What Does a Psychologist Do? Discover the Various Fields of Psychology

Have you ever wondered what a psychologist really does beyond “talking with people”? Or perhaps you’re considering a consultation, but aren’t sure if this professional can help with your specific problem? Psychology goes far beyond what many imagine, with a wide range of possibilities that impact practically all aspects of human life.

In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating universe of psychology, its objectives, and the various areas in which these professionals can work. Get ready to discover how this science can contribute to your well-being and personal development!

The Roots of Psychology: Much Older Than You Imagine

Although many think of psychology as a modern science, its philosophical roots date back to ancient times. Galen’s studies on personality temperaments, conducted between 129 and 201 AD, already demonstrated interest in the psychological aspects of human beings.

In Brazil, psychology became an official profession only in 1962, with the creation of Law No. 4,119/62. However, as a structured science, its birth is attributed to Wilhelm Wundt, a German psychologist who founded the first experimental psychology laboratory in 1879 at the University of Leipzig.

A striking characteristic of psychology is its extraordinary diversity. Unlike other sciences, it embraces multiple theoretical and methodological approaches, establishing connections with various fields of human knowledge—from biology to philosophy, from sociology to neuroscience.

What Does a Psychologist Really Do? Understanding the Objectives of This Professional

The psychologist’s work focuses on a central element: human subjectivity. But what does this mean in practice?

Subjectivity encompasses everything that makes up our internal world:

• Feelings and emotions
• Thoughts and beliefs
• Behaviors and actions
• Desires and motivations
• Meanings and interpretations we give to our experiences

The psychologist uses specific theoretical and technical knowledge to access, understand, and work with this subjective world. Their goal is to promote:

1. Self-knowledge: Helping the person to better understand their own mental and emotional processes
2. Autonomy: Developing capabilities to deal with life’s challenges
3. Psychological well-being: Reducing emotional suffering and promoting mental health
4. Transformation: Facilitating positive changes in the person’s relationship with themselves and with the world

This work can be carried out both individually and with groups, families, or entire organizations.

Why Talking to a Psychologist is Different from Talking with Friends?

“I prefer talking with my friends at the bar than spending money on therapy”—have you heard or thought something similar?

Although talking with friends can be extremely valuable and comforting, there are fundamental differences between this interaction and the professional work of a psychologist:

The Psychologist Offers:

• Scientific training: Uses knowledge based on research and systematic studies
• Neutrality: Is not emotionally involved in your situation
• Specific tools: Has techniques and instruments for evaluation and intervention
• Structured approach: Works with scientifically proven methodologies
• Confidentiality: Guarantees professional secrecy
• Specialized perspective: Can identify patterns and issues that would otherwise go unnoticed

Psychologists have various resources for their work, including:

• Psychological tests (to assess personality, attention, memory, intelligence, etc.)
• Clinical interview techniques
• Methods of observation and recording behaviors
• Specific therapeutic interventions for different issues

Psychologist and Psychiatrist: Understanding the Difference

A common confusion is thinking that psychologists and psychiatrists do the same work. Although both work with mental health, there are important differences:

Often, psychologists and psychiatrists work together, offering a complementary approach to promote patients’ mental health.

Areas of Psychology: A Universe of Possibilities

Psychology is one of the most versatile professions that exist. Check out some of the main areas:

Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy

• Where they work: Offices, clinics, hospitals, and outpatient facilities
• What they do: Work with people seeking self-knowledge or facing emotional and psychological challenges
• Benefits: Reduction of emotional suffering, improvement in anxiety and depression, development of emotional skills
• Approaches: There are several, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Psychoanalysis, Gestalt, among others

School and Educational Psychology

• Where they work: Schools, daycares, educational institutions, shelters
• What they do: Work with psychological aspects of education, child and adolescent development
• Benefits: Improved learning, identification of specific difficulties, promotion of well-being in the school environment
• Activities: Guide teachers and parents, develop intervention programs, monitor student development

