PSYCHOLOGIST | Advantages vs. Disadvantages! 🧠

What are the advantages vs disadvantages of being a psychologist? If you're considering whether to study psychology at uni or whether you want to major in it today I share some of the pros and cons I've noticed in my years of clinical practice where I've worked both children and adults in public hospital and private practice settings! Hope you enjoy :) ❀
// Timestamps
01:16 My work experience
05:14 Start of advantages and disadvantages
🌞 About Me: Hi! My name’s Ro and I’m a psychologist (and clinical psychology registrar) from Sydney, Australia!
💖 Subscribe to join me for videos on all things mental health and my journey to becoming a psychologist
✏️ Comment down below, I’d love to hear your thoughts or questions :)
👍 Like to let me know you enjoyed todays video (it really helps me out!)!

[@leeannspierer8659]

Advantage: It’s a rewarding career 5:30 Disadvantage: It can be draining 7:45 Advantage: You learn a lot about yourself 10:58 Disadvantage: There’s a lot of work outside of your clinic hours 12:20 Advantage: It’s very flexible if you work in private practice 14:25 Disadvantage: Most people won't tell you how difficult it is 15:44 Advantage: The mental health industry is growing 18:02 Disadvantage: It is a solitary type of work 19:53 Advantage: You get a lot of interaction and socialization 21:25 Disadvantage: Most psychologists suffer from self-doubt 22:13 Somethings missing here... ): Disadvantage: Psychologists are mandatory reporters 23:52 Advantage: It’s a stable job in terms of security and prospects 25:09 Disadvantage: Sometimes clients can be difficult to work with 25:39 Advantage: Telehealth 26:52

[@AmmarGul-xe6mo]

Angel

[@pauldrobles]

23:00 I would argue that having the self-doubt and feeling that you could be doing better is a gift that allows one to constantly strive for improvement. Truly, it's when you feel that you've mastered a subject that you stagnate.

[@lazarusheart]

You could have made this for quadruple the time and I still would have been engaged. Very informative and helpful for someone on the cusp of enrolling for Psych at 30 with a full-time job :O Thanks!

[@thepsychdiaries]

Woo so glad to hear and good luck! :)

[@eyebutterfly]

Thank you for this video! 😊 I’m about to start my Master in Professional Psychology and I’m feeling so excited yet anxious about what’s to come. This is so informative because there’s not enough info out there about Australian psychologists in practice with all the potential good and bad things that come up. I personally am an introvert but I love to know other people’s stories and give them my ear. I think it’s so rewarding to be a part of someone’s journey for them to feel better about themselves and their life. Also the work/home balance is very appealing because I feel the psychology profession is more invested in self care. Thanks again Ro for taking the time to post this up keep up the great work!

[@sambarta9865]

How’s it going?

[@KajuKajuKatli]

Thank you so much for this video!! I'm in year 12 at the moment, and I've found that psychology has always been a huge interest of mine, and that it took me so long to figure that out. You really cleared up my doubts in terms of demands and salary, so I am more confident than ever in wanting to pursue psychology! Just- seriously, thank you so much, I needed this video so so much :D

[@jelllybeanxo]

how are you doing now?!

[@KajuKajuKatli]

@@jelllybeanxo ough,, was this really two years ago? woah. honestly, a lot of things have changed, and i ended up taking a med science degree instead. not quite sure where i'll end up hey, but

[@jelllybeanxo]

@@KajuKajuKatli that sounds so great!! good luck in whatever you choose to do

[@patriciacho4231]

Love your vid! So touched when u mentioned the first advantage about feeling rewarding and good to offer help to ppl in need. I believe that this is an advantage that can’t be measured or quantified but so important for almost everyone who decided to dedicate to this field. Your words remind me of the passion that drives me into studying psychology and deciding to become a psychologist. Thank you ☺️

[@thepsychdiaries]

Thank you for leaving such a thoughtful comment Patricia! Best of luck! ^^

[@millamay4209]

you're living my dream oh my!!! Love your videos so much. I didn't even consider clinical psychology until watching your videos where I discovered it could be my path :) I'm studying psychology at a level in the uk and planning to come back to Sydney for uni so your videos help with my homesickness and educate me on how to achieve my goals!! Thank you so much for sharing these videos. I always look forward to watching them.

[@thepsychdiaries]

Oh my goodness I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you so much for joining me and best of luck in the UK until you come back to us! 🥰

[@millamay4209]

@@thepsychdiaries thank you!!

