Psychologists may benefit from having a diverse skill set of both hard and soft skills. Explore some of the essential qualities of a psychologist:
Communication Skills
One of the top skills needed to be a psychologist is communication skills. All psychologists need to be skilled communicators.1 Those who work with patients must explain diagnoses and treatment recommendations in a way that patients can understand. Since psychologists may work with patients from diverse socio-economic backgrounds with varying levels of education, it is important to be able to communicate in a way that is widely understood.
Even if you plan to focus your psychology career on research, you will still need strong communication skills.1 Research psychologists must be able to record their observations and findings. They may be called upon to present their work at conferences or symposiums. Similarly, psychologists who go into academia need to be able to communicate with their students.
Active listening skills are an integral component of clear communication. Psychologists need to be excellent listeners who consider what the speaker is saying.2 They also need to consider nonverbal cues. For example, a patient who is uncomfortable about the idea of being in therapy may frequently fidget or look at their watch during sessions.
Professional Ethics
Ethical judgment, decision-making and conduct are essential psychology skills. Psychologists must be willing to understand and adhere to all ethical codes established by professional organizations in the field. For example, psychologists owe a duty to their patients to:3
- Obtain informed consent for therapy
- Maintain confidentiality and explain the limits of confidentiality to their patients
- Minimize privacy intrusions by only recording essential information
- Disclose confidential information only when permitted by the affected patient or when required to do so by law
The American Psychological Association (APA) established many more ethical requirements for psychologists.3 Aspiring psychologists should carefully read these ethical guidelines and understand how to apply them.
Problem-Solving Skills
Psychology is a career that deals with the intricacies of human thought and behavior. Because of this, the outcome of a therapeutic approach is not always predictable. Psychologists cannot say for certain whether a patient might be helped by any given treatment approach because every patient is unique.
Psychologists can benefit from having excellent problem-solving skills.1 They need to be able to follow evidence-based research to develop solutions to various challenges.
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is also referred to as an emotional quotient (EQ). It is the capacity to understand, regulate and use one’s own emotions and to understand the emotions of other people. Individuals with strong EQ are typically better able to build strong relationships, make informed decisions and achieve personal goals.
Emotional intelligence is widely recognized as having four main characteristics:4
- Self-awareness: Individuals can recognize their own emotions and understand how those emotions affect thought and behavior.
- Self-management: Individuals can healthily manage emotions, control impulsive behaviors and adapt to change.
- Relationship management: Individuals can maintain healthy, non-toxic relationships by resolving conflict, inspiring others and cooperating with others.
- Social awareness: Individuals cultivate empathy by detecting emotional cues, recognizing group dynamics and understanding the emotional needs of others.
Emotional intelligence is a critical skill across various fields and industries. However, for those who are working toward a psychology degree, it is especially important to actively work on acquiring a stronger EQ.5
Psychologists need emotional intelligence because, like their clients, they are human beings. It is all too easy to let one’s own emotions interfere with a client’s therapeutic goals. Psychologists need to be able to recognize and regulate their own emotions so that they can better help their clients.5
EQ enables psychologists to empathize with their patients. Individuals with high EQ can put themselves in a patient’s shoes, which can offer insights regarding treatment recommendations.5
Research and Analytics Skills
Many psychologists conduct research, collecting information and analyzing the results. Because of this, research and analytical thinking skills can be helpful.1 They may compile their findings into reports intended for publication or presentation. As a complementary skill, observation can help psychologists collect data, develop diagnoses and monitor patient progress.2
Assessment and Evaluation Skills
Every individual who seeks psychological services is unique, with their own challenges, possible traumas and life goals. Assessment and evaluation are among the most essential skills needed to be a psychologist.2 These skills can allow a psychologist to more accurately identify mental health issues, develop diagnoses and create treatment plans that are personalized to the needs of each individual.
Cultural Competence
Lastly, psychologists may benefit from possessing strong cultural competence. Patients come from all cultural backgrounds and psychologists need to be able to understand each individual’s cultural background to develop a solid rapport.6
In psychology settings, cultural competence refers to validating a patient’s social and cultural background, as well as their lived experiences. It also encompasses adjusting the therapy sessions in a way that accommodates the patient’s background, values and experiences.6
