A Matter of Growth

Concerning the development of all psychologists through websites.

What I cover:

• Website for psychologists in Melbourne

• Digital presence for mental health professionals

• Online identity for early-career psychologists

• Psychology career development tools

• How psychologists can attract speaking and media opportunities

Every career ought to develop. Growth as a psychologist involves undertaking certain methods to make yourself known from the pool. Whether employed in a clinic, studying, or exploring options, your own online space is the first stepping block towards professional development.

A website can be thought of as a dynamic digital business card — one that works around the clock. It’s the first place people look when searching your name online: future employers, peers, supervisors, conference organisers, collaborators in media, research, or community mental health. A thoughtful site positions you as intentional and in tune with your approach to the psychological sciences. Many psychologists can display the same experiences and accreditation, but in a discipline founded on individual approaches, a website will display your outlook at the highest level, putting into words and aesthetics the true knowledge ascertained through your experience.

A website is equally the explicit connecting thread to various opportunities you may not initially consider. If your interests lie in writing, speaking, consulting, or public education, a website makes you discoverable and credible. A platform to share your thoughts in a sharp aesthetic frame helps in allowing viewers to understand your perspective and sentiments. Your experience is of important value — share it in the proper frame.

Even if you're not going into private practice, having a site prepares you for the future. You can test your voice, quietly share resources, and build trust without pressure. If private practice ever becomes the right step, you’ll be ready — without having to start from scratch. It is an accessible platform that affords you the ready availability to begin.

Most importantly, a website gives you control over your online identity. Instead of being represented only by clinic bios or directories that may fall into oversimplified or jargonistic descriptions, you can speak of your own experiences, in your own words.

Indeed, work as a psychologist extends beyond helping clients in the real world. A 2014 study exploring mental health-related internet use found that the largest percentage of the sample used the internet to find information on disorders (57.8%) as well as digital spaces run by accredited psychologists (17.2%). Offering up your expertise for public reading is essential, helping clients in clarifying perhaps lesser-known implications under an accredited and credible frame — which is a website of quality. Indeed, through proper SEO approaches, your knowledge need not be lesser known and can help offer meaningful support — no matter where you work.

Create a space that grows with you.