A career as a counselor is ideal if you want to help people and enjoy working one-on-one with those who need guidance or support. Whether they’re trying to get through high school, struggling with addiction, or experiencing other crises, you can help them pull through as a counselor.
Aspiring counselors must complete several years of education before they can start practicing. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t check out the field while you’re still in college. These eight jobs could be excellent career options if you’re interested in counseling people but don’t know how or where to start. Check them out below!
1. Clinical Psychologist
If you’re looking for a career that allows you to help people with their mental health and well-being, you should consider becoming a clinical psychologist. Clinical psychologists provide psychological services to clients who are dealing with a range of issues, from developmental and learning disabilities to mental illnesses.
To become a clinical psychologist, you will need to earn a doctoral degree in psychology, usually a Ph.D. or Psy.D. You’ll also likely need to complete an internship or residency in clinical psychology, as well as obtain licensing in the state in which you wish to practice.
As a clinical psychologist, you’ll have the opportunity to work with people of all ages. You will have to help them better understand their feelings and behaviors, as well as learn new ways to cope with their problems.
2. Career Counselor
A career counselor helps people find meaningful and successful careers by guiding them through the entire job search process. By getting a relevant degree like a masters in career counseling, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively assist clients. This includes understanding the job search process, developing job search strategies, conducting career assessments, and more. You’ll also learn how to help individuals identify and develop their strengths, create resumes and cover letters, and ace interviews.
As a career counselor, you’ll also have to stay current on the latest industry trends, job market news, and emerging technologies. With this career path, you’ll be able to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
3. Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and family therapists specialize in helping families and couples overcome emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues. It can range from helping couples navigate through relationship problems to helping family members work through personal issues.
Becoming a marriage and family therapist requires extensive training and education. Students must earn a relevant degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field such as counseling psychology or social work.
4. Mental Health Counselor
A mental health counselor is a professional who helps people with mental and emotional disorders. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and community organizations. Mental health counselors use a variety of techniques to help their clients overcome life’s challenges, including individual and group counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and psychoanalysis. To work as a professional mental health counselor must have a relevant degree and license.
5. Addiction Counselor
An addiction counselor is a professional who helps people with substance abuse disorders. They work with patients to help them overcome their addictions and live healthier lives. Addiction counselors typically have a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field like applied behavioral science and more. Addiction counselors help patients identify their triggers for using drugs or alcohol. They also teach them coping and problem-solving skills. Addiction counselors may use different techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to help patients recover from addiction.
6. Grief Counselor
If you have a passion for helping others process their emotions, then a career in grief counseling could be the right fit for you. Grief counselors work with individuals or families who are struggling to cope with the death of a loved one. They provide a safe and compassionate environment for those dealing with loss to find closure and healing.
If you’re looking to enter the field of grief counseling, consider obtaining at least a master’s degree and practice-related state licensing. This degree will provide you with an in-depth understanding of counseling techniques, as well as specialized knowledge in areas such as suicide prevention and intervention, family dynamics, and other such issues. With advanced education, you’ll be able to better equip yourself to help clients navigate the complex and difficult emotions surrounding death and bereavement.
7. Rehabilitation Counselor
If you want to help people with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities, then a career as a rehabilitation counselor might be for you. These counselors work with clients to help them overcome or manage their limitations so they can lead independent, productive lives.
Rehabilitation counselors typically need at least a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling or a related field. Some states have licensure requirements for counselors. Job growth for rehabilitation counselors is expected to be much faster than average, by 11% between 2021 and 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
8. Industrial or Organizational Psychologist
Industrial-organizational psychologists are applied psychologists who use psychological principles and research methods to solve problems in the workplace. They work in a variety of settings, including businesses, government agencies, and consulting firms.
Industrial or organizational psychologists research topics such as employee productivity, motivation, and work satisfaction. They use their findings to design and implement programs that improve the quality of work life. They also help organizations select and train employees, design work systems, and resolve conflicts between workers and management.
Conclusion
If you’ve got a knack for counseling, there are several different career options available for you. For example, you could pursue a degree in social work, counseling, or marriage and family therapy. You could become a counselor in a school setting, working with students to help them overcome personal challenges and reach their academic potential. You could also become a counselor in a clinical setting, working with patients to help them manage mental health conditions or cope with difficult life circumstances. Whichever path you choose, you’ll be able to make a difference in the lives of those you work with.