Depending on which kind of psychology you'd like to practice, you'll need to obtain the required schooling, degrees, and certification. If you're interested in being a social worker or counselor, then you'll need to get your master's degree in one of these fields. If you're interested in being a psychologist and practicing psychotherapy or other modalities, you'll need a Ph.D. degree (Doctor of Philosophy) or a doctor in Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology Degree). The Psy.D.is similar to the Ph.D. except that it is tailored more towards training psychologists to be clinicians in a wide range of clinical settings rather than focusing on research. If you're most interested in being a psychiatrist and writing prescriptions for psychotropic drug therapies, then you'll need a medical (M.D.) degree and complete a three or more year residency training program. If your degree offers them, take a couple of business courses to help you get a handle on some of the basics. These will be invaluable aids when you're faced with running your practice's payroll, appointment booking, and other office tasks. It might be beneficial to start working with another practice that is already established before you go off on your own. Not only will this give you a guaranteed paycheck, but also a chance to network with patients, gain practical experience, and see how to run a business. After you complete your schooling and earn your degree, you'll likely need to get a license before you can enter private practice. Check your local state regulations to see what kind of license you need for your type of practice. Typically, social workers need two years of supervised clinical experience before they can apply for a license or enter private practice. Psychologists usually need to complete an internship and have a couple of years of work experience before they can be licensed for private practice. Psychiatrists typically have to graduate from an accredited medical school, complete a residency, and then pass a licensing exam before they can begin their own private practice. In addition to needing a vocational license, you'll also need a business license before you can hang your shingle. There will be specific procedures for registering your business depending on where you live and what your local ordinances are. Check with your local town/city clerk's office or your municipal zoning board for more specific information. In addition to following your local procedures, you can also consider registering your business as a LLC (Limited Liability Company) or a PLLC (Professional Limited Liability Company). While individual states have different laws regarding these types of companies, registering your new practice as a LLC or a PLLC can help protect yourself and your personal assets from liability and lawsuits leveled against your professional practice. This does not take the place of other types of insurance, though, and will not completely protect you from potential patient lawsuits. It's essential that you meet with an attorney or malpractice insurance agent to discuss what kind of liability coverage you need. It's also a good idea to discuss income tax issues.
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One-sentence summary -- Decide which kind of psychology degree you'd like to earn. Think about adding some business courses. Consider working with another practice before starting your own. Apply for a vocational license. Apply for a business license. Get insurance.

Remember that you're an adult, too. Dealing with older family members, such as your partner's parents, can make you feel like a child again, but it shouldn't. If you feel like you're being harassed or judged negatively, it's your right to stand up for yourself. Being assertive doesn't have to mean being disrespectful. You can stand up for yourself while still being respectful and kind. For instance, you can assertively say, "I know you don't understand my culture, but it's important for me and Henry to celebrate this holiday. I respect your beliefs, and I'd appreciate it if you did the same for me." If you're having trouble with a particular person, try bringing up the issue with them yourself. Taking the initiative to solve the problem will show your maturity, and they may respect you more for speaking up. It's much better to talk through problems when they happen than to let them go unaddressed for years. Say, "When you talk over me like that Josie, it makes me feel like I don't have a voice. I'd really appreciate it if you let me finish talking before sharing your opinion." If your partner's family frequently offers you unsolicited advice or criticism, prepare a few noncommittal responses to redirect the conversation. Practice these responses before you need to use them. This will help you stay calm and collected in the moment. If you're talking to someone older, a good way to handle unsolicited advice is to respond politely with something like, "How interesting!" or "What a neat story!" For instance, if your partner's mother tells you that you should feed your kids differently, ask her how she fed her children when they were growing up. Other good go-to responses include "That's interesting, I'll have to try it sometime" and "Thanks for the advice, but we've decided to do it this way." If you really can't resolve your conflicts with your partner's family, the best course of action might be to limit your contact with them. Skipping family events may be the best way to maintain peace and avoid straining your relationship with your partner. However, if you don't want to skip family events, then you can also set a time limit for how long you will be there. Limiting contact is probably a good idea if your partner's family is outright abusive or disrespectful to you. People who act like this are unlikely to change their behavior.
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One-sentence summary --
Be confident and assertive. Talk with your partner's family. Deflect unwanted advice or comments. Consider limiting your contact with your partner's family.