There are a considerable number of Counseling Concentrations to explore as you contemplate a possible masters degree in counseling. To become a counseling professional is a rewarding experience. There are many reasons why this is so. Firstly, counselors are able to help people deal and cope with their problems in life. Secondly, they provide guidance and solutions to people’s issues including their relationships that affect their mental and emotional state.
Counseling is one profession that has many specialties. All are aimed at helping people recover from their personal issues, save their precious relationships and move on with their life with a better disposition.
Professionals with post graduate counseling degrees have a wide choice in the careers they can pursue after completing their education and obtaining their license. They can work in a variety of settings and enjoy high income as they gain experience in their field of specialization.
Below are the most common counseling specialties:
1. School or vocational counselors — These professionals work as guidance and career counselors in educational institutions. They help students in their academic and personal issues and in choosing the right course and career to pursue.
2. Mental health counselors — They help people cope with their mental and emotional problems to include depression, stress, loss of a loved one and anxiety.
3. Rehabilitation counselors — These counselors work with the elderly population who suffer from disabilities owing to their old age. They also help other patients recover from their disabilities as a result of sickness or accidents.
4. Substance abuse counselors — They assist people facing drug or alcohol addiction recover from their destructive habits and go back to their normal life. Demand for these professionals is on the rise as more people become with this issue seek treatment.
5. Marriage and family therapists — They help couples and families overcome their personal and relationship woes to achieve harmony in their homes. It is a fact today that many couples recognize the important role counselors play in saving their relationships and helping them cope with attitude issues.
Counselors can work in different environments. Other than hospitals, they can also work in nursing care facilities, rehabilitation centers, private organizations and government agencies. They can also start their own individual practice or be involved in a group practice.
A master’s degree is often required before one can become a licensed counselor and practice his profession. This also includes an internship program which provides hands on experience to students in the real workplace normally under the supervision of a director or clinical psychologist.
Upon completion of a post graduate degree, one also needs to pass an accreditation exam to become a full fledged National Certified Counselor (NCC). Various organizations administer certification exams depending on one’s field of specialization. In addition, counselors are required to keep their certification updated by pursuing continuing education otherwise, they will have to retake and pass the exam.
Employment outlook for counseling professionals is expected to grow by 18 percent on average moving through 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The growth depends on the type of specialty. Those involved in substance abuse counseling and those in private practice are expected to enjoy better salaries.
