The complete practitioner: still a work in progress.
When one is reflecting on a career as a practitioner, a number of important influences, themes, and elements that contribute to being a successful practitioner are evident. The achievement of this success is not a solitary activity. Many role models and mentors serve as important influences and guides for developing as a professional over the course of one's career. Ultimately, the goal is to aspire to become a complete practitioner. This includes being a passionate professional, clinically competent, a psychotherapist and clinician, an active consumer of research findings, ethical, a role model, a mentor, psychologically healthy, an advocate, a leader, a volunteer, an educator, a scholar, a colleague, a business person and entrepreneur, and an innovator and visionary; focusing on diversity and multicultural competence; and having a comprehensive vision of health. Because the goal of being a complete practitioner is aspirational, one never fully masters each of these roles and attributes but remains a work in progress. Yet, the process of endeavoring to become a complete practitioner is rewarding, gratifying, and meaningful. It is a journey well worth taking.
Barnett
Jeffrey E
JE
Department of Psychology, Loyola University Maryland, USA. drjbarnett1@verizon.net
D002321:Career Choice; D054521:Cultural Competency; D003479:Curriculum; D006801:Humans; D008611:Mentors; D011364:Professional Practice; D011586:Psychology, Clinical / Q000193:education; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000193:education; D014481:United States