[@padopaw]

i'm meant to be starting psychology (undergraduate degree) later this month and starting to having doubts about the commitment and if i can handle it in the future if i manage to become a psychologist. but your video is very helpful, it seems that the advantages really outweigh the rest so hopefully i'm just motivated enough to stay on top of everything. Thanks :)

[@sociopathic1234]

Thankyou... That really made alot of sense. I am starting a BA with Psychology electives from Deakin University and already have an interest in 'Clinical Psychology'. I will stay tuned.

[@yana.rya_____]

Love how you went in depth into all the advantages and disadvantages! Very informative :) How long does usually it take for you to do paperwork for one client/appointment?

[@thepsychdiaries]

Thanks gal! In training like an hour+ per client hour but now notes take around 5-10 minutes, sometimes I also take notes during session and then theres extras like report writing- but if its a long period of report writing (like 30 mins+) you can bill for it too :)

[@yana.rya_____]

@@thepsychdiaries ahh ok good to know!

[@samanthalin1303]

Thank you so much for sharing! I have been struggling to decide whether I should invest 8 years of my life becoming a psychologist and become a mature age student at the age of 30. Your video is very helpful and has given me lots of valuable insights into this field. I have finally made up my mind and am starting my bachelor's degree in 2 weeks. Very excited about the journey of becoming a clinical psychologist(8 years to go!)☺️

[@thepsychdiaries]

Oh gosh I'm so happy to hear and also there are many wonderful career options in psych regardless if you end up in clinical or not and the process of study will be so helpful in figuring out which area you align most with. Best of luck! 😊

[@samanthalin1303]

@@thepsychdiaries Thank you so much Ro! I am actually also looking into counselling recently, cause it would only take me 2 years to do a masters degree in counselling to become a registered counsellor, given I've already have a bachelors degree and a masters degree under my belt, which is a lot shorter than the 6 years of becoming a psychologist. I wonder if you know any counsellors could tell me the key difference between the two and what would your suggestion be? Thank you❤️

[@golden_read3927]

Thank you so much for explaining this so clearly❤️ I just started my first semester at Uni and it’s so weird, cause all I ever wanted was to be a Lawyer, but now I’m leaning more into Phsychology, I honestly never would’ve thought that I would major in it, but I thought about how I love helping people and doing everything I can to be there for them. Where I’m from, In the first course, they let you pick any subject to study first, but I will definitely choose to major in Phsychology next course, I really think this is what I’m most passionate about🤍

[@Rlove8687]

Thanks so much Roanna! We are kind of similar in that we are both Australian and love psychology and have a similar name lol. I am really loving your videos. I’m at least 7 years away from being a psychologist but I’m so so keen and your videos are making me even more keen!

[@PyroManya77]

Thank you so much for helping me along my journey to become a psychologist or psychiatrist!

[@manuelapacheco3259]

Thank you so much! I am in year 12 this year and now my parents are expecting me to figure out which path I'm going to chose. I am between HR and psychology at the moment and your video really helped me figuring out how much I would like to have a job like yours🧡

[@LECityLECLEC]

Incredibly detailed and honest :D. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@mariaangelikaquinosa2418]

I recently found your channel and I absolutely love your content which is about Psychology because I'm currently taking up BS Psychology so I'm obsessed with it literally all of the units. But yeah! hoping to really pursue of being a Clinical Psychologist here in the Philippines 💖 thank you for your channel and inspiratio for each one of us 😌

[@thepsychdiaries]

Best of luck Maria!! :)

[@mariaangelikaquinosa2418]

@@thepsychdiaries awww so sweet of you. omyygosh im so happy right now ❤

[@PYLithium]

Sameee. I'm from PH, and I am currently taking up BS Psychology. Padayon, Maria! :))) Fc hehe

[@mariaangelikaquinosa2418]

@@PYLithium omyygosh hi! Same with you too ❤ Padayon! I know for sure that you'll be great in the field 😊

[@rachelberry4996]

Thank you so much for all of your videos! You helped me so much with answering questions as I figure out everything for my career path. I am studying to be a clinical psychologist and am really thankful for your kindness to share tips and your experience!

[@michaeladelosreyes8430]

Thank you so much for uploading this! Now I knew advantages and disadvantages of being a Psychologist! 💖💖

[@tftfndripp8970]

Im struggling a bit with choosing with what i rlly want to study for the future and psychology came in mind and ur vids made me more interested in psychology thank you!!!

