Psychology has played a substantial role in understanding the human mind’s impact and emotion on physical and mental health. Psychologists and researchers have presented different theories and studies to unfold the human mind’s mysteries and behaviors. Every individual is unique, and they react differently to situations or people. How we behave in a particular situation reveals a lot about our personality. Even if we try to sound happy when we are not, our verbal and non-verbal communication gives it. Our thoughts and emotions affect our behaviors and emotions. If we are delighted, we will be all smiling and joyful. However, our behavior will be anything cranky but smiles if we are angry.
Understanding behavioral psychology and its impact on our thoughts can help alleviate many triggers leading to mental health issues. A psychologist or a counselor looks for the underlying causes behind our unhealthy emotions. On the other hand, an applied behavior analyst is an expert in leading behavioral therapy for autism spectrum disorders. Behavior analysts focus on identifying the behavioral patterns and the triggers behind them. Applied behavior analysis is one of the most effective therapies for several behavioral disorders, including autism and ADHD.
Behavior analysts can work in various settings, law firms, mental health clinics, or nursing homes. Behavior analysts can also work with psychologists and counselors to help them devise the appropriate therapy plan. The demand for behavior analysts has increased in the past few years as the understanding and awareness for mental health disorders have increased. These analysts often work directly with their clients or work in collaboration with other mental health professionals. This field can house 22% more jobs as predicted by BLS between the years 2018 and 2028.
If you are curious to understand the behavioral patterns and want to help individuals, here is how you can become one.
1. Getting a professional degree
We cannot avail of every job that we wish to have without fulfilling the educational requirements. Many career pathways require at least a bachelor’s degree to get an entry-level position. With a masters in applied behavior analysis online or on-campus, you can aim for better roles like a clinical director, behavior analyst consultant, and many other pathways. A professional degree in the relevant field is one of the primary requisites that every job demands. Having a professional degree means that you have the knowledge and skills essential to pursue a career as a behavior analyst.
2. Acquiring internships
Although a professional degree can help you understand the basics of the career pathway you pursue, it is essential to understand your career’s nature before entering one. Enrolling in different internship programs can help you in gaining hands-on experience. It allows aspiring analysts to learn about dealing with patients, recording their history, and understanding various therapies’ roles. Internships help an individual to prepare for a full-fledged career when they start as a behavior analyst.
3. Improving your skills
Becoming an analyst means that you will be interacting with different people daily. Your clients may not open up to you in the first session, or they might not listen to whatever you say. Getting your client’s attention and getting them to listen to you requires effective communication skills. As an analyst, you will first have to build a rapport with your clients to feel comfortable in your presence and the given space. Besides honing your communication skills, you need to be a critical thinker and problem solver to deal with unseen problems that can arise while dealing with your clients.
4. Getting the certification
Every other behavior analyst has the same education as yours. If you want to stand out and gain more experience in your field, continue learning. Every other day, there is new research happening and new techniques or treatment methods. Your degree has equipped you for your career, but you cannot progress if you rely on outdated information. Staying up-to-date is no more a hassle. You can enroll in different certification programs that offer more experience and knowledge than what you have at present.
5. Acquiring a license
Many career pathways falling under psychology require licensing before you can work as a professional. Every state has diverse rules and criteria for awarding licenses to professionals. You can check for the exam or other requirements that you need to fulfill to gain a professional license as behavior analysis. A license is a guaranteed way to work as an experienced behavior analyst. You can practice anywhere in your state. If you want to work in different parts of your state, your license can serve you as proof of your registration with the state’s departments.
Conclusion
Mental health plays a substantial role in our well-being. If we are not feeling well emotionally, it will affect our thoughts and our reactions. Our behavior can turn toxic without us knowing about them due to some underlying mental issue. The awareness of mental health has increased in the past few years. It has also increased the demand for mental health professionals, including behavior analysts. Understanding behavior and its effect on our well-being can help us overcome the issues that hinder our daily life. A behavior analyst can help people with autism and other behavior disorders to eliminate or taper down the negative factors resulting in negative behavior.
