Isabel Myers and Katherine Briggs designed a self-report instrument to determine personality types, of which there are sixteen. The accuracy of the test is almost eerie! ISFPs, one of those personality types, are kind and caring introverts. They are sometimes called “The Artist,” “The Adventurer,” or “The Composer.” They are creative and sensitive and can make great psychologists. Here’s why.
An excellent psychologist is approachable, empathetic, encouraging, and intent on helping others overcome their personal struggles. ISFPs are typically good listeners, genuinely interested in hearing about others’ problems, and use their strong problem-solving abilities to guide people to healing.
ISFP is a code for one of the sixteen Myers-Briggs personality types. “I” stands for Introvert, a person who needs time alone to recharge after being with people. “S” equates to Sensing, someone who is tuned into their surroundings. “F” is for Feeling, referring to those who follow their hearts, and “P” is for Perceiving, reflecting a tendency for flexibility rather than organization and planning.
Why ISFPs Make Great Psychologists
When you need a psychologist to help you deal with challenging aspects of your life, you will search for one known for their excellent interpersonal skills.
They must be wise, kind, approachable, and genuinely interested in your situation. It’s also essential that you feel safe with them, that they will not judge or discriminate, regardless of your status or problem.
Excellent psychologists have many qualities that one would appreciate in a friend, mentor, or counselor. Let’s briefly examine the top traits found in a good therapist.
They have a passion for learning. Psychologists must be committed to lifelong study to keep abreast of the latest therapy approaches and new ideas to ensure their patients receive the best care.
Empathy is intrinsic in a psychologist. They are genuinely concerned about their client’s problems and communicate their absolute acceptance and understanding of their emotions.
Psychologists have excellent problem-solving abilities but don’t simply dish out advice. They listen to their clients and wait for them to identify their struggles. Then they subtly point out the differences between the client’s misaligned behavior and goals, motivating them to achieve discussed goals and the next steps in therapy.
Psychologists are trustworthy and will keep a client’s thoughts, feelings, and actions confidential until the point of them causing harm to the client or others. They are non-judgmental, and they give constructive and supportive feedback.
Good psychologists are patient because they understand that maladaptive behaviors or emotional trauma take a long time to change and heal. Emotional issues take time to develop and can thus not simply change when someone gives you “an instant fix.” A patient therapist guides their client gently along the journey of self-discovery, understanding that there will also be setbacks.
All psychologists should be ethical to the core. The great ones are open, honest, and transparent, and everything they do is above reproach.
Good psychologists embrace diversity in culture, race, gender, privilege, and other differences in people’s circumstances. They don’t have a cookie-cutter approach to helping their clients, which is also where they use their problem-solving skills.
ISFP Traits And Why They Make Great Psychologists
ISFPs find fulfillment in careers where they can express themselves or participate in a cause close to their hearts. They enjoy practical activities and experience a sense of satisfaction when they see a good result from their efforts. They appreciate aesthetics and will enjoy working in a beautiful setting.
ISFPs are reserved characters, but they are also caring, gentle, peaceful, and considerate. Let’s compare their traits to those of a good psychologist and see if they match up.
ISFPs And Education
While ISFPs do not enjoy studying subjects that don’t interest them, they enjoy learning about things they are passionate about and that inspire them. Their desire to help people with their problems will motivate ISFPs to keep up to date with the latest research in the Psychology field. This eagerness to equip themselves for the sake of others helps them to fit the psychologist mold.
ISFPs Have Empathy For Others
ISFPs are sensitive to others and easily read people’s unspoken opinions and feelings. The Sensing part of their nature is ever observant of body language, changes in tone, or lack of responses in a situation.
Empathy is one of the ISFP’s strongest traits, making them excellent psychologists. With a dominant Feeling side to their personalities, ISFPs understand the depths of others’ emotions, giving them empathy for those dealing with difficulties. This quality is vital for a psychologist. Clients must believe their therapist understands their situation, feelings, and reactions.
Problem-Solving Abilities Of ISFPs
ISFPs are very observant due to the Sensing side of their personalities. They don’t miss any important details and are good at identifying patterns and connections. This enables them to find solutions to problems that may not be obvious to others. When they give advice, it is practical and usually something the receiver can apply at the present moment.
A psychologist must fulfill more than just the role of understanding somebody’s troubles. Clients receiving treatment from a therapist are usually in some sort of emotional turmoil that prevents them from finding solutions on their own. The IFSP’s strong problem-solving abilities make them suitable for the calling of a Psychologist.
ISFPs Are Trustworthy And Ethical
ISFPs are highly principled individuals. They won’t compromise their morals and values and have no time for liars, hypocrites, or cheaters. They are also non-judgmental and very respectful.
These qualities will make a psychologist’s client feel safe. They won’t be afraid to share their deepest emotions because their ISFP psychologist’s goal will still be to help rather than despise or criticize them. Neither ISFPs nor any psychologist would betray their confidences either.
Patience Is An ISFP Virtue
A few qualities make ISFPs patient people. Their compassion and desire to help others with their problems gives them the patience to listen and understand the struggles the person is going through before trying to help them.
Their introverted nature also facilitates their patience. Most introverts are content not to jump into a conversation to give their opinion, taking their time to understand the speaker entirely. Psychologists must feel comfortable listening to their client’s lengthy speeches, only interrupting when necessary.
ISFPs Are Good Listeners
Being a good listener is the most defining and necessary quality of a good psychologist. The successful healing of the patient depends on it.
The strong Sensing side of an ISFP’s personality makes them excellent listeners, not just to verbal answers but to all other non-verbal cues. They assimilate these into an illuminating picture of problems and their solutions. Great psychologists do the same thing.
Conclusion
Although ISFPs are introverts, they are still “people’s people.” It is true that they need time alone to recharge the energy they lose while interacting with others. Still, they are gentle, caring individuals who have the welfare of others at heart.
ISFPs make great psychologists because of their genuine interest in helping others and excellent communication skills. They have strong principles that motivate them to give their best to their clients to bring restoration to their lives quickly. The next time I need a therapist, I will search out an ISFP even if they need to take the Myers-Briggs test first!
