Different Types Of Counseling Careers

After pursuing a degree in psychology, students have two major career options to choose from. Some students may opt to become psychologists, while others may choose the alternative career path of counseling. Counseling is a specialty area that allows students to choose from a diverse range of work opportunities. The following article will discuss about the various career options as a counselor you can opt from. Here is an introduction to the different types of counseling specialties – 

Career counselors – Career counselors, also known as vocational counselors, help people make up their minds regarding their career. They usually conduct tests to analyze an individual’s personality, based on which they make suggestions to help make better decisions. This is done to offer career choices that are best-suited according to the person’s skills, needs and interests. These professionals may guide clients to improve job skills, create a CV and also practice interviewing. Other responsibilities may include helping individuals who are experiencing work-associated stress and supporting professionals who have been dismissed.

Educational counselors – Educational counselors and school counselors offer educational, personal, academic and social counseling services. These professionals often work for elementary schools, high schools and university settings. They usually help students analyze their capabilities and solve personal issues and resolve social problems. The responsibilities may also include working in harmony with school administrators and teachers as one big group.

Behavioral counselors – Behavioral counselors, also sometimes called addictions counselors, have to work with individuals suffering from addictions to alcohol, drugs, gambling, etc. Some professionals in this field may specialize in helping out people with a certain behavioral problem, like an eating disorder. Counselors working in this sub-specialty domain often hold individual counseling sessions and may also conduct group therapy workshops. Apart from working with people suffering from behavioral problems and addiction, these therapists also serve to help the family members of addicts as they too are usually affected by the actions of the primary client.

Rehabilitation counselors – Rehabilitation counselors aid individuals experiencing emotional or physical disabilities that can impact their social, work, school or family life. These professionals assess the strengths and weaknesses of individuals, offer vocational and personal counseling, provide case management support, and then organize for vocational training, job placement and medical care. They may also support people who have had an injury by helping them make a comeback to the workforce. Rehab counselors are also advocates for clients and help by introducing them with other services. They back their clients so that they can maximize their ability to live independently and work with respect.

Mental health counselors – Mental health counselors are known to work with individuals suffering from psychological and emotional distress. They promote the improvement of mental health and may work on patients going through from a variety of difficulties and sufferings, including phobias, anxiety, depression, esteem issues, grief, trauma and substance abuse. Apart from providing individual assistance, mental health counselors also work in a treatment group that may consist of psychologists, physicians, social workers and health care professionals.

Author bio: Devika Arora is a prolific writer who compiles relevant facts and analyzes the current state of affairs pertaining to the domain of education. She is currently writing informative articles, news stories and blog posts on careers, colleges and courses.