web site at http://www.advance-career.com

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