Therapy and Counseling

Therapy and counseling is the process of a client meeting with a qualified professional to help resolve problematic issues, behaviour, emotions and feelings. Therapy is a broad term which may also cover rehabilitation and physical medicine as well.  

Commonly, we use the words psychotherapist and counselor interchangeably, when in effect a therapist deals with a much wider range of disabilities and/or mental health issues, whereas, counselor deals primarily with issues related to emotions, relationships, work life and so on. 

Individuals dealing with major life events such as divorce, the death of a loved one, infertility and other such traumatic events or situations also find it especially beneficial to visit a therapist or a counselor. 

Another scope for this field is individuals dealing with a high amount of job related stress. Many organizations hire in-house therapists to help the employs deal with excessive workload, faulty interpersonal relationships and lack of motivation. Therapists’ help working professionals create a healthy workspace for themselves. 

“A good therapist uses their whole being to engage fully with the whole being of the person coming for help.”

- Jed Diamond

Counseling is becoming much more relevant in today’s world as many more individuals are recognizing their own faulty behavior patterns, emotional issues and relationship toxicity. And now, many more people are facing high levels of anxiety while living in the times of a global pandemic. The pandemic enforced isolation, added with the constant fear of a unknown disease, and economic losses all added up to a situation where more and more people needed help. They look towards a counselor to help them sort out their emotions and provide them guidance during such uncertain times. 

Apart from these, there are also therapists and counselors which deal with different physical issues such as substance abuse, pain management, disabilities etc.

Career prospects in Therapy and counseling:

Due to the increasing demand for therapists, counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists, a lot more career prospects have emerged.

• Marriage and Family Therapists – Couples are realizing what toxic behavior is and how they harm their relationship and want to get rid of these patters. This has given way to many couples engaging in marriage/ couples counseling and some even consider family counseling to include their children in the process. 

• Clinical Psychologists – Clinical psychologists are those who specialize in abnormal psychology. They study about various mental disorders ranging from bipolar disorder to borderline personality disorder. Though this field of psychology is much more difficult, it certainly does provide better career opportunities, maybe even working in a hospital. 

• Career Counselors – Career counseling has been on the rise as the career prospects available for students have been gradually increasing. These counselors not only help students understand what they want to do in the future but also guide them in the areas of schools and colleges.

• Healthcare Social Workers – Many psychology graduates today opt for a career in social work. It is essential for individuals suffering from any type of chronic or terminal diseases or physical trauma to undergo therapy and this becomes easier when the case workers have a background in counseling. 

• Substance Abuse/ Addictions Counselors – These professionals counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug or other addictions including gambling and eating disorders. May interact with individuals, families, or groups and guide prevention programs.

• School Counselor – It has become mandatory for all schools and college to have their own counselors available for students. The main reason for this is that students face many issues such as bullying, exam related stress, harmful family dynamics, health issues, harassment by peers and teachers and learning disabilities. They are much more comfortable in talking about these issues with a counselor than with a teacher or peer. 

These are just a few of the career options available. One can also become Music or Art therapist, Occupational Therapist.

How to Become a therapist and Counselor : Courses Available

B.A./B.Sc in Applied/Clinical Psychology – 3 year graduate degree which focuses on the application of the principles and concepts of psychology to identify solutions for emotional disorders and illnesses etc through research. Clinical psychology is a subset or field of Applied Psychology that diagnose and treat people with issues such as depression, anxiety etc. 

Minimum Eligibility 

B.A – 10+2 from any recognized board

B.Sc- 10+2 from any recognized board  

M.A. in Applied/Clinical Psychology - The main focus of this degree is to apply research to work to identify and find solutions for both organizations and individuals for problems faced in their everyday lifestyle. Applied psychologists help people who are undergoing emotional disorders, distress and illnesses. Admissions can be either entrance based or merit based. As with a regular MA, there are a number of specializations available in this as well. 

M.Sc. in Applied/Clinical Psychology – 2 year postgraduate program.

B.A/B.Sc || M.A/M.Sc Rehabiltation Psychology – The Rehabilitation Psychology programs focus on the behavioural and mental health issues arising from disabilities caused by any chronic conditions or injuries sustained by individuals and facilitate positive adaptation to achieve a regular lifestyle.

Students today also opt for diplomas in counseling work or certificate courses in guidance counseling after bachelor’s degrees. This makes it easier for them to become a licensed practitioners. 

Some of these courses include

• PG Diploma in Guidance and Counseling 
• PG Diploma in Counselling/Psychological Counselling 
• PG Diploma in Rehabilitation Psychology
• Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Family Therapy
• PG Certificate in Counselling Psychology
• Diploma in Advanced Counseling and Psychotherapy   e.t.c...

In conclusion, it can be said that undergoing therapy should not be stigmatized and individuals who do need help should be encouraged to seek it without being judged for it. Therapy does provide a safe environment of positive unconditional regard where no one judges them for their feelings and emotions. In a similar manner, Students wanting to study Psychology and enter this profession should also be respected and encouraged to do so. Psychology and therapy have emerged as the need of the hour and have become prominent career choices.