Information for general public and employers about
psychological specialties in Singapore
Essential facts about psychology and psychologists
Psychology is one of the fastest growing university subjects around
the world, and it is becoming more and more available as a service in the
community. There is an increasing number of psychologists in Singapore. The
general public and organisations want to be more fully informed about who
psychologists are and also their professional skills. Psychologists specialise
in a number of different areas within the field and identify themselves by many
different names. This flyer provides an overview of the roles of many of these
different psychologists and summaries that allow for an understanding of the
distinctions of the wide variety of psychologists.
What is Psychology?
'Psychology is the study of people: how they think, how they act, react and
interact. Psychology is concerned with all aspects of behaviour and the
thoughts, feelings and motivation underlying such behaviour' (British
Psychological Society). The field of psychology encompasses both research,
through which we learn fundamental principles about human and animal behaviour,
and practice, where psychologists work directly with adults and children.
Research helps to guide practising psychologists about the most suitable ways of
assisting people with their problems. In psychology there are a number of
distinct specialisations. Within each specialty there are psychologists who work
primarily as researchers, others who work primarily as practitioners and also
some who do both.
Statement on qualifications in Psychology
'Psychology is both an academic discipline and a profession. Both as a
discipline and in its professional practice it is based in scientific research.
Individual psychologists are specialists either in a branch of academic study or
in a professional application of the subject or both. Such a specialisation is
acquired by appropriate postgraduate qualifications in psychology, following a
first degree in which psychology is the sole or major subject. Professionally
qualified psychologists are those who have obtained a postgraduate qualification
in a specialised field in psychology from a recognised academic institution.
Such training courses include a supervised practical training in a variety of
settings. Academic qualifications are not a sufficient basis for recognition as
a professional psychologist' (Singapore Psychological Society).
Brief explanation of different
types of psychologists who are internationally recognised (note that there may
be some slight differences in titles depending on countries in which
psychologists have received their degrees and professional training)
Clinical psychologists
To become a clinical
psychologist, one usually has to have a first degree and to then take a
postgraduate degree which includes professional training. Clinical psychologists
usually have a minimum of 6 years of university training, which includes a
formal professional training component. Two years of supervised practice are
usually expected before the training is fully recognised. Clinical psychologists
usually work in a hospital or community setting with people with psychological
health problems or with severe difficulties in behaviour and in coping with
life. They are active in the mental health field, practising a wide variety of
techniques. For example they might train people to manage severe stress or to
deal with an intense fear or compulsion. Clinical psychologists assess and treat
mental, emotional and behavioural disorders. In Singapore, Clinical
psychologists can be found in government organisations, general hospitals and
private practice offices.
Counselling psychologists
Counselling
psychologists aim to help people to improve in their sense of well being,
alleviate their distress, resolve their crises and increase their ability to
solve problems and make decisions for themselves. Counselling psychologists
usually have an accredited first degree with further qualifications in
counselling, usually a Masters degree, together with a period of supervised
practice. There is an increasing number of counselling psychologists in
Singapore.
Educational
psychologists
(called school psychologists in USA and sometimes
developmental psychologists in other places)
There are different
routes to this qualification but to become a registered Chartered Educational
Psychologist in the U.K. one needs a minimum of 6 years at a university. An
accredited first degree in psychology is required, followed by a teaching
certificate and a Masters degree in educational psychology from a recognised
professional training course. Subsequently, a minimum of 2 years of supervision
is also required. Educational psychologists tackle problems encountered by young
people in education, which may involve learning difficulties and social or
emotional problems. Their work normally takes place in schools, colleges,
nurseries and special schools or units. Their work involves working closely with
schools and families. In Singapore there are a growing number of educational and
school psychologists. The Ministry of Education employs a number of Chartered
Educational Psychologists, and some educational psychologists work in various
voluntary welfare organization! s (e.g., 'Teach Me' and Students Care Service).
Some also work in private expatriate schools and in private practice. It should
be noted that USA qualified educational psychologists are usually primarily
academic psychologists and may not have the professional training that is
required to work in clinical practice. When you are hoping to engage an
educational psychologist to assist in assessing students, you need to ensure
that they have undergone a professional training experience and that they have
received supervision from qualified practitioners.
Neuropsychologists
Neuropsychologists usually work within hospital settings together
with medical experts, exploring the relationships between brain systems and
behaviour. Neuropsychologists also assess and treat people with brain injuries
or dysfunctions.
Occupational psychologists
(sometimes known as
industrial-organizational psychologists)
Occupational
psychologists are concerned with the world of work and training. They are often
involved with such issues as selection and training of staff, psychometric
tests, corporate communication, the working environment and management. Major
changes brought about by technology, privatisation and recession have led to an
increasing demand for their services. They usually work in large business
companies. There are quite a few of such psychologists in Singapore. At present
many occupational psychologists simply require an accredited first degree and
supervised practice for 2 years to be internationally recognised, but there are
more and more Masters degree holders working in this specialised area.
Social
psychologists
Social psychologists study how a person's mental
life and behaviour is shaped by interactions with other people in a social
environment. Social Psychologists are found in a variety of settings from
academic institutions to advertising and government agencies.
Psychologists with first
degrees only
Currently, there are some psychologists working in
various social service centers, hospitals and private practice who have only a
first degree. Employers would be advised to ensure that these psychologists are
supervised by a Registered Psychologist. Employers and potential clients are
also advised to look more specifically at the individual psychologist's degree,
related qualifications and experience. Many of the Australian first degree
courses include a fourth year, which includes some professional practice and
supervision, whereas other countries may have universities that offer purely
academic first degrees.
For professional standards set by Singapore Register of
Psychologists (SRP), please refer to http://singaporepsychologicalsociety.org/register.cfm
Written by Ms Laura Cockburn, Publications
Chair, Singapore Psychological Society (1999)
and revised by Dr Lim Kok
Kwang, President, Singapore Psychological Society (2005)
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