IKON
Dr Ekta Soni is a well known Psychologist. She has an MA in Applied Psychology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology. Awards and Achievements. She has been working at Apollo hospital since year 1999. She has dealt with hundreds of clients from children to adults using Cognitive behaviour therapy, family therapy, marital therapy to help people resolve their problems effectively.
She has also contributed extensively in print and electronic media to increase awareness of the field and answer reader queries .Also published research papers.
Dr Soni says there is an alarming rise in the number of people suffering from mental illnesses in India. Unfortunately, most of these illnesses go under the radar. The department of psychiatry and Psychology of Apollo hospitals is committed to the mental well being of patients and their families.Since both psychiatry and psychology demand a multidisciplinary approach, our focus is to provide the best care and treatment and is based upon comprehensive assessments and treatments. We have a team of highly experienced specialists who provide excellent treatment for numerous psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, depression and other complicated conditions.
Dr. Soni is a life member of the Association of clinical psychologist, (IAPP).
What is the job all about?
A Clinical Psychologist assesses and treats mental and emotional disorders. This could be due to depression or anxiety or other reasons. The treatment ranges from cognitive behavioural therapy, family therapy, group therapy, or hypnotherapy etc. Children suffer from learning disabilities and emotional disturbances. Behavioural problems, drug abuse etc. There are some gifted children who need special care and attention.
At the work place workers suffer from motivational issues / marital problems that lead to alcoholism which in turn affect productivity at the work place and quality of life. Industrial Psychologist cater to such needs at the work place. Nowadays due long working hours and tough deadlines white collar staff also suffer from stress that lead to breakdowns.
Now a days bi-polar disorders occur quite frequently and need help from experts in the field.
Can I go for it?
If you like Psychology and are keen to help people with various psychological problems and disorders then Clinical Psychology is the right career for you.
Clinical Psychology is done at the Masters level and then you go on and do your PhD in it.
Clinical Psychologists may work for government or private hospitals, mental health facilities, or they may practice privately. Some of them also work in academic institutions for research purposes. These days, many corporate organisations hire clinical psychologists to counsel and help their employees at work suffering from any emotional or mental disorders.
This profession requires a deep degree of understanding people, and therefore calls for study into human behaviour, understanding, compassion and patience. Each individual is different and, therefore, each requires a skill to understand and interpret behavioural tendencies.
Is there a future in this field?
There is tremendous scope in this field due to the ever increasing stress levels in society not to mention the problems of drugs and alcohol abuse.
Human life has become very stressful these days, due to various reasons. Nuclear families, job insecurity / unemployment under employment, housing, travel (specially in big cities), admission to schools / colleges, high cost of living, ragging, caste, creed issues, poor performance in schools or at the work place, etc. These lead to poor grades, Alcoholism, drugs, suicide, etc. The more complex life gets, the greater the need for Psychologists.
Where do I start?
In Goa
St Xavier’s college Mapusa offers both under-graduate Program in Psychology and post Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology. The rest of the colleges in Goa i.e. Dhempe College Panaji, Carmel College Nuvem, Chowgule College Margao and MES College Vasco offer only undergraduate Programs in psychology.
Outside Goa:
Christ College Bangalore, Bangalore University.
Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai.
Nirmala College of Social Work.Mumbai
University of Mumbai
University of Calicut,
Manipal University,
Amity University, among others.
Employment avenues
Hospitals, Schools, Clinics, are the usual places employment is usually found. After some years of experience one can open one’ own clinic
Hospitals, Clinics, Schools, Industrial organizations, Government Community Welfare Centres, etc. or you could start your own private practice after 2 – 3 years of experience in the settings of your choice.
Monies
There is tremendous need for trained clinical psychologists due to stress people face in various walks of life.
Starting salaries of clinical psychology practioners could be as low as Rs. 8000 to Rs. 10000 per month, but as you grow in your career, you can command as high as Rs 50000 to Rs 60000 for your work. Private facilities may be in a position to offer even better salaries.
Please do not be satisfied with just acquiring a Degree/Diploma – try and enhance your CV by doing online learning programs (with a certificate) of programs relevant to your choice of career. Your chances of employment will be much better than just a plain degree/diploma.
Please check this website under other details for places you can learn online. Also try and develop your confidence by doing a public speaking training program with people like Toast Masters International.
For government jobs: please check : http://www.employment-newspaper.com/