subject: Counseling Schools - Enrolling in a Career Preparation Program [print this page] Counseling Schools - Enrolling in a Career Preparation Program
The mental and emotional health of individuals plays a large part in how they handle different circumstances throughout life. Many people seek professional help from counselors to develop a healthy outlook on problems and learn different ways to deal with life's pressures. Students can complete career preparation by enrolling in a career preparation program through various counseling schools and colleges.
Counseling careers require students to hold a graduate degree. Training prepares students to become great listeners that help people deal with a wide spectrum of issues such as stress and addiction. Several educational opportunities exist, which include several concentrations such as:
*Addictions Counseling
*Grief Counseling
*Marriage and Family Counseling
Students are able to enter careers in these areas and much more. Career preparation starts at the undergraduate degree level. Although associates degree programs are available most students begin education at the bachelor's degree level. Having a bachelor's degree is the pre-requisite needed to enter graduate degree training. Students can expect to study several core areas that are used within the counseling profession. Foundational knowledge in psychology, sociology, human development, and biology is coupled with specific courses that explore the field of counseling. Education allows students to work through courses in multiple areas not only to give them a general understanding but also help them choose a concentration. Studies in criminology, substance abuse, family counseling, and group therapy are some counseling courses taken.
Completing a master's degree program is required in order to successfully obtain licensure. Students work through coursework that specifically prepares them to ethically assess and treat their clients based on their concentration area. Mental health is examined according to each specialization and coursework will reflect the focal point of their study. Courses may include:
*Developmental Psychology
*Abuse Assessment
*Chemical Dependency Counseling
Students learn to work with patients according to standard professional ethics. Further education increases career prospects by developing the understanding of human behavior and counseling methods.
For example, students can complete training with a concentration in addictions. Students explore the societal and cultural causes that create addiction. Once this base of understanding is gained students then learn to develop and implement treatment. Programs provide students the chance to study in social service, data analysis, epidemiology, and treatment design. Coursework at this level of study teaches students about all treatment options and which ones work for specific types of patients. Counseling is extremely individualized but students will study specific areas of addiction to prepare for careers. Chemical dependency, guilt, chemical abuse prevention, psychotherapy, and human behavior are all areas explored. Courses work through several case studies to teach students how chemical dependency can change from case to case.
Education prepares students for several career opportunities. Majors can work as rehabilitation, substance abuse, marriage, and addiction counselors. The required preparation helps students understand the role of a counselor in a patient's life. Students can begin preparing for the industry by studying the assessment and treatment options of the field according to their interests.
Students can enroll in accredited counseling schools once they decide which area matches their goals. The Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training offers full accreditation to programs that provide quality career training. Start preparing for a career and enroll in an accredited college program.
