What skills does a psychologist need?

A psychologist needs 61 essential skills including counselling methods, psychological diagnostics, body language, health care occupation-specific ethics, client-centred counselling. Core competencies include .

Will AI replace psychologist jobs?

The AI disruption score for psychologist is 12/100 (very low risk). Some tasks may be automated but the role will evolve rather than disappear entirely.

Public Administration & LegalLegal, social and cultural professionalsISCO 2634

psychologist

Psychologists study the behaviour and mental processes in humans. They provide services to clients who deal with mental health issues and life issues such as bereavement, relationship difficulties, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. They also provide counselling for mental health issues such as eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, and psychosis in order to help the clients rehabilitate and reach a healthy behaviour.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (61)

counselling methodscounselling methodsCounselling techniques used in different settings and with various groups and individuals, especially concerning methods of supervision and mediation in the counselling process.psychological diagnosticspsychological diagnosticsThe psychological diagnostics strategies, methods and techniques concerning health-related experiences and behaviours as well as mental disorders.body languagebody languageNotice and interpret the non-verbal signals that people send out with their body, including yourself.health care occupation-specific ethicshealth care occupation-specific ethicsThe moral standards and procedures, ethical questions and obligations specific to occupations in a health care setting such as respect for human dignity, self-determination, informed consent and patie...client-centred counsellingclient-centred counsellingPractice that encourages clients to concentrate on how they feel at the present moment during the counseling session in order to search for the most appropriate solutions.consultationconsultationThe theories, methods and concepts related to consultation and communication with clients.psychological counselling methodspsychological counselling methodsThe various psychological counselling, training and coaching methods for persons of all ages, groups and organizations considering medical aspects.research designresearch designThe set of methods and techniques of research that are used to conduct a study. It includes practical steps in research such as purpose statement, data collection, methodology, and data analysis.scientific literaturescientific literatureThe medium of informing the scientific community, including academic researchers, about the results of scientific research. It constitutes a permanent and cumulative collection of all the findings of ...behavioural disordersbehavioural disordersThe often emotionally disruptive types of behaviour a child or adult can show, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).psychological interventionspsychological interventionsThe characteristics of the methods and procedures meant to instigate change in human behaviour.psychologypsychologyThe human behaviour and performance with individual differences in ability, personality, interests, learning, and motivation.draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationdraft scientific or academic papers and technical documentationDraft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.manage research datamanage research dataProduce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be fami...prescribe psychotherapeutic treatmentprescribe psychotherapeutic treatmentPrescribe, direct, and administer psychotherapeutic treatments or medications to treat disorders of a mental, emotional, or behavioural nature.use clinical assessment techniquesuse clinical assessment techniquesUse clinical reasoning techniques and clinical judgement when applying a range of appropriate assessment techniques, such as mental status assessment, diagnosis, dynamic formulation, and potential tre...interact professionally in research and professional environmentsinteract professionally in research and professional environmentsShow consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.disseminate results to the scientific communitydisseminate results to the scientific communityPublicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.operate open source softwareoperate open source softwareOperate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.speak different languagesspeak different languagesMaster foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.evaluate research activitiesevaluate research activitiesReview proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.test for emotional patternstest for emotional patternsDiscern patterns in the emotions of individuals by using various tests in order to understand the causes of these emotions.demonstrate disciplinary expertisedemonstrate disciplinary expertiseDemonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, re...respond to healthcare users' extreme emotionsrespond to healthcare users' extreme emotionsReact accordingly when a healthcare user becomes hyper-manic, panicky, extremely distressed, agressive, violent, or suicidal, following appropriate training if working in contexts where patients go th...increase the impact of science on policy and societyincrease the impact of science on policy and societyInfluence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable datamanage findable accessible interoperable and reusable dataProduce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessar...perform scientific researchperform scientific researchGain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.apply for research fundingapply for research fundingIdentify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.work with patterns of psychological behaviourwork with patterns of psychological behaviourWork with the patterns of a patient or client's psychological behaviour, which may be outside of their conscious awareness, such as non-verbal and pre-verbal patterns, clinical processes of defence me...conduct psychological assessementconduct psychological assessementAssess patient`s behaviour and needs via observation and tailored interviews, administering and interpreting psychometric and idiosyncratic assessments.conduct forensic evaluationsconduct forensic evaluationsParticipate in evaluations required to attest the presence and severity of a mental illness, according to the requirements of a criminal or civil court.test for behavioural patternstest for behavioural patternsDiscern patterns in the behaviour of individuals by using various tests in order to understand the causes of their behaviour.identify mental health issuesidentify mental health issuesRecognise and critically evaluate any possible mental health/illness issues.diagnose psychiatric symptomsdiagnose psychiatric symptomsRecognise and diagnose the common medical, neurologic and primary psychiatric symptoms such as delirium, dementia, violent episodes, self-injurious behavior, etc.apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesapply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activitiesApply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsi...promote open innovation in researchpromote open innovation in researchApply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.use psychoeducationuse psychoeducationWork with patients and their families through psychoeducation.prescribe medicationprescribe medicationPrescribe medications, when indicated, for therapeutic effectiveness, appropriate to the client`s needs and in accordance with evidence-based practice, national and practice protocols and within scope...interpret psychological testsinterpret psychological testsInterpret psychological tests in order to obtain information on patients' intelligence, achievements, interests, and personality.publish academic researchpublish academic researchConduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achiev...promote the transfer of knowledgepromote the transfer of knowledgeDeploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry o...think abstractlythink abstractlyDemonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.comply with legislation related to health carecomply with legislation related to health careComply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.listen activelylisten activelyGive attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of cus...mentor individualsmentor individualsMentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific n...manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...counsel clientscounsel clientsAssist and guide clients to overcome their personal, social, or psychological issues.monitor therapeutic progressmonitor therapeutic progressMonitor therapeutic progress and modify treatment according to each patient's condition.work in a multicultural environment in health carework in a multicultural environment in health careInteract, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.write scientific publicationswrite scientific publicationsPresent the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.interact with healthcare usersinteract with healthcare usersCommunicate with clients and their carer’s, with the patient’s permission, to keep them informed about the clients’ and patients’ progress and safeguarding confidentiality.develop professional network with researchers and scientistsdevelop professional network with researchers and scientistsDevelop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovation...integrate gender dimension in researchintegrate gender dimension in researchTake into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).perform project managementperform project managementManage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific g...ensure safety of healthcare usersensure safety of healthcare usersMake sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing condit...manage open publicationsmanage open publicationsBe familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and ins...build trustbuild trustExpress intentions and behaviour in a coherent and transparent manner, inviting reciprocity and establishing the grounds for a trusting and reliable connection between people and teams.refer healthcare usersrefer healthcare usersMake referrals to other professionals, based on the healthcare user's requirements and needs, especially when recognising that additional healthcare diagnostics or interventions are required.synthesise informationsynthesise informationCritically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.conduct research across disciplinesconduct research across disciplinesWork and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.communicate with a non-scientific audiencecommunicate with a non-scientific audienceCommunicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of...