Organizational and Work Psychology

• Where they work: Companies, public and private organizations, HR departments
• What they do: Focus on the relationship between people and work, organizational climate, mental health at work
• Benefits: Improvement of the work environment, reduction of conflicts, increased productivity
• Activities: Recruitment and selection, training, performance evaluation, quality of life programs

Environmental Psychology

• Where they work: Urban projects, traffic agencies, architecture firms
• What they do: Study the relationship between people and the spaces where they live and transit
• Benefits: Creation of healthier environments, reduction of accidents, improvement of quality of life
• Examples: Traffic psychology, urban space planning, environmental impact studies

Conflict Mediation Psychology

• Where they work: Courts, family courts, companies, communities
• What they do: Help resolve disputes and interpersonal conflicts
• Benefits: Peaceful conflict resolution, reduction of litigation
• Situations: Family disputes, child custody, organizational conflicts

Communication Psychology

• Where they work: Media, advertising agencies, press offices
• What they do: Work with psychological aspects of communication and media
• Benefits: More effective communication, prevention of problems such as digital dependency
• Activities: Campaign advisory, program impact studies, guidance on technology use

Social and Community Psychology

• Where they work: NGOs, social projects
• What they do: Focus on strengthening social and community bonds
• Benefits: Promotion of collective well-being, reduction of social vulnerabilities
• Examples: Interventions in communities, work with vulnerable populations, action in disasters

Sports Psychology

• Where they work: Sports clubs, Olympic teams, gyms
• What they do: Work with athletes and sports teams
• Benefits: Performance improvement, management of competitive anxiety, development of focus
• Techniques: Mental training, stress control, goal setting

The Interdisciplinary Training of the Psychologist

To understand human complexity, the psychologist needs interdisciplinary training, studying and dialoguing with various fields of knowledge:

• Sociology: To understand the impact of social factors
• Philosophy: To reflect on existential and ethical issues
• Biology and Neurosciences: To understand the biological aspects of behavior
• Anthropology: To analyze cultural aspects
• Pedagogy: To work with learning processes
• Pharmacology: To understand the effects of medications (especially in joint work with psychiatrists)

This broad training allows the psychologist to have a holistic view of the human being, considering both internal and external aspects that influence our behavior and mental health.

When to Seek a Psychologist?

Many people wonder when is the right time to seek psychological help. The truth is that you don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from psychology. Some situations where a psychologist’s help can be valuable:

• Moments of transition (career change, marriage, divorce)
• Recurrent emotional difficulties (sadness, anxiety, anger)
• Problems in personal or professional relationships
• Issues of self-esteem and self-knowledge
• Difficulties dealing with losses or traumas
• Symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental disorders
• Desire for personal growth and development of potential

Remember: seeking psychological help is not a sign of weakness, but of courage and self-care.

Conclusion: Psychology as an Ally of Well-being

Psychology is a science that studies and works with what is most intimate in us: our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Through various approaches and in different contexts, the psychologist works to promote mental health, self-knowledge, and well-being.

Whatever challenge you are facing, there is probably an area of psychology that can contribute to overcoming it. Similarly, if you seek personal development and a fuller life, psychology can be a powerful ally on this journey.

Are you considering seeking psychological help or learning more about a specific area of psychology? Contact us and discover how psychology can contribute to your well-being and quality of life!

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References:

• BOCK, Ana Mercês Bahia; FURTADO, Odair; TEIXEIRA, Maria de Lourdes Trassi. Psicologias: uma introdução ao estudo de psicologia. 15. ed. São Paulo: Saraiva, 2019
• O LIVRO da psicologia. 2. ed. São Paulo: Globo, 2016
• Conselho Federal de Psicologia. Atribuições Profissionais do Psicólogo no Brasil. Brasília: CFP, 2022
• AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION. Careers in Psychology. Washington: APA, 2023