Friends Reactions to Your Studies and/or Work

MysticalSoul

I am just wondering if those either studying or working in the psychology/psychotherapy field, ever find friends don't treat them the same. I was talking to a friend recently, about a dilemma surrounding family I am currently facing, and she seemed shocked that this was a dilemma for me, because according to her "as you have x years of studying psychotherapy, I am surprised this is even an issue for you". The issue pertains to standing my ground with family etc, and I felt she did not respect my standpoing - she seemed to be trying to tell me to do the opposite of what I was doing, which is not the correct thing for me to do at this point and time. I did feel hurt by her comments, as just because I am studying psychotherapy, does not mean I am perfect.

Torakx

well my mates laugh at me all the time when i start talking about psychology.
im not really taken that serious i get the same for nlp too lol.but i dont take offence they dont know any better.
i guess in your situation i would do what i felt i needed to do and not take any offence at people calling me wrong or incorrect.
we have to learn from our mistakes and any people that judge without really knowing i consider there insults entertainment and laugh alot.i honestly find it funny sometimes.
i guess after reading up on a few things i have made choices others thought strange,with that also when i know im right it doesnt matter if someone says im wrong they must give me reasonable doubt before i will decide otherwise.
i have cured myself of physical sicknessess by not listening to others and going ahead with what i have researched instead.
not that friends are always wrong.but thats what there there for sometimes to help you decide even if its through objection

ps. im sure there is a reason for your friend to come across like that.people all have there own issues wether you trigger them or not.possibbly she was just having one of those days/weeks or is jealous of you for something.or just doesnt understand the situation from your perspective.
i wouldnt take it personally.just be thankful you have the gift of understanding

SATSUMA

Hi OP,

I think that people feel threatened by friends who are psycotherapists/psychologists/ect. I think it comes from a nervousness that perhaps the psychotherapist can almost read their mind or know what's going on for that person and that always causes a defensive attitude. I think people generally find this a little disconcering which comes from a lack of understanding of this area more than anything. maybe this is why your friend is acting this way? I don't know, just thought i'd add a little thought!

Lillylilly

I agree with the OP, a lot of people I've met tend to think that because you've studied psychology, you have no insecurities and have the ability to solve all your own emotional issues. When I first started studying, I found that when I spoke with friends, they would think I was "sussing them out" or secretly analysing them. I also found it harder to give advice (as I always would have done) because they would think I was trying to counsel them.

I think it takes a while for friends and family to fully understand what psychology is, and how you, as a person are still the same- just a little more knowledgable.

steoin

I was absolutely shocked with the reaction that I got from some people when I started studying psychology (1yr fetac course ffs:rolleyes:) some people seemed to believe that since i am studying psychology that I must have some extraordinary brainpower and insight that I was (able to) analysing every word they were saying

I think the best response is that im way to self-absorbed to be analysing you:P

steoin

Lillylilly wrote: »

I agree with the OP, a lot of people I've met tend to think that because you've studied psychology, you have no insecurities and have the ability to solve all your own emotional issues. .

Oh the irony

Liquorice

My friends don't treat me any differently because they know that there's no clinical training at undergraduate level and that I have absolutely no interest in clinical outside of neuropsychology. Most of the time when I'm speaking to somebody new and what I study comes up, they ask me if I can read their minds and are severely disappointed at the quality of my course when I say that no, that's not what we study. It just takes so bloody long to explain to people that psychology isn't just about mental health.