Psychology as a field is very demanding and thus the professionals must have the necessary credentials and work experience to meet the industry demands. Notably, the first step to becoming credible and successful is learning from those who have already made it. For this reason, it was important to interview Dr. Kate Donohue of Fort Bragg as a way of gaining knowledge on the journey of becoming an acclaimed psychologist. She is the best role model for this research since she has a PhD. In psychology and forty-three years’ work experience in REAT or as an art therapist.
What level of education do you have in psychology, are you currently or planning on gaining a higher level of education?
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Dr. Kate Donohue proudly explains that she has a PhD. in psychology from Temple University . For her, she is comfortable with this achievement and does not plan to acquire any other level of higher of related education. The doctor states that her priority is giving back to the community in Fort Bragg and it environment while gaining work experience.
How long have you been working in the field of psychology?
This psychologist has worked in her field for 43 years. This work experience is immense and her success on different community projects and patients makes her very credible ( Gudjonsson, & Haward, 2016) . In fact, according to Dr. Kate her work experience proves far more beneficial that the courses and education she took in school.
When did you decide you wanted a career in the psychology field?
According to Dr. Kate Donohue she decided to become a psychologist after growing up around individuals that succumbed to various forms of emotional and psychological trauma. Since it was always her desire to help them cope she became interested in psychology and eventually pursued it as a career in school. As a result today she has helped countless patients deal with their conditions.
What specialty area interested you I the most throughout your education, which specialty did you choose to practice and why?
Notably, since she was good with art, she decided to major in art therapy for healing and control of psychological problems. In the interview, Dr. Kate Donohue stated that she felt most psychological challenges could be solved through expression through various forms of art such as painting and performance. In art everybody is allowed to be their best.
What is your highest level of education and what level of education is required for your job?
In her profession, Dr. Kate Donohue has attained her PhD which is the highest level of education required for her position as a REAT therapist. She adds that a PhD is not necessary for her role, as some of her peers have masters and degrees in psychology yet they fulfil similar tasks.
What school(s) did you get your education from and what would you recommend to someone applying to graduate school?
Dr. Kate Donohue received her education from Temple University. This is a credible institution that has paved way for many psychologists before her. Dr. Kate advices all young professionals in the field to use their education and skills to better the community, She suggests that this approach may involve voluntary work but it will pay off in terms of work experience. They will have a chance to explore cases that they would not meet in private practice.
Outside of traditional schooling is there any other type of training required or available for your job?
Dr. Kate emphasizes soft skills training. While psychology stresses theories and concepts, all professionals must take time to learn good communication skills and body language. As a psychologist, soft skills help to understand what patients are really communicating. Also, it helps psychologists create safe space for people to share by using proper communication tools and body language as well.
Are you required to do any type of continual education to keep your job, if so and how often?
Dr. Kate Donohue says continuing education is crucial as a psychologist in any field. This is mainly because it helps to create professional development opportunities. Currently, being in private practice and a PHD holder there are minimal educational courses. However, for undergraduates and masters holders there are field specialized courses such as addiction management, or family therapy courses ( Abraham, Conner, Jones, & O'Connor, 2016) . In her position, Dr. Kate recommends attending seminars and participating in different case studies to keep up with the changing medical approaches to psychology
What was your first job in the field and how did you hear about it to apply?
Dr. Kate’s first job was as an assistant psychologist for a local clinic. Here, she mostly dealt with cases of eating disorders such as obesity, bulimia and anorexia. The position was advertised in a local newspaper and Dr. Kate applied and got the position after a series of interviews with a selected panel of three. She credits the job as a center of experience and exposure for her.
Is licensing required for the job you do and if so what is the process?
As a practicing psychologist Dr. Kate Donohue insists that all psychologists require licensing as per state laws which differ. However, there are general similarities in process. For example, one must have at least a doctoral degree in psychology, and one must accrue supervision hours which range from 1600 to 6000hours ( Boyd et al., 2016) . Furthermore, one must pass the jurisprudence exam where applicable and receive approval from a state licensing board. With this requirements a psychologist is licensed to practice
What types of work hours do you and does your job require you to be available to be contact 24/7?
Since Dr. Kate Donohue is in private practice she is only available for consultation between 8am to 5pm. Most of her clients are regulars who appreciate the working hours. Notably, she is available to all her patients 24/7 through her working phone number.
Does the work you do have a psychological impact on you?
Dr. Kate Donohue explains that her work impacts her life in that she is constantly learning from people including her colleagues and her patients. From her profession she is able to see how people deal with their pain. Also, as she helps individuals cope with their trauma positively she is reminded of human strength and how everything is possible. On the other hand, she is also impacted by people’s struggles because she is passionate about helping and understanding their needs.
Do you want to continue the type of work you are currently doing?
After nearly half a century of practice, Dr. Kate Donohue is admirably passionate about her work. She mentions that she would like to continue with her work in private practice for as long as she can. Her main goal is to focus on patients with varying traumas unlike now where most of her patients suffer from eating disorders ( Bartol, & Bartol, 2017) . Also, she would like to spread her approach to psychological issues which involves expressive art therapy and Jungian psychology to individuals.
