MANDATORY PERSONAL THERAPY FOR ASPIRING PSYCHOLOGISTS

Abstract

Any profession is determined by its selection process as that determines the kind of people that would work for the nation and contribute towards its growth. In psychology, the selection process mainly prioritizes academic excellence over emotional competency. India needs to incorporate mandatory therapy for aspiring psychologists to transform the current workforce. Researches conducted on this provide support for this as it contributes to the training in multiple ways. It fosters self-awareness, prevents countertransference, enhances empathy, and provides first-hand experience. However, it does raise a few ethical concerns as well. Some researchers have highlighted the financial barrier to obtaining therapy services. Incorporating it into academic curriculums would imply an increased cost of attending that program, which puts a few at a disadvantage. Confidentiality concerns are also raised here; however, these concerns do not overshadow its broader implications – destigmatization and professional integrity. Balancing these concerns and advantages would require careful planning and structuring of the program. Keeping this in mind, the chapter explores the various facets of mandatory personal therapy and its potential influence on the future of modern psychology.