[@iruneas]

Hey thank you for your video. i studied music therapy at UM and I’ve been practicing music therapy for 5 years.. (And I am thinking of studying psychology next year. so I came across your video :)).. It is still so relatable.. How draining the day could be when you have back to back appointments a day.. and report / documentation. The video’s very helpful and big respect for you to have finished the study!

[@ghostwind5581]

This seemed very useful for this moment, I have to make a though decision about what to study very soon and this has put me down to earth about psychology, great video :)

[@nvm642]

Thankyou so much for the video 💜 its very informative 👍

[@winterwolf1448]

thank uu so much !! it was very helpful :)

[@michaeladelosreyes8430]

I'm really interested in Psychology and thank you for posting this! It's helpful for me thank you!! 😊♥️♥️

[@ma.ellainepicante750]

Hello! I bumped to your channel just today and I'm loving it. Hope you could share to us, on how did you know that you really wanted to become a psychologist. Thanks Ro! :)

[@dezaraetuuta3527]

Amazing video! I’ve been looking for the pros and cons of a psychologist who is from Australia!!

[@edwinortiz7114]

In America it is 10 years to becoming a clinical psychologist. 4 years of undergraduate university. And then about 6 years in a ph.d. program. That includes one year of clinical internship. Where you are basically just working and finishing up your dissertation (if you need to).

[@edwinortiz7114]

There are programs called psy.d. programs that will shave a year or two off your course of study. But those usually have less funding then a ph.d. program. You can get fully funded if you get into a good ph.d. program.

[@nikkihuang7635]

Thank you for another great video Roanna! It was great to hear how much diversity of experience you were able to get in your Masters program. I hope I'll be able to do the same :) I'd love to hear more about your experience using different therapy models too and how clinical psychs generally go about acquiring those skills - e.g. are there separate training programs you do throughout your career?

[@thepsychdiaries]

Hi again Nikki! ^^ Ooh great question- typically unis always teach CBT and maybe some extras like schema or DBT briefly. However lots of training in other models is post graduate training! (its legally mandated we do training every year we continue to practice psychology so we never get rusty!)

[@nikkihuang7635]

@@thepsychdiaries That's great to hear, thank you Roanna! It's fantastic that continuous PD is mandatory and that you can keep learning new therapy styles.

[@DConnection1]

Love your videos! Keep it up Ro!

[@thepsychdiaries]

😅 oh dear

[@rez.fallah9342]

Hey, thank you for your details. Can you talk more about gp? What is it ?!

[@yogablossom100]

Thank you!

[@journeywithanna310]

Thank you ♥️ from Sri Lanka!

[@carmelagrace3502]

Thanks for this! I'm planning to transition from accounting to clinical psychology and you inspire me a lot!! ❤ By the way, I'd like to make a video suggestion. Can you tell the differences between a psychologist and a psychiatrist in terms of scope and nature of work, career opportunities, work-life balance, and possible subspecialties?

[@thepsychdiaries]

Best of luck!! Ooh great idea- I'll have to do some research on it though as psychiatry is technically a medical doctor :)

[@carmelagrace3502]

Thanks Roanna! 😊

[@aparnaanair]

Thank you for putting in so much efforts

[@munaabdi1109]

I’m in my fourth year of my undergrad and there isn’t that much information on becoming a psychologist in aus so I’ve really enjoyed your videos because they are so informative! I was wondering if the masters degree is covered by hecs/help? And if is it possible to balance part time work and a masters?

[@thepsychdiaries]

Yes its fully covered my HECS! And most people work around 1-1.5 days just for some money on the side during masters 🥰

[@jazlindelights3740]

Iam a new subscriber From kerala, India.I love your all videos and iam very interested.I want to do MA in psychology then MPhil in clinical psychology Expect more videos soon😍

[@marjanaaboobacker2268]

Are you a psychology study? BTW I'm from kerala

[@gazdharosama8800]

After few year i will be doing Ma psychology and its so inspiring to hear your experience......i also want to be that person for helping someone in there low time. By the way i am from India....and i love your vlog it is very helpful and inspiring......thanks😀❤️

[@thepsychdiaries]

So glad to hear it! Best of luck :))

[@gazdharosama8800]

@@thepsychdiaries Thanks❤️

[@ellinorandersson1937]

