Counselling psychology is the largest specialty area within psychology. The Society of Counselling Psychology describes this field as “…a psychological specialty that facilitates personal and interpersonal functioning across the lifespan with a focus on emotional, social, vocational, educational, health-related, developmental and organizational concerns.” Those pursuing or wanting to pursue counseling psychology as a career will find a large vista of optional career paths also opening up to them. These can be related to research, teaching, vocational counselling, and of course, psychotherapy.
There is a gamut of options when it comes to studying counselling psychology courses online or through distance education, but before enrolling into one, make sure that the course has international accreditation. While most online courses offer all or most of the above qualifications, it is still better to do a thorough background check on the colleges one has shortlisted before paying the course fees. However, one also has to decide before enrolling into a counseling psychology course which area of specialization one is looking for as there is virtually no limit to career options available after graduating from such courses. Even large corporate houses these days employ counselors, therapists and psychologists as workplaces are becoming sources of great emotional and psychological stress.
Counselling psychologists can even work independently. Many schools and colleges look for counselling psychologists and therapists for guiding their students. One’s job could be guiding students to the right career path by way of career counselling or counselling hyperactive or troubled students to ease their problems. Other fields where services of counselling psychologists are required are crisis counselling centers, hospitals, individual self-help groups, as well as rehabilitation centers. Even though to become a practicing counselling psychologist requires a education and training, what is perhaps most important is patience. Without patience one cannot hope to become a good counselor or a therapist in the field. One has to deal with different kinds of people and with a wide spectrum of mental problems. Sometimes things might get a little nasty too. But with patience, perseverance, and above all dedication one can chalk out a successful career path in counselling psychology. Counselling psychologists do a great service to society by helping people in need of guidance. They are directly responsible for fostering good mental health and preventing mental, physical, and social disorders.
