So, You Want To Be a Counselor
If you want to be a counselor, you are probably interested in helping people succeed. The American Counseling Association defines counseling as "a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, and education, and career goals." Attaining a graduate degree in counseling will prepare you to assist a wide range of people using selected professional techniques and theories of counseling.
Read MoreA Master's Degree in Counseling
A master’s degree in counseling is appropriate for those who want to become professional counselors. A master’s degree in counseling is different from a master’s degree in psychology in that the latter is taken as preparation for a doctorate degree in psychology, and the education is generally more training based than research based.
Read MoreA Doctorate in Counseling Psychology
A doctorate in counseling psychology is appropriate for counselors or professionals who already have professional experience working in the mental health field. Generally, doctoral candidates in counseling programs already have professional backgrounds related to mental health, such as being a licensed counselor or a social worker. Doctoral candidates in educational psychology have master’s degrees and are pursuing a Ph.D. because they want to attain leadership positions in their careers. A doctorate in counseling will make counselors eligible to become administrators, directors, managers, professors, researchers, or trainers.
Read MoreLicensure and Certification for Counselors
To work as a counselor, you generally need to be licensed by the state where you practice. Certification, on the other hand, is voluntary, but many states require certification as part of their licensure process.
Read MoreStay Involved: Professional Development Resources for Counselors
Throughout your counseling career, it is crucial that you stay current with the counseling profession's practices and issues in order to remain a licensed and certified counselor. Many counselors often serve as advocates for mental health patients and populations, and being part of a professional association will help you with your professional causes. There are a couple of ways that you can keep yourself informed about counseling practices and the counseling profession, whether you are a counseling student or a professional counselor.
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