Thank you Roanna, your videos are so informative for a becoming psychologist! I am now in the first year of my degree, but something has started to bother me. I don't want to be insensitive, but I would be grateful for any advice I could get! I have started to realize that the work of a psychiatrist is very similar to a psychologists although psychiatrists' get paid a lot more. I wonder if you, as a practicing psychologist with a lot more knowledge than me, would recommend switching to studying medicine, as the route isn't that much longer, or if you consider the roles of a psychologist to make up for the lower salary? I don't mean that psychologists are less important in any way but as it takes so much effort to become one you want all the hard work to pay off as well! :)

[@thepsychdiaries]

Hey Ellinor, great question and yes the pay is lower for psychologists as far as I'm aware. Howeve the work is very different- while both help to treat mental ill health psychiatrists primarily do it through prescribing medicine (like SSRIs) and they usually see people for short infrequent appointments to review. Psychologists see clients more frequently and use therapy as their tool to help. Both work together however day to day they will be quite different. Really depends if you want to actually do therapy! Good luck :)

[@hannahannesley7779]

At the end you mentioned something about telehealth and the possibilities that could open up in the future but I was just wondering if there is currently a way to travel while being a psychologist (When covid safe to do so)? I've really wanted to travel my whole life and considering it takes 6 years to even get into the job I'm worried that all my time will be consumed with the career. Thanks for the quality content btw :)

[@thepsychdiaries]

Ooh I'd be interested too! Unfortunately as far as I'm aware we need to practice in the same country that we trained in (so no seeing clients overseas) however not sure about the legal requirements for an Aussie psych seeing Aussie clients via telehealth if you're overseas- I think its a very modern question!

[@adeetyakakkarr4939]

Heyy.. I just Love Your videos! 💙 I was wondering if you are having some idea regarding any kind of scholarships for international students (who want to pursue psychology) in the university of Sydney. Thanks 💚

[@thepsychdiaries]

ooh interesting I'm not sure- I would contact the school of psychology via email and ask them there! :)

[@_Kuromo._]

thanks ma'am it really helps as I'm aming of being a clinical psychologist... the only thing I'm confused about is whether to study it through science or arts, could you please suggest which one's a better option?

[@kattam312]

Have you read Carl Jung , whats your opinion of him or how do people see him in general in your field. Thanks. I found this very helpful in helping me decide my degree .

[@shortlinemagic3158]

Love the video

[@evelin6826]

Hi!! I love your channel it has helped me a lot. I’m in a senior in high school and I want to study Forensic Psychology but do you know where I can volunteer to get experience??

[@thepsychdiaries]

Ooh not sure about forensic but for clinical ABA therapy, telephone mental health helplines, aged carer, youth refuge worker are all great options :)

[@adakristabernardo7036]

Where did you finish your study? Can you make a video about how did you become a psychologist

[@thepsychdiaries]

I have one up! It's about how to become a psychologist ☺️

[@adakristabernardo7036]

@@thepsychdiaries ohhh, I will definitely find and watch it, thank you💗

[@snoovian7951]

thank you so much

[@erfanzahedi7472]

thanks for your useful content. i have a question that i cant find an answer for it. how much does a doctorate of clinical psychologist make in private practice in us? some source says its about 80000 dollar per year and some say its about 120000 per year. i am very thankful to help me

[@elizabethdejongh5130]

I know this video is 1yr ago...but which shool did you go to? Only if you want to say

[@jeonshjkV7]

Can I make more money in Australia (psychology)

[@juneandrew4565]

Thank you for making this video! I am a first year psychology student in the Netherlands and want to become a therapist. I want to ask how is the scope for non-Dutch speaking students to get a job after graduating. I will highly appreciate it is someone who’s also in Netherlands tell me about it. Because from what I heard it’s really difficult to get a job unless you’re a Dutch.

[@thepsychdiaries]

Hey June! I'm so sorry I live in Australia and only know about the job prospects here. Best of luck!

[@MissCupcakeslover]

Hey June, I studied psychology in the Netherlands and its already a very competitive field for Dutch speaking psychologists. If you don't speak Dutch, I've heard that it's practically impossible. So if you're planning on staying in the Netherlands, I would definitely already start taking language courses!

[@juneandrew4565]

@@MissCupcakeslover thank you for replying!!! I agree with you , I am planning on taking Dutch language lessons soon. If you don’t mind me asking could you please share what path you took after getting your psychology degree. Thanks in advance!😊

[@rezalife3182]

thanks for your information , but its better if make apart subjects in video.... I have a question, how much can earn a psychologist as median salary in Australia too ?

