Get a PhD in Psychology

So I have decided that I am going to apply for 10 doctoral programs in psychology in the fall of 2009. My first step is going to be to narrow down the programs that interest me.

I’ve wanted to be a psychologist for as long as I can remember. I’ve been talking about getting my PhD in Psychology for the past 8 years but I’ve been too afraid to do it. I guess I’ve always been afraid of trying and failing. I guess I always kind of felt that I could not mourn the loss of a dream if I never made any attempts to realize it. But I’m getting older now and I’m realizing that it’s now or never. Eight years have passed and my dream has not faded, so why not make it a reality. I’ve also realized that I have my little brother and nephew looking up to me and watching my example. I need to show them that they must be courageous in life and follow their dreams wherever they may lead!

Did it help me get rich? Yes and no. Did it make me a superior person? Hell to the no. Did it make patients better? No, but some believed I was more effective because I had it. It is never a mistake, but beyond a mental exercize, it has nothing to do with actual practice, which I did for over 20 years. The forensic side was the real money maker. Helping someone made it worthwhile. Seeing children sexually abused was the low.

Working on this right now.

GOING FOR THE MD INSTEAD!

I decided to go the psychiatry with med school way instead.

I would LOVE to have a degree in forensic psychology just because it’s something I’m interested in…

Apparently this may become a reality. I graduated with my Masters in December. In October, I was inspired by an insight at my internship site to go ahead and apply for the doctoral program.

Friends encouraged me.

I took the GREs in mid-November and did well enough.

I had my application package submitted by the December 1st deadline.

A week ago Wednesday, Doc S called and invited me to an interview. We had a positive chat on the phone.

My cohort will be interviewed on Monday, 12 February.

Now I just need to go buy a pair of shoes.

It’s an ok field but I’m kind of bored with it. I recently got my first serious job that does not involve being a psychologist and I feel freer. Sometimes you get a professional degree and you can be trapped by it because it is easier to get jobs in that field than try something different where you may not be paid as well to start.

It’s a nice feeling to be intellectually curious about such an ever-changing subject. :)