Does your job require you to do a lot of research?
Since there are many upcoming studies and reports in psychology, constant research is part of Dr. Kate Donohue’s job description. All patients have unique challenges that require a customized approach from their psychologist. Therefore, she must keep in touch with the daily happenings and find the best approach to expressive art psychology.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your career?
Dr. Kate Donohue admits that her line of work has many challenges. First, her main challenge is the lack of patience and complete trust in the process that most of her clients show. Dr.Kate blames this on the quick fix mentality of the current generation. She says that most of her patient’s needs a reminder that the healing process takes time. Also, another challenge is the lack of awareness on mental health issues. The society and most individuals subject themselves or their loved ones to even more mental and emotional frustration because they are not educated on factors that promote mental health.
What would you recommend to a student seeking a career in the field of psychology?
For Dr. Kate Donohue, the best advice to young people is that they need internal toughness in the field of psychology. All patients need a practitioner that will not give up on them despite the situation. A psychologist must take the healing journey with their patient and constantly reassure them. It is impossible to fulfil these duties without personal strength.
What is the hardest part of your job?
The psychologist highlights that the hardest part of her job is retaining emotional stability. Dr. Kate Donohue is constantly dealing with patient trauma cases. Listening to their stories and addressing their personal issues may take a toll on the doctor and thus she must always take care of her emotional and psychological needs before she can attend to any of her patients.
What is a typical day like?
Dr. Donohue admits that her work schedule is very flexible on a regular basis. Once she arrives at the office at 7:30 am, she checks and replies to her emails. Then, she has a morning meeting with her colleagues to strategize on the day ahead. Usually, she starts seeing patients individually or in group sessions from 10am. This continues throughout the day. Notably, she visits some patients at their home and has to move back and forth quite a bit. At the day, she confirms the patient logs, finalizes her notes and confirms appointments for future dates.
Do you belong to any organizations or do any work in psychology outside of this job?
While Dr. Donohue is not a member of any other organization outside her private practice, she is an avid contributor to her local community. Therefore, she fulfils certain responsibilities such as giving psychology lecture in local schools and offering free services to members of the community from different age brackets. This allows her to stay keen to her community’s demands and understand patient better.
Looking back is there anything you wish you would have known as you prepared yourself for your career?
With this question, Dr. Kate Donohue emphasizes the importance of one’s mental and emotional health as a psychologists. In her words, she wishes that she understood the personal weight that a psychologist carries is they neglect their own health and issues. She wishes that she knew how easy it is to forget one’s needs in the process of taking care of others in her profession. Dr. Donohue suggests that in the days she did not check her mental and emotional health she was not in a position to assist her patients with their challenges. Therefore, she does not hesitate on the fact that a psychologist’s health is a priority for them to fulfil their duties.
Lessons learnt from this interview
Listening to Dr. Kate Donohue was very eye opening and impacted my life as a student in various ways. First, she has embodies the importance of being passionate about one’s profession. Evidently, even after practicing for such a long time, there is no question that Dr. Donohue is dedicated to her practice and making a difference in the community. It is her passion that helps her overcome the daily challenges of her field and the personal challenges that would otherwise affect her performance.
Secondly, her journey teaches the importance of creating a good track record. As an accomplished psychologist, it is clear that Dr. Donohue’s patients trust her due to her extensive record which includes her educational background and work achievements. These components solidify her impact and contribution to the field of psychology. While she considers these accolades mere titles, they are important in setting her skills apart from the rest. Therefore, as a student, the journey to becoming a good and trusted psychologist begins in the school and community environment ( Landy, & Conte, 2016) . In every moment of practice one must strive to make a difference in the patient and the community.
Lastly, Dr. Donohue’s interview teaches the importance of taking responsibility for every patients. In her practice, it is clear that every patient takes priority in her eyes. She points out that every person or case has something new to offer. Thus, each situation should be accorded a great deal of care and focus. At the end of the day, experience gained from various cases and patients accumulate to skills to help future clients. Dr. Donohue is clearly intent on using creativity to give healing. She is aggressive in this respect and her work fully represents her in her community and far beyond.
References
Landy, F. J., & Conte, J. M. (2016). Work in the 21st century, Binder ready version: An introduction to Industrial and Organizational Psychology : John Wiley & Sons.
Bartol, C. R., & Bartol, A. M. (2017). Introduction to forensic psychology: Research and application . Sage Publications.
Boyd, J. E., Graunke, B., Frese, F. J., Jones, J. T., Adkins, J. W., & Bassman, R. (2016). State psychology licensure questions about mental illness and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry , 86 (6), 620.
Abraham, C., Conner, M., Jones, F., & O'Connor, D. (2016). Health psychology : Routledge.
Gudjonsson, G. H., & Haward, L. R. (2016). Forensic psychology: A guide to practice : Routledge.
