Personal Characteristics for Clinical Psychologists

Good people skills, specialty certification and years of experience are attributes employers seek when looking for the right clinical psychologist to add to their staff. There are, however, a number of other personal traits needed in order to excel in this specialized field. Whether you are considering a career in clinical psychology, seeking a psychologist or simply curious about the profession, it is helpful to understand the traits that make a clinical psychologist excel in the field.

Emotional Stability

• Since the role of a clinical psychologist often places her at the center of emotionally charged discussions, it is often difficult for an untrained or inexperienced individual to stay grounded. A skilled clinical psychologist uses these scenarios to hone her skills even more by diffusing the situation and by helping those who are unfocused find solutions to their problems. Emotional stability is essential to accomplishing this without becoming to personally involved in the session.

Leadership Abilities

• In any profession that involves encouraging others to modify undesired behaviors or feelings such as anxiety, depression or fear, the ability to inspire and lead people is critical. A clinical psychologist who can improve others' decision making skills will help his patients become more productive in their lives; leadership abilities help with this.

Staying Power

• Since the results of therapy are usually seen over the course of several visits--or even years--rather than immediately, it is important that a clinical psychologist believe in seeing things through to the end. While some clients may choose not to return after the first visit, it is important that the psychologist be committed to finishing what she starts. If for some reason she decides to leave the industry, she should notify her clients a few months in advance and refer them to a trusted colleague.