PsyD Clinical Psychology Personal Statement

PsyD Clinical Psychology Personal Statement

The PsyD Program in Clinical Psychology at the ____ Institute of Technology is my first choice among PsyD programs for a variety of reasons, ranging from the sheer excellence of your program to its location. I will most definitely attend your program if accepted. Central to my career goals as a psychologist is helping parents to raise emotionally healthy children. Nothing brings me as much joy as helping people to self-actualize, thus realizing their principal goals in life, helping them to better understand the mind-body connection so as to attain a state of wellness for the whole person. I want to help people sustain healthy relationships in their lives - work, family, romantic, etc. - and to live purposeful lives free of detrimental and unhealthy behaviors.

I initially decided to pursue an undergraduate degree in Psychology largely out of a desire to better understand my own thoughts and behavior. I was thrilled to acquire scientific language that enabled me to articulate my beliefs, express myself, and communicate effectively about what was happening in my mind and body. I decided to earn my Master’s Degree in I/O Psychology because of my passion for the business world and workplace issues. I chose to concentrate on Organizational Development and Consultation so as to prepare for a consulting career focused on workplace wellness.

I studied hard and finished with a cumulative GPA of 3.57, while also serving as a part-time Graduate Assistant and waitressing sixteen hours a week. While I thoroughly enjoyed my Master’s studies, I found myself becoming increasingly interested in psychology and wellness across the spectrum, and not specifically as it relates to the workplace. I was left hungry to learn more, and to become a psychology professional at the doctoral level, going on to earn my PsyD and become a practicing psychologist. I crave the great joy of helping people to heal and to achieve all that they can in life as well as the workplace.

I have learned a great deal about the importance of leadership and teamwork as a business owner,. Driven and self-motivated, I am highly process/goal-oriented. Humble and always of good cheer, I have met many challenges successfully as a professional, particularly as concerns financial management, negotiation, and forecasting, cultivating my energy, strength, and balance through yoga and meditation. A Greek-American with dual nationality, I also read, write, and speak Greek. I have traveled extensively, mostly to Greece; and going on mediation retreats in that country of our origin has resulted in especially lovely memories that I will always treasure. I thoroughly enjoy being one with my life and now feel strongly that I am in the optimal position to embark on the next chapter, giving my all to studies in Psychology at the doctoral level.

I have extensive experience serving as a psychiatric technician in a behavioral health unit at a hospital, working with individuals with severe mental illness and disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar mood disorder, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, addiction, stress, as well as some patients designated as criminally insane. This experience greatly enhanced my understanding of psychological disorders and the use of medications to treat them. I also have greater compassion, empathy and understanding of the relationship between mental health and society as a result of this experience. 

Now 37, I have done a lot of work on myself, exploring the depths of my character and my capabilities.  Through this process of self-discovery, I have gained the ability to take myself out of the equation and be fully present for the person or situation at hand.  I am most confident about taking my education to the next level, learning and developing the skills that I will need to make my maximum contribution to my field. I look forward very much to professional collaboration with other professionals from a variety of disciplines in the development of interventions that will help people break free from destructive cycles, empowering them to the attainment of healthy relationships, leading fulfilling lives, being better parents, and contributing to society.

I could not be more excited about the prospect of earning my PsyD Degree at _IT as I see your program as a good fit with my high level of motivation and extensive preparation. In time, I hope to establish my own practice as a psychologist working with individuals and families. I ultimately want to have a wellness center and organize retreats for individuals and families to get to know themselves and their children better, creating more healthy relationships characterized by more open lines of communication.

I look forward to giving my all to raising awareness of the importance of mindfulness and critical thinking, reflection that serves to open our eyes so that we no longer blindly follow traditions and belief systems that prevent us from fulfilling our potential and finding the fullest level of happiness possible. I want to advocate for children who do not have a voice and reach as many people as I can with positive messages about parenting as well as individual growth. 

Thank you for considering my application to the PsyD Program at the ____ Institute of Technology. 

PsyD Clinical Psychology Personal Statement