Should psychologists use their Dr title with pride?

Dr Omer L…

I don't want to seem entitled or arrogant, traits that go against my core values of being compassionate and kind, so, I don't tend to use it out of the blue in conversations or meetings. That said, it's not that I'm not proud of having the title. I worked very, very hard to achieve my position. I absolutely feel deserving of it. But mentioning it to others can feel 'bragging', or 'demanding respect' for the title when I'd much rather be respected for who I am as a person. I use the title with others jokily most often; I'm a big advocate for well-being in my workplace and often remind my colleagues to pause, eat, and drink. And when I do that, because I don't want to seem bossy, I say, 'doctor's orders!' It does usually get a chuckle and whilst my overworked colleagues won't necessarily break to eat their lunch, at least they eat. I much prefer using my title in that way!

Najeeb Rehman… 

As the saying goes, wear it with pride.

Dr Adam McCartney…

I used to shy away from using the title doctor (and to a certain extent still do). The idea of highlighting my psychological knowledge base may feel intimidating to others, and on some occasions it may evoke a perceived power imbalance. However, I have noticed that with many of the people I help they want to place confidence in a 'learned other'. The advice and guidance I give backed up with the knowledge that I know what I am talking about (due to the title) can provide a sense of security and comfort in acting for my clients. Therefore, I am not shy about using it.

Dr Tina Mistry…

I used to downplay it in the UK, but now having moved to the Middle East, I find everyone addresses you by your title. It felt weird at first, almost like an imposter. But now I see it as the norm. Manners are very important here and honestly, I really like how we all address each other by our titles, there is a sense of honour and respect. Also, it feels like a recognition of the hard work you have put in, which is important too.

Emma Russell...

'I love having a non-gendered title, which doesn't infer my marital status… it's freeing in this regard. I don't use it because I'm keen for people to know my educational status.'

Dr M Paul Perry…

Yes. I have always struggled to embrace the title Dr, and now struggle to hold the title Consultant and Clinical Lead. I have an ongoing anxiety in relation to what these titles mean and an anxiety in relation to owning these on a personal level. I think it goes beyond entitlement. For me, it's an underlying conflict in holding authority, and power. I suspect that this will be different for many of us and mine certainly reflects my early experiences of power and hierarchy.

Donald D. Matthews…

The Latin term doctore was ascribed to gladiator trainers or teachers. Docere is a Latin word that means to instruct, teach, or point out. As an academic psychologist, I think we tend to pathologise everything, therefore all doctors are people who work in medical fields. Not so. I've been a doctor to my students for years. They respect my advanced training and I hope that they will aspire to elevate themselves to the title.

Dr Audrey Tang…

I'm in the academic world where it's almost a necessity to use it. (But in that same education-based path I also worked so hard for it and I'm proud of it). 

Kim-Marie Crown…

I'm currently an MSc student of psychology making my way very, very slowly towards a PhD one day (hopefully). Once I achieve it, after all the hard work and dedication I've put in, I will use Dr with pride. If someone interprets that as me being entitled, I think it says a lot more about them than me.