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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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