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Clinical Psychology: Personal Statement

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It is my strong desire to attend Fielding Graduate University APA (American Psychological Association) accredited doctoral program in clinical psychology. I have always been intrigued by the human mind for as long as I can remember, specifically the psychopathology of it. I truly enjoy conducting psychological research, learning about psychopathology and how to treat it. While conducting research and learning, it is important to remember that the purpose of psychology isn’t to predict a person’s thoughts, actions, and behaviors, but to understand them. There are dozens of events that occurred in my twenty-five years of life that led me to this meaningful choice of pursuing a doctorate. The two most significant events were when I was in the …show more content…

As the small group grew larger, I achieved great satisfaction in the effects that it had on the participating soldiers. This confirmed my thoughts that I had found my true calling. The second event that affected my decision was when I returned from my second combat deployment in Bagram, Afghanistan. Upon returning there were hundreds of soldiers who requested to seek mental health treatment for a variety of reasons, including loss of a loved one, night terrors, and suicidal thoughts. Although every soldier that requested mental health treatment was able to meet with a mental health professional, such as a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC), a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), and a licensed professional counselor (LPC), there were still dozens of soldiers that weren’t diagnosed for months because of the lack of clinical psychologists who was required for specific testing. Understanding that there was a need for something that I was passionate about ultimately made me decide to pursue a doctorate because I plan to conduct research during the program and after licensure. A Ph.D. is a research degree that requires conceptual and theoretical knowledge; it is not enough to regurgitate …show more content…

To complete any of my goals, I first need to gain acceptance into the program. My next goals are to finish the program and be a teacher's aide for at least four semesters. Upon being accepted to the program, Fielding allows students to complete the program in the minimum amount of time of five years. Fielding also allows doctoral students to become teacher’s aids if they meet the requirements and are selected by the approving staff members. Contributing back to the school is important to me because it creates growth. After completing the program, I will have the necessary education needed to complete the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPP) exam and become licensed as a clinical psychologist, which will allow me to pursue my professional goals of working at the VA Behavioral Health Center in Temple, Texas. Fielding’s program will also allow me to continue conducting research on the neuropsychological effects of cannabis and the effects of childhood exposure to neighborhood violence in Dr. Kristine Jacquin's forensic neuropsychology research lab. After a thorough review of more than forty Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology, I have chosen to apply to Fielding Graduate University because my goals fit with the program. Due to the knowledge and training specific to clinical psychology that Fielding will provide and the six values that include academic

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