Counseling Psychologist

Counseling psychology 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. Counseling psychology addresses the emotional, social, work, school and physical health concerns people may have at different stages in their lives, focusing on typical life stresses and more severe issues with which people may struggle as individuals and as a part of families, groups and organizations. Counseling psychologists help people with physical, emotional and mental health issues improve their sense of well‐being, alleviate feelings of distress and resolve crises. They also provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of more severe psychological symptoms.[1]

Counseling Psychologists, serve persons of all ages and cultural backgrounds in both individual and group settings. They also consult regularly with organizations seeking to enhance their effectiveness or the well-being of their members.

Interventions used by Counseling Psychologists may be either brief or long-term; they are often problem-specific and goal-directed. These activities are guided by a philosophy that values individual differences and diversity and a focus on prevention, development, and adjustment across the life-span.[2]

What does a Counseling Psychologist do?

Individuals interested in pursuing a career in the mental health field should be aware of the difference between psychiatry and psychology. Psychiatry involves pursuing a career as a medical practitioner who focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. This specialized focus allows psychiatrists to prescribe psychotropic medications in addition to psychotherapy to manage mental disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression.

A career as a psychologist, on the other hand, does not adhere to the medical model of psychiatry. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication, but these individuals can still provide highly specialized treatment for people in need of mental health care.

The mental health field diverges even further into counseling psychology and clinical psychology. Both of these professional careers overlap in many areas such as work environment, but generally speaking, clinical psychologists work with individuals that are more impaired. Counseling psychologists take a more general approach to the mental health field, focusing on a more developmental perspective.

Counseling psychologists do in fact provide therapy services, but the term “therapist" is a broad term. Therapists can be counseling psychologists as well as clinical psychologists, and in certain situations a social worker can act as a therapist as well.

Counseling psychologists engage in many more activities other than psychotherapy such as teaching or offering consulting services within professional organizations. Counseling psychologists may assist in career development and research as well. Also, vocational development falls within the purview of counseling psychology.[3]

 Sources; [1] [2] [3]

Categories: Psychologist