The Career Doctor™

by Dr. Jacqueline Hornor Plumez

Looking for a first job? Thinking of changing careers? Facing a lay-off? The Career Doctor™ is a Larchmont psychologist specializing in career counseling. If you'd like to ask a question of your own, use the anonymous , and she might answer you here. Read more about the Career Doctor here. Contact in ation is here.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS, PART 1: PUBLIC SPEAKING

Dear Career Doctor:

I am a surprisingly relaxed public speaker. In fact, speaking one-on-one with people makes me more uncomfortable. I find the eye contact game very distracting and I hesitate with my responses. I do however want to go into medicine. Is it a wise career choice to enter into a field that does not necessarily require strong public speaking skills, but rather stronger personal skills, on a day-to-day basis?

Taylor

Dear Taylor:

You don't have to suffer from interpersonal anxiety! Behavioral psychologists have developed relatively simple techniques to help people overcome their fear and discomfort of social situations. Making appropriate eye contact and conversational comfort are trainable skills.

Your school counselor can help you find a behavioral psychologist who is trained in a technique called "relaxation and desensitization." If you aren't in school, contact the American Psychological Association by calling 1-800-964-2000 and ask for the phone number of your state psychological association's referral service.

There are areas of medicine that do not require a great bedside manner, such as pathology or research. But why not try to become more socially comfortable so you can pick the specialty that truly interests you, rather than be forced into one with low patient contact? As a psychologist, I have helped many patients, including a number of scientists, become more relaxed and comfortable in social situations. I hope you will find a therapist to help you do this too.

The Career Doctor

 

 

The Career Doctor™ is Larchmont psychologist and career counselor, Dr. Jacqueline Hornor Plumez.

Her office is at 90 Beechtree Drive in Larchmont, 914-834-1982.

For more in ation go to www.jacquelineplumez.com.

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