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Hi Pixel,
[a href="http://www.shelfari.com/books/104730/Introduction-to-Psychology-Exploration-and-Application-(Psycholo"]This[/a] was my intro to psych textbook from several years ago. It gave a broad overview of psychology without getting too bogged down into specifics in any one school. After that, it depends on where your particular interests lie, if you're looking at experimental, multicultural, feminist, counseling, etc. psych.
Good luck finding something you like!
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Thanks mate,
I added the title to my wish list, and splendid collection of reading there. Cheers
Sam
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If you're interested in a fantastic book in the development of the mind from a neurological standpoint which should offer a great jumping off point for further reading, check out The Developing Mind by Siegel. It gets relatively technical, but provides an absolutely essential integration of a very fractured field, thus is a wonderful introduction. I'd been reading texts for school a long time before I picked this one up on my own, and it really got me going and feeling like I knew something about the science of the field.
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Thanks Mate,
It sounds like a good book, but will take your advice on holding off until i read the basics. my original question which i should rephrase is about Psychology school books.
I had a chance to go through your bookshelf which is very impressive by the way and while browsing amazon i found this title "Cognitive Therapy: Basics and Beyond", unfortunately it is described as a grad student's material. Thanks again for taking the time to recommend a book. Cheers.
Sam
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The main thing to remember is that psychology itself is an empirical science, just like all other natural sciences, and the study of it involves objective research. It is not counseling, it is not therapy, it's not even psychotherapy, although it is one way to practice a degree in clinical psyhology. When you say you're interested in a career change - are you interested in psychological research/practice or clinical counseling?
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Hi,
I meant becoming a psychiatrist with emphasize on practice, now of course the case with psychology as you explained it being empirical is something to keep in mind here.
I guess the other alternative is studying to become a psychologist with interest in counsellings. Until i read first year textbooks for both i wouldn't know if it is something of enough interest prompting a career change. Thanls again for your reply. Cheers
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scribo
- Monday, September 17 2007
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A psychiatrist is a medical doctor. You'd have to go to medical school (4 years), then do an internship and residency (about another 3 or 4 years) to become a psychiatrist.
You could become a counselor with a master's degree. Some schools offer the necessary degree through the psych dept., others through the education dept. Licensure as a counselor would also require a number of supervised hours; the exact requirements are governed by the individual states (in the U.S.)
To become what is commonly referred to as "a psychologist" you need either a Ph.D. in clinical psychology or a Psy.D., a newer degree that some graduate programs are now offering. After earning the degree you would also have to complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours (like an internship); the specific requirements for licensure as a clinical psychology vary by state (in the U.S.).
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namu
- Sunday, September 16 2007
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i dont have ny idea abt psycology books but have n intrest so plz suggest me sum book to start with toooooooooo
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Thanks Scribo, for your lengthy explanation. I know my question was asking for the solution backward. What i had in mind was reading couple of psychiatry introduction books. Sure it might seem alien to someone who hasn't done medical schooling but it is just curiosity. a friend of mine let me borrow their copy of "The brain that changes itself" and i am going to have a go at it.
Thanks again for your post mate. Cheers
Sam
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I think most people with an interest in "psychology" are really interested in psychopathology, or "abnormal" psych. Hannibal Lector and all that jazz. There's a bunch of different ways to approach the topic - reading about the brain and how it functions, causes and treatments of serious mental disorders, the latest interventions - I can make some good book recommends if you think about what exactly you're most interested in :)) It's all really fascinating
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Hi,
Thanks AthenasDaughter for the post. Unfortunately I have ruled out the possibility of pursuing the study of Psychiatry due to the financial investment involved in getting into medical school. As of now I have shifted focus towards studying Psychology (Science major), and following it up with specialization in "Cognition/Perception" grad research.
Sam
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Awesome! Sounds like you're interested in biological psychology...? As in a research-based career and not a clinical cognitive psychologist treating people? You get to work with mice :D
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Will start with test subject #1 = me lol, of course will study myself eating M&Ms :). Long way to go till grad studies but very optimistic here.
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quack
- Tuesday, October 23 2007
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hello,
you should read Psychology by David G. Myers. It's very informative, especially for beginners.
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Thanks for the recommendation mate
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Mason S
- Wednesday, November 21 2007
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I like it too; it's my textbook for Psych 101 at Princeton
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april
- Thursday, January 17 2008
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I recommend the book "Sybil" by Flora Rheta Schreiber.. It is really very interesting! It is about a woman who has 16 different personalities.. I hope you'll like it.. :D
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I'd recommend ...
1) Becoming a Helper, Corey/Corey and 2) Skilled Helper, Egan: I think these books are required reading for every 'Intro to counseling' course. Both books have a lot of information in them about the different counseling techniques and theories behind them. I think this will help you to distinguish where or not you want to be a clinical/counseling social worker or a psychotherapist.
3) Descartes' Error, Damasio - This is just an amazing book. Psychology is so much more that what is offered in most self help books. I love this book because it brings the totality of what we are involved with to reality.
4) TAKING SIDES: Clashing Views in Psychology (any edition): Take notice of the researched used to support your view on a given topic. Go to your local community college or university and read up on some of the studies referenced in there. As psychologist these are the types of issues you will be presented with in your practice. If the topics covered here aren't something you are interested I would suggest looking into a different type of counseling profession ... like Clinical Social work or Addictions Counseling.
5) Anything on Attachment Disorder (personal bias) and neuropsychological (as much as you can stomach).
Read the science- If you have a favorite 'Pop Psych' book or Self Help book that you like, read the science they used to support their views. I am not a fan of self help books and apologize for my bias. There are very few S.H. books that I recommend for reading. My bias comes from the lack of science used in their theories and their target audience. Most psychologist offer support to those with mental disorders that can not be addressed through these books. Another reason why it's important to distinguish if you want to be a counselor or psychotherapist. I see these two positions distinctively different.
Most colleges and universities have their syllabus online. Search through the Psch classes offered and see what the professors are asking students to read and read it. If you are in the investigation stage don't buy psych books new. Check your local thrift stores, preferably near a large university, or eBay.
That's my two cents worth. I hope it helps.
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