How to Become a Positive Psychologist

Positive psychology focuses on the traits and qualities that help people flourish. It has become very well-known in recent years, both in academia and among the general public.

A positive psychologist advises their patients to focus on their strengths, in contrast to most disciplines of psychology that address the impacts of mental illness. Government, business, the arts, and education are just a few industries that positive psychologists impact.

Positive psychology can be a fascinating, challenging, and rewarding discipline for those interested in this career path. Becoming a positive psychologist isn't difficult if you follow the recommendations and guidelines outlined below.

Step 1: Complete a Positive Psychology Degree

Most students who want to major in positive psychology graduate with a bachelor's degree in general psychology. However, there are few professional options for those with just a bachelor's degree, and regardless of their area of interest, the majority of hopeful positive psychologists will continue on to graduate school.

Students may also get their master's degree after earning their undergraduate degree. Most master's degree programs demand that students complete written theses, dissertations, internships, practica, and/or supervised training. A positive psychologist must have a Psychology Ph.D. to be qualified for most positions in this industry and/or to open a solo practice. Most Ph.D. or PsyD programs take five to seven years to finish. At this level, degrees in general psychology, education, or counseling allow psychologists to concentrate on positive psychology.

• Associate's Degree—This takes two years to complete and can provide an entryway into general psychology, but you will likely need at least a bachelor’s degree to work in the positive psychology field.

• Bachelor's Degree in Positive Psychology – A bachelor’s degree takes four years and is typically the minimum level of education a positive psychologist will need to start a career. Still, many more options will be available at a higher level of education.

• Master's Degree in Positive Psychology – At the very least, a master’s degree will be needed to practice as a clinical positive psychologist. Still, it’s more likely that you will need a doctorate. It will require you to have a bachelor’s degree already and take an additional two years of classes.

• Graduate Certificate in Positive Psychology – While not a degree, a graduate certificate can help narrow down a field of study such as positive psychology. This typically takes less than a year.

• Doctorate Degree in Psychology – A doctorate will be needed to practice under the title of positive psychologist. You will need either a master’s or bachelor’s degree, three to six additional years of study, and several hours in an internship.

Read more about online positive psychology degrees.

Step 2: Become Licensed as a Positive Psychologist

Psychologists must receive a license in the state where they operate to work independently or provide patient services. Board certification is an optional step that psychologists can take to strengthen their credentials, improve their chances of employment, and increase their earning potential. The major entity that awards board certification in psychology is the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).

Internship / Practicum Experience

To achieve a doctorate in positive psychology, you will be required to work many hours as an intern. The number of hours needed will depend on state laws and program requirements.

Specific job duties that could help in training for a role as a positive psychologist include:

• Assisting patients in learning how to understand themselves better

• Easing the emotional suffering and disorientation of patients

• Assisting individuals in learning more effective coping mechanisms for behavioral issues

• Decreasing individuals' harmful beliefs

• Educating patients on how to use their talents and abilities to benefit the community as a whole

• Assisting patients in establishing wholesome connections at work and home

• Encouraging patients to be happy and make a positive impact on society

The competition for jobs in psychology is growing. As a result, many people are looking for postdoctoral jobs to assist and strengthen their credentials. Positive psychologists who pursue jobs in clinical or research settings often look for postdoctoral fellowships, although this is not compulsory. One—or two-year postdoctoral fellowships are the norm, and they often entail grant-funded research in a large public or private institution.

Examination

Although there was no formal certification for positive psychology as of 2021, a psychologist with training in the field could be qualified to take counseling or couple and family exams. Postdoctoral training and professional experience are often required for board certification in these areas.

State Requirements

While U.S. states don't have formal requirements for individuals who desire to work in positive psychology, anyone seeking employment as a counselor in a public school must possess a state-issued certificate.

HR professionals need a bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or a closely related discipline from an authorized institution. These degree programs, which include courses in business, HR management, and psychology, provide students with a strong foundation in the industry.

Although accreditation from the Society for Human Resource Management is available for HR professionals, most companies do not demand it. However, certification is a desirable alternative for such professionals wishing to progress in their careers, since it increases the likelihood of professional acceptance.

Step 3: Apply for a Positive Psychologist Job

Positive psychology is an emerging discipline. This focus has had more employment development and educational options than many other fields of psychology due to a rise in public awareness and academic acknowledgment. Competition may be challenging, however, since 6,403 Ph.D. degrees in psychology were granted in 2019. Your chances of landing a job in this area may be increased by specializing in a role that focuses on a particular application of positive psychology, such as that of a military adviser or a school counselor.

What Careers Can I Pursue With an Experimental Psychology Degree?

A positive psychologist could start a non-profit organization, launch a writing career, become a life or career counselor, establish a private practice, or become a motivational speaker. They could also perform consulting services for the military, teach business executives effective workplace practices, or find employment in legal firms. Since positive psychology is still a relatively young profession, the groundwork for development into many more specialized areas is now being established.

Where Can I Work With a Positive Psychology Degree?

Positive psychologists can be found in many different fields. Workplace, weekly hours, income, and benefits vary widely in this industry since it's spreading into many sectors. For instance, many positive psychologists often travel from one place to another; some need to work on the weekends and on holidays, and others usually find themselves working overtime.

The following are some of the most popular settings for positive psychologists:

• Schools, including colleges and universities

• Research companies

• Governmental organizations, like the Army

• Places where therapy is provided

• Medical centers and hospitals

• HR departments of commercial businesses

• Psychiatric institutions

• Consulting businesses

Step 4: Learn About Positive Psychologist Salaries

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that from 2019 until 2029, employment prospects for psychologists will grow at a rate comparable to the national average for all jobs. Median annual salaries for "all other" psychologists (including positive psychologists) were $102,900 in the United States as of 2021. BLS reported that "all other" psychologists earn median annual salaries as high as $113,040 in Alaska and as low as $106,200 in Iowa, states with some of the highest employment levels for this job category.

Undoubtedly, the pay for positive psychologists can differ significantly depending on the position and the area. For instance, someone working for a consulting company or in research could anticipate making more money than those employed by a non-profit. Salary disparities are also influenced by education and geographic location. People with advanced degrees should anticipate higher salaries and greater growth prospects than those with undergraduate degrees. A doctorate is required for those who want to work in private practice and for those who want to lecture at the university level.