Counseling Psychology
Counseling psychology is also one of the specialties of psychology. It deals with emotional, social, educational, organizational, health related concerns of an individual. Counseling psychologists also focuses on personal and interpersonal functioning of their clients.
Counseling psychology also helps people in improving their well – being, resolve crisis, and increasing the ability to function better in life.
Counseling Psychologists have clients of all ages from all cultural background in both individual and group settings. They also work with organizations to help them enhance their effectiveness or the well being of their employees.
History of counseling psychology
Counseling psychology is an applied specialty of psychology. The term counseling was given by Carl rogers, who, lacking a medical qualification was prevented calling his work psychotherapy. In US counseling psychology was started after the world war II as during the war US military had strong need for the vocational placement and training.
In 1940s and 1950s Veterans Administration created a specialty called as “Counseling psychology.” It was first introduced by American Psychological Association (APA) in 1940s. But it was recognized as a specialty by APA in 1946 and this recognition was again reaffirmed in 1998 when a new period of the application was introduced by American Psychological Association (APA) for the specialty.
Two organizations play an important role in the formation and development of the counseling psychology -: The Society of Counseling Psychology (SCP) of the APA and the Council of Counseling Psychology Training Programs (CCPTP), the organization for directors of training programs in counseling psychology.
In the recent decade counseling psychology has emerged as a profession and is there in many countries.
Types of Counseling and roles of counselor in it-:
- Marriage and family counseling -: In this the counseling psychologist focuses on the issues related to the marriage conflicts or the family problems. Some common issues faced are domestic violence, adolescent behavior problems, marital conflicts, and issues related to infertility. They observe carefully that how people react in their family and identify relationship problems. They then come up with the treatment plan keeping in mind that the goals of every member in the family are met and they live happily.
- Rehabilitation counseling -: In rehabilitation counseling counselors help their clients to meet personal and professional goals and live life more freely. Rehabilitation counselors work with -:
- Disabled people either in groups or individually.
- Placement agencies who refer disable people as employees
- Employers.
- Guidance and career counseling -: Career counselors guide their clients in choosing the right career for them according to their interests. They work with children in choosing their subjects in the high school or graduation, they then also help them in choosing the career path. They also work with adults and guide them in finding the right career.
- Mental Health counseling -: They help clients who are in need of emotional and psychological help or support. They guide their clients to deal with the problems that affect their mental health and well-being. They also treat many psychological problems like other psychologists such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, personality disorders, bipolar disorder etc.
- Substance abuse counseling -: They help people with drug and alcohol addictions, eating disorders, and other behavioral issues. Since every client is suffering from addiction in different ways, they focus on customizing the plan according to their needs so that they can meet their goals. They also treat clients altering their false beliefs, and attitudes and develop strategies to overcome them.
- Educational counseling –: They work with students at all levels from elementary school to college. They are also known as advocates for student and are very helpful to their personal and educational development. They also help students in dealing with issues such as bullying, poor academic performance, low self-esteem, social anxiety etc. They may work individually or in groups with family or peers to understand psychological issues.
Educational requirement for becoming counseling psychologist -:
For becoming counseling psychologist -:
B.A / BSc psychology, M.A in counseling psychology.
Therefore, counseling psychology is also one of the vast field. Counseling psychologists work in different settings such as hospitals, schools, colleges rehabilitation centers etc. and help people in overcoming their personal and interpersonal problems in life.