Psychology is a study of human behavior whether it is physical or mental study. There are a number of subfields available for psychological specializations. Sports psychology, Psychology of women, Experimental psychology, evolutionary psychology, genitive psychology, clinical neuropsychology, behavioral neuroscience, forensic psychology, and counseling psychology are a few of the subfields in which counseling psychology jobs can be found. After earning a psychology degree many people immediately start working in career fields related to their degree. The most common places of employment for psychology majors are in the social services, including providing direct care to people, working as an administrator, or serving as a counselor.
People with Bachelor's degrees in psychology often work in social services or other forms of public affairs. They sometimes enter educational fields, business fields, or work for federal, state, and local governments. Counseling psychologists work in a variety of fields including: private practice, hospitals, and college counseling centers. Counseling psychology jobs require people to hold a Master's in Counseling, or a PhD in Counseling Psychology. A Master's degree in Counseling will take two - three years to complete. Graduates will have many job opportunities available for them. If they choose to do so, they can further their education and obtain their PhD, PsyD, or EdD.
All counseling psychology jobs rely on therapeutic or counseling ways to help heal rather than using medication. Counseling psychologists focus on personality strengths of a patient and address their environment with the final goal to help the patient develop a healthier behavior pattern. Counseling psychologists work with more mentally stable individuals while clinical psychologists deal with people that have serious cases of mental illness. These two careers, counseling psychologist, or clinical psychologist, can prove to be very rewarding and the deciding factor on which is best for you will depend on your personal career goals.
One thing to keep in mind is that clinical psychologists tend to focus on one or just a few certain areas. Counseling psychologists are generalists meaning they can basically work anywhere. Counseling psychology jobs include: child development, adolescent development, aging or adult development, health psychology, substance abuse, vocational psychology, forensic psychology, sport psychology, aggression or anger management, interpersonal relationships, anxiety disorders or mental illness, neuropsychology, rehabilitation, crisis intervention, multiculturalism, social services, administrators, public affairs, education, and federal, state, and local governments. A counseling psychology degree will provide a person with many different career path options.
There are many counseling psychology jobs out there and in earning your degree in counseling psychology you will develop the analytical skills, critical thinking skills, and will be able to evaluate and synthesize information effectively. The courses offered in counseling psychology degree programs will provide you will all the tools necessary to be successful in your career. If you love to help people, encourage people, give advice, then this may be the career for you. If you choose this career you will have to discipline yourself to work hard, study hard, and maintain good grades in order to be accepted into a PhD program.