Clinical Psychology Interview

Running Head: Clinical Interview with Dr. Ian Smith, Ph.D.

Clinical Interview with Dr. Ian Smith, PhD Understanding The Field of Clinical Psychologists

Rodnerus Palmer

Abstract

An interview with a professional clinical psychologist, Dr. Ian Smith, Ph.D, was done on August 8, 2007. In the interview topics were discussed such as: background of Dr. Smith, Ph.D, a typical day of a psychologist, career path, qualities necessary for someone in the field to be successful and training. Cognitive-therapy is the approach that was discussed. Rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT) is Dr. Smith, Ph.D concentration. The cognitive therapy history and approach was supported by a journal article of Albert Ellis (1913-2007), who is known to be the originator of cognitive-behavioral therapy and definition given by wikipedia.org. Personal insight was gained through conducting a professional interview with Dr. Ian Smith, Ph.D which helped a lot in understanding the role and life of a clinical psychologist.

Clinical Interview with Dr. Ian Smith, Ph.D Understanding The Field of Clinical Psychologists

Dr. Ian Smith, Ph.D is a clinical psychologist that primarily focuses on cognitive-behavior dealing with Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Dr. Smith, Ph.D has his own private practice. He started out working at Darnall Army Hospital. When Dr. Smith, Ph.D mentioned REBT, I became curious and had to research what exactly this therapy's about. REBT is defined as the following:

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is a comprehensive, active-directive, philosophically and empirically based psychotherapy which focuses on resolving cognitive, emotional, and behavioral problems in human beings. REBT was created and developed by the American psychotherapist and psychologist Albert Ellis. REBT is one of the first forms of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and was first expounded by Ellis in mid-1950s. Fundamental to REBT is that disturbance and emotional suffering and upsetness results from our evaluations, our beliefs and philosophies about the negative events that happen to us in addition to the events per se. In other words, that human beings on the basis of their belief system disturb themselves, and even disturb themselves about their disturbances. The REBT framework assumes that humans have both rational and irrational tendencies. Irrational beliefs prevent goal attainment, lead to inner conflict, more conflict with others and poor mental health. Rational beliefs lead to goal attainment, better mental functioning and more inner harmony. (wikipedia)

Taking an introduction to psychology class in college (Baylor University) in his first year was when Dr. Smith, Ph.D fell in love with psychology. "I was intrigued by the brain and how to understand the brain theoretically", said Dr. Smith, Ph.D. After finishing his undergraduate and postgraduate work he continued on to Texas A&M to obtain his Ph.D. The path that was taken was four years of college and four more years of graduate school as well as supervised experience and passing a state examination in order for Dr. Smith, Ph.D to become a psychologist.

With a PhD in clinical psychology, psychologists are not designated to a typical career field. But at the same time psychologists are able to do research, conduct psychological assessments or conduct psychotherapy. Nowadays most psychologists get introduced to the field after schooling either by internship and hire or national and local organizations (ex. state psychological associations and national psychological associations). The skills and qualities one must have to obtain a position with the aforementioned is pending upon which career path a person chooses. For example, if a psychologists wants to teach at a college, they would need to have some kind of experience in how to conduct research and have published a few of their own studies. On the other hand, if a psychologists wants his/her own practice, then they would need experience in conducting psychotherapy or psychological assessments.

Everyday is different according to Dr. Smith, Ph.D. "I work with all kinds of people, from those wanting to change occupations, law enforcement, families having togetherness problems, people involved in litigation, marriage issues between couples, and people that suffer from depression, anxiety and other mental issues. You would think that I deal with crazy folks, but frankly, most of my clients are normal folks with normal life issues. My day starts a 7:00am and continuously I rotate clients every 45 minutes. I take my lunch from 12 to 1 and end my day around 5:45pm." I didn't know a day could be so long. This opened my eyes a lot because I thought psychologists did not work long hours. After the last interview all therapy is documented for each patients progression. Psychology is an awarding field, but there with the good comes the bad. The biggest advantage to Dr. Smith, Ph.D is that he loves his field. It motivates and gratifies him personally. He enjoys the challenge and reward. "I am glad to be apart of a bigger purpose", said Dr. Smith, Ph.D. I said the work hours were a disadvantage, but I was wrong. The healthcare system the United States has is what psychologists feel is disappointing. The manage care is changing the practice of psychology. The fees (now reduced), more paperwork and more competition to get on managed care panels. In other words, more work less pay. A typical salary depends upon the work setting, for example, a hospital versus private practice, ranging from $50,000 to over $100,000 per year.

Academically the field of psychology is challenging. Its' demands are relatively high along with a lot of competition for limited training areas. What one must be is highly dedicated, committed and disciplined. Having good