A simple advice goes a long way. To someone who is going through stress or problems on the home front or at work, talking to someone could make a world of difference. This is where the counseling psychologist comes in.
What is A Counseling Psychologist?
Basically, the counseling psychologist dispenses advice to people on how to deal with everyday problems, issues and stresses, for the sole purpose of guiding towards the improvement of their well-being and quality of life. These issues or concerns could be anything to do with the home, family, school, workplace, or the community as a whole. However, much assessment and evaluation of the patient’s personal situation and the surrounding circumstances is done by the counseling psychologist before giving any advice.
Normally, the counseling psychologist would conduct one-on-one treatment programs with patients, starting by using such techniques including testing, interviewing and intervention, to get a clearer grasp of the situation and the problem. Every aspect of the patient’s life, such as career, overall health, personal and professional relationships, is taken into account. The advices, designed to provide guidance, will be greatly influenced by these factors. Some behavior modification is also involved, when it is deemed necessary. Treatments may be short or long, depending on the problem and the progress of the treatment itself. In other cases, counseling psychologists also get involved in conducting researches and studies that would be beneficial in the development of treatment programs for mental health issues.
Where Does The Counseling Psychologist Work?
Go to a welfare center or a crisis counseling center and you will find counseling psychologist at work. Hospitals, clinics and even rehabilitation centers also make a point of having counseling psychologists on board as reinforcement in their institutional objectives to help patients in the road to healing, fully cognizant of the connection of one’s mental well-being to his physical health. Just as universities and schools hire counseling psychologists for their students, private companies and organizations, especially those whose line of business is stressful, also recognize the need for counseling for the members of their workforce. Of course, counseling psychologists can also have their private practice and conduct individual or group sessions.
Who Does the Counseling Psychologist Work With?
The counseling psychologist works with people of all ages and genders. They can be students feeling the pressure of school, parents having trouble dealing with their family, a career woman on the verge of a job burnout, a recovering alcoholic… basically anybody having a hard time and who needs help on dealing with issues and problems on their own. When their expertise in psychological evaluation and assessment is needed in the development of specific programs, they may find themselves working with educators, legislators, and other health and medical professionals.
How to Become A Counseling Psychologist
Usually, counseling psychologists hold a master’s degree or even a doctorate degree in counseling psychology. Professional experience of at least one to two years is also commonly required. Licensing laws may differ from one place to another but, generally, one must first take and pass the licensure examination before they can practice as a counseling psychologist.
It is important for the counseling psychologist to have the skills of being a good listener and a good communicator. Knowing the principles and their application will not be effective if he/she is not able to ‘reach’ the patient he’s trying to help.
Counseling Psychologist Salary: Around $59,637 per year.
