Quick Answer Psychologists need eight essential professional competencies: empathy, analytical intelligence, patience, insight, communication, curiosity, flexibility, and diligence. These skills develop through 5-7 years of doctoral training plus 1,500-4,000 hours of supervised experience (depending on state licensure requirements and specialization). Different psychology specializations emphasize different skill combinations, with clinical psychologists focusing on empathy and communication…
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About: Dr. Julian Navarro, PhD, LCSW
Recent Posts by Dr. Julian Navarro, PhD, LCSW
Clinical Psychologist Salary 2025: How Much Do Clinical Psychologists Make?
Quick Answer Clinical psychologists earn a median annual salary of $96,100 as of May 2023 (latest available BLS data). Entry-level positions (10th-25th percentile) typically start at $48,820-$66,050, while experienced professionals in the top 10% nationally earn $168,870 or more. Salary varies significantly by location, specialization, work setting, and years of experience. If you're considering a…
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Psychologist vs Psychiatrist: Key Differences & Career Paths
Quick Answer The main difference between psychologists and psychiatrists is their medical training and prescriptive authority. Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who complete medical school and can prescribe medication, while psychologists typically hold doctoral degrees (PhD or PsyD) focused exclusively on mental health and usually can't prescribe medication. Both can provide therapy, but…
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How to Set Professional Boundaries in Psychology: A Complete Guide for Therapists
Quick Answer Professional boundaries in psychology are ethical limits that define appropriate behavior between therapist and client. They protect both parties by limiting self-disclosure, avoiding dual relationships, maintaining confidentiality, and setting clear communication rules. Licensed psychologists must follow APA Ethics Code Section 3.05, which prohibits multiple relationships that could impair professional judgment or risk exploitation.…
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How Does Memory Work?
Quick Answer Memory works through three stages: encoding (capturing and processing information through your senses), storage (saving it in short-term or long-term memory), and retrieval (accessing stored information when needed). You can enhance your memory by getting quality sleep, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and focusing your attention on what you want…
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Understanding Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD): Beyond the Myths
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a personality disorder affecting an estimated 1-6% of the population, characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Despite appearing confident, people with NPD often have fragile self-esteem that's easily threatened by criticism. There is no known cure, but long-term specialized therapy can help manage symptoms.
