- Abstract
For many clinical psychology is a field that holds a lot of promise of wealth and power; you have control over a person’s mind in ways that brain surgeons do not have. My experience with my classmate; Janice, helped me realize my potential to help people especially persons who experience psychological conditions as a result of alcohol and substance abuse, both directly and indirectly. I hope to use my skills to help the youth who often bear the greatest psychological stress from social problems.
- Introduction
As a child I have always cared about others. I would try to make them comfortable. One day I got to know Janice. Withdrawn and shy, she had been my classmate for years but I had never spoken to her. Janice came from a psychologically abusive home. Her father was an alcoholic and used every opportunity he got to verbally abuse her. Her mother was a sanguine who never did anything to alleviate the situation. Janice spent late nights at school just because she was afraid to go home to her abusive father in the evening. She had no friends and very low self-esteem. After getting to know of Janice’s situation, I began spending time with her.
- Vision
I discovered Janice’s case was unique. It was deeper and required more intervention than just the mere ordinary. That was the turning point in my life; I swore to only use my gifts to help people in future. My encounter with Janice made me realize that I could use my skills to help persons who suffer from various mental conditions. Many of the factors that cause depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often occur in the environment within which we operate. Having alcoholic parents can induce suicidal tendencies in many teenagers. I hope to use my skills in clinical psychology to identify early markers of such conditions and to provide relevant treatment to the affect persons. I also hope to specialize in brain and cognitive sciences.
- Goals
I plan to practice as a clinical psychologist within a hospital setting. I believe that in as much as a private practice would be lucrative to many psychologists; hospitals, moreover public ones, would be where I can make the greatest impact to my community and the world. Other than receiving my license as a clinical psychologist I also plan on training as an alcohol and substance abuse counselor. I have always felt indebted to children like Janice hence I plan on volunteering at organizations that help the youth who live in abusive environments. My skills will not only be limited to my career but will be used to improve my personal life as well and contribute to the growing body of research in clinical psychology.
- Conclusion
Now that I am older I realize I can put my talent to better use and in a professional manner. I do not have all the answers and people do get harder to read as you grow older. However, I have a gift and in appreciation of the one person who helped me realize its potential; I need to use it.
References
Aamodt, M. (2011). Industrial/Organizational Psychology: An Applied Approach. New York: Cengage Learning.
Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of Learning For Instruction. New York: Pearson Allyn and Bacon.
