What I love about psychology is that it is what you make it. I come from a very unique background in that I have two different mental illness. I love that I can take psychology and all its theories and apply it through the distorted view I have of the world. Psychology bends. It is flexible, and because that is so, some would say it is not a science. But is not science about asking questions and then looking for answers in the most controlled of ways? For me, as I work with others who are struggling with mental health issues, I must be able to take a theory like cognitive therapy (taking thought processes from the irrational to rational), and bend it to fit the bipolar mind and its special proclivities that are not experienced by the clinically depressed mind-what cognitive therapy is most used for.

I love that psychology is constantly challenging finite human minds with its spectrum of field material. It is necessary to society in order to maintain overall health. We all struggle and exhibit behavior at different levels. My mentor often says, "We all fit on the spectrum somewhere," and that is true. From the most passive of persons to the most demonstrative, when we experience death, we hurt. What is so great about psychology for every generation is that there is still the basic need to explore "why" one person's experience looks one way, and another person's experience looks completely different.

Human behavior fascinates me. I look for patterns and rhythms in behavior, trying to decipher correlations or simply find what I feel are reasonable explanations for behavior. I was fortunate enough to attend a college (Alaska Pacific University) that embraces active learning. This style is where a concept is introduced and then the students are asked to build on it through intellect and practical application. The testing processes are rigorous because they are essay as well as project presentation, demonstrating the student's comprehension of a concept. I loved this process. I was able to take a flat, nondescript idea, and build it into a three-dimensional castle, gaining insight and understanding along the way.

I do not feel modern psychology has failed me in terms of my education, for I found what I was seeking, but I do believe that psychology is failing the public. I don't believe we are applying what we are learning and I don't feel that empathy, which is the mainstay to any human interaction, which is what behavior is all about, is being used. But that goes back to the person, not the study. If I choose not to be effective in my field, I won't be. But if I continually strive for the best of psychology, even as I am striving for the best in myself, failure will be kept at bay.

Learn more about this author, Lael Clapp.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Has modern psychology failed its students??
We want to hear your view. Write now!