What is counseling psychology?
Counseling psychology, as described by the American Psychological Association, is “a general practice and health service provider specialty in professional psychology. It focuses on how people function both personally and in their relationships at all ages.”
More broadly defined, counseling psychology aims to help individuals, at any stage in their lives, overcome mental health challenges and improve their quality of life. Counseling psychologists may focus on interpersonal and environmental interactions as well as different aspects of people’s personal and professional lives.
Counseling vs. clinical psychology
Clinical and counseling psychologists are two disciplines with several similarities. The Society of Counseling explains that counseling and clinical psychologists perform roles and duties in settings that often overlap with one another, including academic institutions, hospitals, community mental health centers, independent practices, and counseling centers.
Today the differences between these two fields are slim. The main difference is observed in their names: clinical and counseling. A “clinician” or clinical psychologist might work more with those who are suffering from mental health issues. A “counselor” works more with patients’ well-being over the course of their lives rather than focusing on conditions associated with a mental illness.
Becoming a counseling psychologist
As mentioned previously, counseling psychologists work to improve the well-being and quality of life of their patients. Much of this entails identifying emotional issues and behavioral patterns that create challenges in patients’ home, work, and community life. In order to best serve your patients, your education will focus on skills such as:
- Diagnosis of psychological disorders
- Treatment and therapy
- Consulting
- Communication
- Diversity and cultural issues
These are just a few of the skills you’ll develop during your counseling psychology education.
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