What is Psychology? From a Psychologist’s Point of View.

Apr 28

By Ilse Carrizales, PhD

“Yes, I am a psychologist. No, I cannot read your mind.”

- Author unknown

What is Psychology?

Psychology is a part of everyday life; we just don’t typically stop to think about it. It encompasses how we think, feel, and act. It involves important aspects of our lives such as language, memory, perceptions, and even dreams. Psychology is basically what makes us who we are.

One of the many reasons that I fell in love with psychology, and decided to pursue a career as a psychologist, is the widespread and positive impact we have on a person and their world. When a person comes to us, they are typically in distress. We work alongside them to better their mental health. We provide them with the necessary tools and support after listening and walking along aside them.

Psychologists at Bradley REACH:

Psychologists are an integral part of our multidisciplinary Bradley REACH teams. We assist with conceptualizing cases from an evidence-based perspective. Our background in psychological assessment means we can interpret results, request specific measures and use these in planning treatment.

Psychologists are also trained in research. On the Bradley REACH team psychologists are at the heart of our research efforts to gather outcomes data to assess the program’s efficacy and its impact on access to care.

I decided to join the virtual Bradley REACH team because I have personally witnessed how the lack of access to mental health affects those who may need it the most. Many in rural areas are not able to travel weekly to a mental health appointment much less daily for an intensive treatment program. Growing up in a border town, I also witnessed cultural barriers from lack of understanding or exposure to psychology. in part due to not understanding psychology or not having been exposed to psychology. I’m so motivated by how virtual care can reach underserved populations who may not otherwise have access.

Bradley REACH’s Holistic Approach:

In our programs psychology helps adolescents to understand themselves better and navigate their world successfully. I love our holistic approach to working with the adolescents, their families, and their school because they are a child’s world.

I have always been drawn to working with adolescents because they often feel misunderstood and not heard. They are impulsive and may be difficult to work with because of their strong emotions, making for a dangerous combination. Currently, suicidality is the third leading cause of death in adolescents. Adolescents who struggle the most are those who are not able to receive, for whatever reason, the appropriate mental health care.

This Psychology Week, as a psychologist in the Bradley REACH program, I am proud of how we enrich, and sometimes save, lives.

Currently, Bradley REACH provides intensive mental health support for teens and virtual mental health services in Rhode Island, Florida, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

To find out more about partnering with Bradley REACH or to make a referral, please contact us here.

MEET THE AUTHOR