Question by EternalConfusion: What to say when others accuse psychology of not being a science or being a joke?
I’ve met some people who think that psychology is a blow-off field to study and doesn’t deserve to be called a science. I tell them that there is the branch of neuropsychology to study, which is scientific and biologically-oriented. What else can I say to help them understand that this a valid field…my mind is blank right now this late at night….
Nad,I’m already past the “psych major” part. I’m in a doctoral program where I’m already set on my way to becoming a clinical psychologist. I just got done with my first year. I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.

You might have had some bad experiences with therapists, which isn’t accurate to place judgment on all of us. I got into this field due to my own personal experiences, and I LOVE studying mental disorders, diagnosing, testing, assessing, and applying scientific theories to it.

Yes, it’s true that doctoral level clinical psychology programs are harder to get into…but I don’t think most people understand that.

Best answer:

Answer by nwulphie43
Tell them how many people are depressed in the world these days, and how many suicides and deaths are prevented with the help of this so called “joke” “blow-off field” of psychology. Tell them how many people with phobias, OCD’s, PTSD’s, and anxiety disorders were able to finally get along with their lives with the help of cognitive behavioral therapy.

My dad (professor of Uchicago) had the same sentiments until major depression struck a member in my family and only with the help of psychology was the problem lifted. Needless to say he has a much greater respect for this field now.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Counseling Theories Part 2 – Emmanuel College.