Benjamin Taitz
Registered Psychological Assistant
Harmony Heals Inc. & Office of Dr. Kristina Roberts
Laguna Hills, CA USA
“Connect with your values and honor those values with your work.”
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
My older brother is a clinical psychologist, and was an inspiration to pursue psychology as well.
Discovered interest in mental health advocacy during the 3rd and 4th year at CSUF.
While obtaining a master's degree, developed a liking for social work as well focused on crisis trauma, bullying and suicide prevention.
Initial work as a social worker opened my eyes to different ways to work in psychology.
Was able to land internships at various institutions despite not having some education being American Psychology Association (APA) approved.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Orange County High School of the Arts
Orange County High School of the Arts
Bachelor
Psychology, General
California State University, Fullerton
Psychology, General
California State University, Fullerton
Graduate
Masters of Arts in Social Work specializing in Crisis & Trauma
Tel Aviv University
Masters of Arts in Social Work specializing in Crisis & Trauma
Tel Aviv University
Doctorate
Doctor of Psychology
California Southern University
Doctor of Psychology
California Southern University
Certification/License
Registered Psychological Associate
California Board of Psychology
Registered Psychological Associate
California Board of Psychology
Career
Registered Psychological Assistant
I conduct privately practiced court related psychological evaluations as well as individual and group therapy sessions.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Law
Medicine
Learning / Being Challenged
Day to Day
Currently working on internships at two institutions. The first is a forensic psychologists office, where my work consists of assisting with forensic report writings and studying relevant court documents and case materials to assist in court-related psychological evaluations. The second institution, a counseling center, consists of conducting individual and group therapy sessions relating to mental health conditions.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Exploring and doing research on the different kinds of career paths that a psychology degree can reach, especially since personal interests are able to be combined with it. Knowing which specific path to pursue will help guide a person to landing internships.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
Psychology, General
Psychology, General
Graduate
Masters of Arts in Social Work specializing in Crisis & Trauma
Masters of Arts in Social Work specializing in Crisis & Trauma
Doctorate
Doctor of Psychology
Doctor of Psychology
Certification/License
Registered Psychological Associate
Registered Psychological Associate
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"Why am I doing this, can I even do it?"
Challenges I Overcame
Learning Issues
Q&A
Does being a psychologist mainly consist of reading people's minds?
Asked by Anonymous StudentEssentially, it is about listening to the client, but also being able to read and judge them emotionally to notice patterns in behavior or whether they are possible miscommunications due to dishonesty.
What is something difficult that comes out of being a psychologist?
Asked by Anonymous StudentBeing empathetic and compassionate with clients can take a lot out of you, but being able to help them is what's important.
Interviewed By
Anonymous Student
Student at CSUF
