What is it Like Being a Child Abuse Psychologist?
Jan 16, 2015 | 8:00 am
Being a child psychologist is a field that requires a true compassion for the children. It is complex and filled with analysis and research. Being able to observe and listen not only to what is being said, but watching body language is a major part of the profession. Having the skills to be able to read between the lines and help those who are unable to state what is wrong, communicate their fears and issues is a great skill. It takes an extraordinary level of people skills.
Child Abuse Psychologist Information
There are different levels of abuse for all people not just children. There is physical, mental, emotional, verbal and sexual abuse. These categories cover a long list of issues that can happen on a daily basis. It does not matter about the income level of the families, his or her background or cultural differences and beliefs, abuse can happen to anyone. Our children cannot always communicate issues that they are dealing with and some may not know that there is an actual problem because they were taught to believe what is happening to them is normal and they may not know any better. They might have been threatened not to tell and they are afraid to talk about much of anything due to fear of being hurt even more.
Even as adults, we know that fear can paralyze so much and does take a toll on a person’s life. For those who have been abused, they will be able to relate on a deeper level. According to Careers in Psychology, many people who have been abused in their lives choose to become abuse psychologists. In many cases, they can provide a better and deeper understanding of what their clients are going through and can pick up on other communications that the client may not be able to communicate for whatever reasons.
Overview of the Child Abuse Psychologist Career
Most of us might think that thinking of childhood memories would bring back happy times of family gatherings, fun times with grandparents, milestones and so much more. This may not be true for those who have been abused in their childhood or even throughout their lives. A child psychologist would help with issues on so many levels such as physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, and even torturous abuse.
Things such as burning, denying, ridiculing, isolating, exploiting, corrupting, verbally assaulting, terrorizing, shaming and bullying can cause such long term issues such as insecurity, poor self esteem, destructive behavior, angry acts, withdrawal, poor development, alcohol or substance abuse, suicide, instability as well as relationship problems and non-commitment issues. Issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological disorders can be debilitating.
Being a child psychologist can be stressful, making an educated person spend many hours researching methods to help innocent children. Psychologists try to help these children overcome their inward demons and make progressive steps towards a more promising future. To be an abuse psychologist, one will need a doctoral degree to provided the best tools, so you can be at your best.