Optional (27)

clinical reportsclinical reportsThe methods, assessment practices, credentials and opinions gathering procedures necessary for writing clinical reports.psychiatric diagnosticspsychiatric diagnosticsThe diagnostic systems and scales applied in psychiatry to determine the type of mental health disorder in adults, children and elderly.forensic psychiatryforensic psychiatryThe psychiatry methods applied, the organsation and duties in both criminal and civil frameworks of justice.sport psychologysport psychologyThe subfield of psychology that focuses on using psychology-related knowledge for the well-being of athletes. It deals also with social aspects of sports participation and systemic issues in sports or...psychiatric disorderspsychiatric disordersThe characteristics, causes and treatment of psychiatric disorders.neurologyneurologyNeurology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.clinical social workclinical social workThe branch of social work that deals with assessing, making diagnoses, treating and preventing bio-psychological problems and other behavioural disturbances.clinical psychological treatmentclinical psychological treatmentTreatment methods and intervention strategies used in clinical psychology, such as the treatment of persons with mental illnesses and disorders in different settings, with different clinical symptoms ...crisis interventioncrisis interventionCoping strategies in crisis cases which allow individuals to overcome their problems or fears and avoid psychological distress and breakdown.experimental psychologyexperimental psychologyThe branch of psychology that is involved in testing theories in relation to all the various aspects of human mind through empirical research methods.sexual disorderssexual disordersThe range of sexual disorders such as sexual aversion disorder, hypoactive sexual desire disorder, and vaginismus and the effects of medication on sexual function.personal reflection techniques based on feedbackpersonal reflection techniques based on feedbackSelf-evaluation and reflection processes based on 360-degree feedback from subordinates, colleagues, and supervisors that support personal and professional growth.first aidfirst aidThe emergency treatment given to a sick or injured person in the case of circulatory and/or respiratory failure, unconsciousness, wounds, bleeding, shock or poisoning.psychiatrypsychiatryPsychiatry is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.empathise with the healthcare userempathise with the healthcare userUnderstand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence...teach in academic or vocational contextsteach in academic or vocational contextsInstruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.provide health educationprovide health educationProvide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.diagnose mental disordersdiagnose mental disordersFormulate a diagnosis for people with a variety of issues and mental disorders, ranging from short-term personal and emotional problems to severe, chronic mental conditions, recognising and critically...apply caseload managementapply caseload managementManage a number of patients within a given amount of time, striving to provide optimum health services.work on the effects of abusework on the effects of abuseWork with individuals on the effects of abuse and trauma; such as sexual, physical, psychological, cultural and neglect.apply blended learningapply blended learningBe familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.support patients to understand their conditionssupport patients to understand their conditionsFacilitate the process of self-discovery for the healthcare user, helping them to learn about their condition and become more aware of and in control of moods, feelings, thoughts, behaviour, and their...promote mental healthpromote mental healthPromote factors that enhance emotional well-being such as self-acceptance, personal growth, purpose in life, control of one`s environment, spirituality, self-direction and positive relationships.carry out psychiatric assessment of childcarry out psychiatric assessment of childEvaluate the child or young person's problems with attention to physical, genetic, developmental, emotional, cognitive, educational, family, peer, and social components and use the information to dete...work with healthcare users' social networkwork with healthcare users' social networkGet involved with the friends, families and other relevant actors important for the client or patient being treated, under the conditions of confidentiality and transparency.apply systemic therapyapply systemic therapyConduct therapy, not addressing people on a strictly individual level but as people in relationships, dealing with the interactions of groups and their interactive patterns and dynamics.assess healthcare users' risk for harmassess healthcare users' risk for harmEvaluate if healthcare users might potentially be a threat themselves or others, intervening to minimise the risk and implement prevention methods.