[@arr2656]

Love ur vids! Please do a " what happens in the therapy room " video also.

[@thepsychdiaries]

Yass will do!

[@ansh_468]

That's really awesome , i'm too into this ...but really confused if I can become a clinical psychologist with Ba in psychology degree??

[@ansh_468]

In UK or aussie ??

[@mohammadrizwan1304]

How many years does it take to become a psychologist ? from undergrad

[@palsha222]

Hey im a high school student and im really interested in pursuing my career in psychology but im still in conflict between weather or not to It would really help if u could provide some guidance

[@thepsychdiaries]

Let me know if you have any specific questions (just posted something on my community tab for my next vid!) Good luck :)

[@palsha222]

@@thepsychdiaries i wanna know how to get scholarship n choose colleges

[@ralphanslyerlytzr6731]

i would like to speak to a good psychologist

[@ralphanslyerlytzr6731]

i love it psychologist

[@priyakewalramani9977]

Heyy, I am from India and currently pursuing psychology. I am looking forward to doing my Masters in Clinical Psychology from Australia. Your videos have been so insightful and helpful and provide a good picture of what to expect in psychology. Would it be possible to get in touch with you and get some guidance? Any way to directly reach you? Maybe Instagram?

[@thepsychdiaries]

apologies I dont have any social media up yet but feel free to comment specific questions and I'll try to get back to them!

[@AMNIHAWA]

Hello! Can you tell me how to be an ecopsychologist-nature therapists? Thank you so much.

[@thepsychdiaries]

Heya! Apologies I've actually never heard of those! This is a website wiht all the psychologist types in Australia- psychology.org.au/for-the-public/about-psychology/types-of-psychologists

[@AMNIHAWA]

@@thepsychdiaries Alright, Thank you.

[@iyasales7760]

So i’ve noticed that I tend to overthink and have negative thoughts and when I don’t do anything about it my body starts shaking. And sometimes I cry for hours, and my mom will get mad at me that’s why I don’t know how to deal with it. I just wanna let it out here :)

[@thepsychdiaries]

Hey Iya- sorry to hear you're going through such a tough time :( I would really encourage you reach out to have someone help support you, overthinking and negative thoughts are such a common experience and you are definitely not alone. If you are in Australia- headspace or reaching out to your GP is a great first step. All the best!

[@miryssa7651]

What field of psychology do you work in

[@sammyjoneswba]

Is psychology a difficult degree?:)

[@whydoi4312]

I love your content. I am pursuing psychology as of now but I fear that as I psychologist I would not be able to make money. I feel like the job demand is low. Can you give your opinion?

[@thepsychdiaries]

I think the demand is quite high nowadays especially with the pandemic and isolation so many people are facing

[@rustyblonchjr8660]

imagine if we didn't have psychologist

[@atosaam4316]

💛💚💖

[@valankafernandes6709]

Hey is it that you earn very little becoming a psychologist???

[@Okiedokie900]

ARE YOU A austrailian citizen?

[@valankafernandes6709]

Hey ....how much do you earn monthly ???

[@thepsychdiaries]

I have a video on salaries :)

[@valankafernandes6709]

@@thepsychdiaries thank you 😊

[@kitchenify]

Do you cry with them?

[@Vanshita-x2e]

Same question

[@jonathanmergl9481]

Usually, no, because it can be considered "unprofessional." In cases where your client cries, you really just need to validate those emotions and show them that it is not something to be ashamed of.

[@Ms_Ellie_Gil]

I love it! ytI would gladly see you on my youtube channel!😉

[@cansinerdogan468]

started the video. 0:08 I stopped. Thank you

[@redindian2209]

keep up your Aussie accent. Im a BBASEAN British born South East Asian, and none of us talk like Brits we all talk like gangsters hahaha 😎

[@thepsychdiaries]

Hahah cheers mate ;)

[@hehehehe-hb9mv]

@@thepsychdiaries Can you become a therapist in this major?

[@chanjohn8404]

最好能夠加上中文字幕 ，打入中國人市場 ，就會有更多人睇 ，訂閱及觀看人數將會倍增

[@thepsychdiaries]

[ Google translated] 约翰的建议！我会为将来的工作而努力，但是现在我正在使用Google翻译，因为我不知道怎么用中文写！

[@nanettej9760]

Thank you!