Thoughts for a Student on Understanding the Mind
Reader’s Question
I want to become a psychologist. I am currently majoring in being a clinical psychologist. I was just wondering if there was anything you could tell me that would be useful to understanding the mind?
Our Clinical Psychologist’s Reply
I’d recommend that you keep studying. When not studying psychology, think psychology…it’s all around us. Be an observer of other people and especially yourself. If you suddenly start singing a song, thinking about a past event — wonder why that has happened (it’s probably Emotional Memory — article on this website). If you need to use the restroom before giving a presentation in class — why is that (stress chemicals increase bladder tension)? If you see a person who is oddly dressed, imagine how many adjustments their brain and personality has made to make that outfit acceptable to them. Psychology is everywhere. Have fun.
