Summary
What is the work of a psychologist?
Listen and heal
The psychologist helps people in moral or emotional suffering. He listens, observes and supports his patients. It helps them put their feelings into words and resolve their difficulties. From a simple interview to long-term support, his intervention takes different forms. The therapy can be organized around individual appointments or group sessions.
Several specialties
Depending on the specialization chosen, the psychologist intervenes in very different contexts. Some focus on family issues. In the school field, he helps children in difficulty and advises on career choices.
The clinical psychologist is responsible for the health of hospital patients.
Finally, the work psychologist is a growing specialty. Hired by a company, he participates in the recruitment and career management of employees.
How much does a psychologist earn?
At the beginning of their career, a psychologist earns between 1,500 and 2,500 € per month.
What are his working conditions?
Difficult to insert
Many young people are heading towards psychology, but there is a shortage of positions. Beginning psychologists are often faced with precariousness: they juggle several part-time positions.
However, opportunities are expected to grow in the coming years due to retirements. In addition, companies are also increasingly calling on these professionals.
Employee or self-employed
The psychologist practices either as a liberal profession, within a firm, or as an employee. He can then work for different structures:
- hospitals;
- establishments for disabled children or adults;
- maternal and child protection (PMI);
- nurseries;
- child welfare
- …
Alone or in a team
In hospitals or medico-social centers, the psychologist can interact with other health professionals: social service assistants, psychiatrists, nurses, etc.
In business, he collaborates with members of the human resources department.
Unlike his salaried colleagues, the independent psychologist works alone.
How to become a psychologist?
The profession is regulated. To be able to use the title of psychologist, a diploma in psychology (bac + 5) is compulsory. 2 paths are possible: university or schools.
University: professional master or research master in psychology
The professional or research master’s degree in psychology is the main route into the profession. After validating a license in psychology, the student chooses between several master’s specialties:
- clinical and pathological psychology;
- work psychology ;
- child and adolescent psychology;
- Neuropsychology;
- …
School of practicing psychologists
Located in Paris and Lyon, this school prepares in 5 years for the profession of psychologist. It recruits at baccalaureate level through a competition. Holders of a license 2 in psychology can apply for direct entry into the 2nd year. Note, however, that the registration fee is €5,100 for the 2012/2013 school year.
What qualifications do you need to be a psychologist?
Open to others
Listening and a taste for contact are the first qualities of the psychologist. He needs a great open-mindedness to hear the difficulties of patients without judging them. He knows how to observe and analyze behavior.
Balance
The psychologist intervenes in complex situations. He must be able to face the suffering of people. He relies on his personal balance to help others find their bearings.
Namely: psychologists must respect a certain number of professional rules defined by a code of ethics.
Content updated on 07/09/2012