How to Become Counselling Psychologist?
Your Comprehensive Guide to a Rewarding Career in Counselling Psychology
In this Career Outline
Introduction to Counselling Psychologist
"Counselling psychologists are the healers of the mind, guiding individuals through the labyrinth of their emotions to find clarity and peace."— Dr. Karen Smith
A counselling psychologist specializes in behavioral healthcare, assisting patients with psychological well-being concerns and reducing their discomfort. While clinical psychologists often work with more severely disabled individuals, counselling psychologists focus on overall mental health and personal development. Besides psychotherapy, they engage in teaching, consulting, research, and professional development. Counselling psychology also covers vocational development.
Steps to Become a Counselling Psychologist:
Step-1
Focus on psychology and related subjects during your high school years.
Step-2
Learn about different types of content writing, such as SEO, copywriting, and technical writing, to find your niche.
Step-3
Participate in internships, volunteer work, or entry-level jobs in mental health settings to gain practical experience.
Step-4
Enroll in a master's or doctoral program in counselling psychology to acquire advanced knowledge and skills.
Step-5
Undergo supervised clinical training or internships required by your degree program to gain hands-on experience.
Step-6
Meet the licensing requirements in your region, which typically include passing a comprehensive exam and completing a certain number of supervised practice hours.
Step-7
Stay updated with the latest developments in counselling psychology through continuing education, workshops, and professional organizations.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must possess at least 50% aggregate from a recognized institution (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.) |
| Educational Background | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| Undergraduate Degree | Must acquire a B.A. in Psychology, diploma, or certification from a recognized establishment to become a Counselling Psychologist. |
| Postgraduate Degree | An M.Sc. in Counselling Psychology can also prove to be helpful while looking for a higher degree and extensive learning. |
| Entrance Exams | There are no standardized entrance exams for enrolling in Psychology. The availability of these assessments is solely based on the prospects of the University. |
- Must possess at least 50% aggregate from a recognized institution in 12th, from any board PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc. However, the cut-off margin varies with the selection process of different colleges.
- There are no standardized Entrance exams after 12th for enrolling in Psychology. The availability of these assessments is solely based on the prospects of the University.
- One must acquire a B.A in Psychology, diploma or certification in a recognized establishment to become a Counselling Psychologist. This is a basic qualification you must require to enroll in this line of work.
- An M.Sc in Counselling Psychology can also prove to be helpful while looking for a higher degree and extensive learning.
Not eligible to pursue this career?
Find out different career options based on your current academic accomplishments. Enquire with our career experts and build a roadmap to your career success!
Tasks to perform as a Counselling Psychologist:
Knowledge & Skills Required
Counselling Psychologists must possess a wide array of skills to succeed in their careers. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:
| Knowledge Required | |
|---|---|
| Understanding of various psychological theories and frameworks. | Proficiency in different counselling and therapeutic techniques. |
| Understanding of human growth and development throughout the lifespan. | Knowledge of common mental health disorders and their treatments. |
| Understanding ethical standards and practices in psychological counselling. | Competence in research design, methodology, and analysis. |
| Skills Required | |
|---|---|
| Active Listening | Empathy |
| Critical Thinking | Interpersonal Skills |
| Communication | Problem-Solving |
Understanding What are soft skills? and why is it important,as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of Counselling Psychologist.
The Knowlegde and Skills don't intrigue you?
The reason is that your interests don't align with this career. Identify your interests and match them with careers that require those skills. This alignment will help you grow and succeed in your career faster than you might expect!
Job roles offered for a Counselling Psychologist:
Once you obtain the required qualifications for becoming a Counselling Psychologist, numerous career options and project opportunities become available, allowing you to explore various fields.
A behavioral expert counsells, diagnoses, and manages psychological and behavioral difficulties through individualized interventions or community assistance. They create therapeutic strategies for individuals whose actions may harm themselves or others by evaluation, investigation, and management. They work with individuals such as those with substance abuse issues, past trauma, or developmental difficulties.
Child psychologists assess and treat children and adolescents, helping them cope with stressful situations like separation or illness. They handle developmental issues, psychiatric disorders, and conditions like ADHD, autism, and emotional problems. They also conduct psychological examinations and provide long-term mental health treatments.
Academic advisors work with students in secondary and post-secondary education, keeping records of academic progress and providing guidance to complete degree programs. They may specialize in certain programs or offer broad advice, requiring good communication skills and organization.
Psychotherapists help individuals with issues like depression, anxiety, addiction, and other emotional challenges through talk therapy. They are trained to respond to and assess clients' psychological needs, providing appropriate treatment and support.
Education directors manage school programs and personnel, advising administrators, developing curricula, and collaborating with teachers to ensure effective teaching methods. They select and develop course materials and assist in writing teaching resources.
Not sure where you fit in?
With the wide variety of careers and job roles available, pinpointing the best option for you can be challenging. Thorough analysis and dedicated sessions can provide clarity on what to study, which industry and role to pursue, and the most suitable career path to follow.
Career Opportunities for a Counselling Psychologist:
Counselling Psychologists can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:
| Alliance University | Mind Celebrations | Teach For India |
| Alpha Healing Center | Manastha Health Solutions | Brainwonders |
| Apex Internationals | Starsboard Education | NeuroGen Brain and Spine Institute |
| Plaksha University |
Colleges offering courses for Counselling Psychologist:
Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:
| Fergusson College, Pune | Modern College of Arts Science and Commerce, Pune |
| Indraprastha College for Women, New Delhi | National Post Graduate College, Lucknow |
| Mithibai College of Arts, Mumbai | Shri HK Arts College, Ahmedabad |
| Banasthali University, Jaipur | Amity University (AUUP), Lucknow |
| Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences (SHIATS), Allahabad | VMOU Kota (VMOU Kota), Kota |
| Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara |
End Note
Becoming a counselling psychologist is a fulfilling and impactful career choice. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can start on a rewarding journey to help others achieve mental wellness. SetMyCareer is here to guide you along Career counselling after graduation with your career goals. Connect with our experts today!
In this Career Outline
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