PERSONAL VALUES OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

INTRODUCTION:

Value: The particular word ‘value’ means ‘something of worth’.

Personal Values: Personal Values are “broad desirable goals that motivate people’s
actions and serve as guiding principles in their lives" These are the beliefs that we hold
most dear. Everyone has values, but each person has a different value set. Personal
values are desirable to an individual and represent what is important to someone. The
values define who we are.
For example, donating charity, being honest with everything or even spending time with the
family can be someone’s personal values.

Personal Values of a clinical Psychologist:

Now, we know that, personal values are basically one’s own moral standards. Hence, every
psychologist have to build their own personal values with respect to being competent in who
we are.
Further explained are some of the general and important core values that a psychologist
should maintain:

1. Active listeners: Communication is one of the most important skills a psychologist

can possess. Active listening also involves paying attention to nonverbal cues such
as body language. This is particularly important for psychologists, as some
patients are not comfortable revealing personal information.

2. Empathetic Professionals: When a psychologist meets a new patient, one of the

first steps he or she will take is to establish a good rapport, or connection. A good
connection is important because it encourages patients to trust the professional and
to open up about their feelings. Empathetic psychologists tend to have an easier
time establishing a strong rapport.

3. Ethical Individuals: Many professions require strict ethical codes and standards
of conduct, and psychology is no exception. Effective psychologists take the
initiative to follow the standards set by the American Psychological Association
and their own state licensing boards.

4. Patient Counsellors: Therapy is not a fast process. It takes time to help clients
overcome major problems in their lives. Psychologists need to have plenty of
patience. They must be able to maintain their focus while patients talk through
their problems.
 Furthermore, Psychologists may have the following work values:

 Consider relationships important. They like to work in a friendly, non-competitive

environment. They like to do things for other people. They prefer jobs where they are
not pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.

 Consider good working conditions important. They like jobs offering steady
employment and good pay. They want employment that fits their individual work
style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks, working alone, or being busy all the
time.

 Consider independence important. They like to make decisions and try out ideas on
their own. They prefer jobs where they can plan their work with little supervision.

 Consider achievement important. They like to see the results of their work and to
use their strongest abilities. They like to get a feeling of accomplishment from their
work.

 Consider recognition important. They like to work in jobs which have opportunities
for them to advance, be recognized for their work, and direct and instruct others. They
usually prefer jobs in which they are looked up to by others.

IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL VALUES:

1. Boosts your self-confidence.

2. Helps you create long-term goals, not just short-term goals.
3. Help to guide us who we are.
4. Helps in every day decision making.
5. Makes you feel more satisfied with your choices and surroundings since you
know they’re in alignment with your deeper values