The field of Counseling Psychology is one of the most rewarding and challenging professions, but many people still don’t know what it entails.
This article discusses five things you should know about counseling psychology before you become a counselor yourself.
About Counseling Psychology
The American Psychological Association (2017) defines counseling psychology as the scientific study of psychological aspects of mental health and psychotherapy with individuals, groups, and communities.
Counseling Psychology is an allied and applied discipline concerned with utilizing psychological theories and principles to evaluate and treat individual and social problems. Counseling Psychology essentially involves the diagnosis, intervention, and education of mental health.
Some Studying Areas
Many who have studied the field of “counseling psychology” would probably argue that it has grown extremely slowly in recent years. However, the field is necessary and extremely important in today’s society.
What Exactly Does a Counselor Do?
Generally speaking, a counselor will provide people with the knowledge and skills to help them resolve their maladaptive thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. Often this will lead to a more fulfilling life. Counseling Psychology is not just for mental health professionals. Anyone with a desire to help others must be aware of the benefits of counseling psychology.
Five Of The Most Important Things You Should Know About Counseling Psychology
1. The Difference between Counseling Psychology and Clinical Psychology
How to become a counseling psychologist is one of the most important things you need to know about this field. There are many similarities between the two professions, but there are also some differences. The main difference between the two is that Clinical Psychologists are trained to offer psychotherapy, while Counseling Psychologists are trained to offer to counsel.
2. They work in schools.
Counselors often work with children. If you want to become a counselor, you must look into working in primary school settings, high schools, colleges, or universities.
Some counselors such as primary school counselors work with students and parents to help students adapt better in school.
School counselors in high school settings often work with students and parents on issues such as personal problems or an illness. Often they will check attendance and schedules but also spend time with each student to make sure they are doing well socially and academically.
College/University: A college counselor often serves as a resource for students within their university. The counselor may also help students with personal problems, alcohol and drug abuse, psychological disorders, and sexual abuse. If the university has a counseling center to provide pro-active students, that can be very beneficial.
3. They work with couples and families
Often, counselors will work with couples who want to improve their relationships or individuals who want to improve their marriage. When counseling family members can be very beneficial. A counselor will teach them how to communicate effectively and how to improve their relationship as a whole.
4. They work with individuals
Counselors often work with individuals who suffer from mental health challenges. The counselor can help these people by teaching them skills that will help them overcome their struggles.
5. They help individuals with substance abuse problems
Many counselors will assist in providing rehabilitation to those who have substance abuse issues. Often this rehabilitation takes place during the individual’s workday. So, if you desire to help others and want to work in a field that ensures you will be needed for many years to come, consider counseling psychology.
Conclusion
As you can see, counseling psychology is an excellent field of study. It has many important uses that allow it to be gratifying for both the individual and society. Increasingly, more and more people are turning to counseling psychology to help solve the problems of today. So, if you are interested in becoming a counselor, it is important to learn about the field from reputable places like CareersInPsychology.org.