"The good psychologist assumes his profession with generosity and humility".

The psychologists of the Atenea Mallorca Psychology Center talk to us about their profession.

We know firsthand the opinions of Judith Rodríguez, Rocío Reyes and Mar Esquitino, psychologists at Atenea Mallorca Psychology Center, considered one of the best psychology clinics in Mallorca.considered one of the best psychology clinics in Mallorca, about the traits that a good psychologist must have and the challenges they face on a daily basis. More than 20 years of experience working with hundreds of patients endorse these words, which can be an encouragement for future professionals.

Motivation when it comes to engaging in psychotherapy.

Right from the start, Judith gathers in one word the great motive that led them to study psychology, and in which they all agree: "vocation". Each one justifies its choice in a different way, but in them we can observe the need to understand human behavior and be part of a productive collaboration on a personal level. that need to understand human behavior and to be part of a productive collaboration on a personal level..

"Choosing to study psychology for me is vocational. I feel fulfilled and happy when I am able to guide and help others," says Judith. Rocío adds: "Even in high school, the teachers agreed with me that my path of choice was psychology", in a clear reference to the fact that it is a vocational choice and that they already had the aptitude for it when they were students.

Mar adds another consideration that also influenced her case: "There are two types of psychologists, those who study this career for vocation and those who do it to try to solve their own problems. I am a mixture of both. I decided to enter the world of psychology to be that helping hand. that helps to overcome experiences that one cannot overcome alone. The possibility of helping people to find themselves is what has brought me here.

Her words exude happiness for her profession, and also respect for her day-to-day work. Judith and Rocío agree that "what we like most about this profession is the opportunity to interact continuously with other people and learn new things on a daily basis, to be able to see their progress and look for alternatives to their difficulties together. Embarking on a path together and being able to see the fruits is enriching both professionally and personally."

"The good psychologist has to assume his profession with generosity and humility".

When asked how to know who is a good psychologist, the three agree on some essential aspects: "A good psychologist is one who does not lack professionalism, who is not influenced by his own beliefs and ideals, who knows and knows where his limits are and guides people towards the path that will make them grow and feel fulfilled. the path that will make them grow and feel fulfilled.. A good psychologist must adapt to the needs of the patients" states Judith, who does not hesitate to express that "It is very important to know our limits and to know how to refer a person to the right professional who can help them on their way".

The general idea is that the psychologist is still a person with his or her capabilities and limitations, and therefore must carry out an exercise of self-diagnosis in order to become the professional required by his patients..

Mar, regarding this topic, says that "A psychologist is the same as a waiter or an advertising delivery man. All people have their past, with its positive and negative experiences, they have their good days and bad days and they have their expectations for the future. The important thing is that a psychologist knows himself and knows where to set the limits." "In the end a good psychologist is a figure who assumes his or her profession with generosity and humility, bearing in mind that he or she must foster his or her therapeutic skills on a daily basis with the people who come to work with him or her" as Rocío concludes.

Advice for psychology students

The Psychology degree is always in high demand, and every year thousands of students join the career, with many doubts. From their professional experience, Judith, Mar and Rocío encourage future (and current) students about this wonderful profession. "I would tell them to embrace this profession as a challenge that they should learn and enjoy, It's a wonderful opportunity to continue growing," says Rocío.

Judith, on the other hand, confronts future students who "are trained just for the sake of training or because it is a field where a lot of money is earned. That will not make them good professionals or useful to their patients. In the end, they will feel that their work is meaningless and will become monotonous and boring". For her, specialization in the world of sexology was "at the beginning, by chance" but, from then on "a great curiosity was awakened in me and I began to ask myself questions, discovering that I had a lot to learn". Through her words, Judith certifies that the learning process is constant and necessary, so it is essential to find what stimulates the student and allows them to offer the best of themselves.

Last notes on patients

The experience of dealing with people on a day-to-day basis makes them aware of the doubts or reticence expressed in their practice by patients, and they dedicate a few words and advice directly to them.

"Sometimes what is most difficult for a person is to ask for help, to recognize that he or she has a problem. To fight to change, to work to improve... these are not easy things to do, it is laborious and often difficult.It is laborious and often, at the beginning, not very rewarding. The important thing is to keep clear the goal to achieve, and work with a professional who makes you feel comfortable and facilitates this difficult task. I encourage you to seek help to achieve your desires, needs, goals, objectives, achievements ... you are not weaker for needing someone in this way, on the contrary, you are strong for deciding to put an end to your discomfort or concern. We psychology professionals have studied and trained to make this path faster and less difficult," says Judith, commenting on the barrier that some people have to see a professional.

The stigma of going to the psychologist is a recurring theme, but Mar demystifies it when she comments that "fortunately, the figure of the psychologist is becoming more and more normalized, because more people are seeing him or her as a positive resource. Asking questions, accepting help, asking for advice, learning tools? Everything is positive if it leads you or your loved ones to be better." She adds, "No one is born knowing. Sometimes we are afraid to take the step, either because we accept that we don't know how to control a specific situation, or because of what they will say if they find out that I..., or because of what they will say if they find out that my son... when all we are looking for is to ask for advice from someone who can help us." In this aspect they all agree unanimously.

Mar, who specializes in child psychology, describes a scenario that occurs frequently and which helps to exemplify the ability of a professional to help. a scenario that occurs frequently and that helps to exemplify a professional's capacity to help. "Some children do not have the tools to cope satisfactorily with the society in which we live; boys and girls who, within their innocence or uncertainty, have not known how to respond as expected to their day to day life (family, friends, school, responsibilities, rights and duties). How many adults, with their education in family values, with their academic training, with their job achievements academic background, with their work achievements, with their created family structure... are not happy or simply do not know how to manage an unexpected, unlearned or unwanted situation?"

He further adds, "Children are a mirror of society, but without yet being ready to put on the mask. and make it look like everything is going well. They are the expression of what many adults think and do not do. A child's tantrum when he doesn't get the toy he wants is the same as what an adult feels when he doesn't achieve something he had set out to do, but without knowing what he can't throw himself on the floor and cry. on the floor and cry. Or a teenager banging on the door because he is not allowed to go out with his friends, is the same as what an adult feels when he had planned to go to the beach with his partner and, suddenly, the latter tells him that they have to go to his mother's house for lunch. Life is full of situations that we must learn to deal with in the best possible way, in the healthiest way for ourselves and with more respect for others. It is our job to help others find that way.

And, speaking of the relationship between the patient and the professional, Judith concludes: "If you have been working with a professional for some time and you do not feel that progress has been made, you should not hesitate to tell him or her about it. This allows the professional to be able to work on another path or route that will allow you to achieve the goals set in the therapy. If you still do not feel comfortable, change professionals. The important thing is you and your needs.". These words are the structural basis of the mission of Atenea Mallorca Psychology Center, where Judith Rodriguez, Rocio Reyes and Mar Esquitino practice as psychologists, and we thank them for their time to participate in this interview.