Knowledge and Skills

Sometimes not knowing whether or not you are competent enough to do a job is challenging. A therapist may think they have the education to do a job, but they may need a certification for it.  The Council of Specialties in Professional Psychology (COSPP) website gives detailed descriptions of the education and experience needed to be competent of the specialty areas that require such training (Fisher, 2013). Here is the link to the website. Feel free to check it out as it has important information on the requirements, if you should go into that specific field.

Link to COSPP: http://cospp.org

 

 

 

 

It is also important to have the knowledge of factors that differ such as differences in age, sex, religions, race, culture, national origin, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic  status (Fisher, 2013). When someone isn’t knowledgeable about a certain religion or culture for example, it may not be best for them to try and counsel them. When this type of situation occurs, it might be best to refer them to another psychologist.

Standard 201b requires psychologist obtain special understanding, skills, and professional knowledge of the discipline establishes that an understanding of factors associated with these individual differences is essential to competent work. (Fisher, 2013) In order to be considered competent with certain populations, you must have the professional and scientific knowledge and skills, not based on your own opinions or personal beliefs. 

Psychologist must be aware that differences in religion can affect the clients’ reactions to different life events.  For example, someone who is Muslim will have a different view on death of a loved one than someone who is Christian. It is important to know the differences in religion because sometimes if you say the wrong thing, this could potentially ruin your relationship or bond with your client. If a psychologist is not knowledgeable enough or does not feel competent enough to counsel a client that is a certain religion it may be best to refer them elsewhere.

Here is a great video on cultural competence, which is an important part of being competent due to the many difference in culture.

Cultural Competence

 

A good example from the book stated that a psychologist was treating a woman for depression who was also being treated for diabetes. It is important for the psychologist to know the reactions that certain medications have with insulin.

Critical self-reflection and Personal and Professional Bias is important because psychologist must be able to confront biases and prejudices. They also must be able to identify and resist stereotypes of clients, research participants, and students in term of their race, ethnicity, gender, social class, sexual orientation, or other socially constructed categories (Fisher, 2013, pg. 71). It is also important to be aware of weaknesses and strengths of different cultures and the issues within different cultures.

A good example of this would be if a marital psychologist was a certain religion, and did not believe in gay marriage. If the couple contacts the psychologist, and makes them aware of this, it is up to the psychologist to determine whether they think they can counsel the couple without having a prejudice against them, or feel as though they are doing wrong because of their religion. In this case, it might be best for them to refer the couple to another psychologist.