Would you recommend a career in psychology?

I have been a clinical psychologist for over 30 years and continue to have a wonderful career as a therapist. However, as a teacher of psychotherapy, I would say it is really not for everyone, even those who have a feeling to help others. If you are interested, you might look at my book about my therapeutic experience: Seeking Wholeness.

I believe that being a therapist is a spiritual path and that unless you are guided to the occupation from deep inside, it will most probably eat you up. You have to want to be the best therapist possible and you also have to have enough inner strength to listen to horror stories hour after hour--then be able to let them go and sleep at night. There are so many mediocre therapists around, you definitely to not want to add to those lists.

On the other hand, if you truly have a vocation, deeply feel that you have the guts and stamina to be there for clients session after session, go for it. You are needed.

I've been in "caring professions" all my working life, the last twenty years as a hypnotherapist. You've identified one the most important issues for anyone in any caring job, which is how do you strike the balance between empathy and self-protection, ie not get traumatised by other peoples pain, but also not get callous, just going through the motions like a robot. Both responses are common.

I agree with Roland that therapy has a spiritual dimension, if you do it well. Actually, so could any job, but in therapy it;s essential. There are useful techniques to turn up your sensitivity and turn it down again. There's a certain necessary attitude to have, ie that it's not your job alone to save the world, and that you can;t save everyone cos not everyone really wants it. Above all you need strong supportive friends and outside interests.