Counselling Psychology: Types, Courses, Scope, Benefits & Career Path Guide

Did you know that nearly 20% of India’s population requires counselling at some point in their lives?

When it comes specifically to career counselling, the need is even more striking. With around 265 million students enrolled in schools across the country, a vast majority require guidance and counselling, or at the very least, access to such support.

Yet, despite this overwhelming demand, India has fewer than 1,000 psychologists.

The scope of Counselling Psychology is immense, but there remains a significant gap in awareness. We have provided a detailed guide on this topic, along with types, differences, career prospects and benefits of Counselling Psychology.

What is Counselling Psychology?

Counselling Psychology is a discipline which involves assisting people to resolve their social, emotional, work, school and even physical health issues that they may face at various points in their lives.

Psychological Counselling lays emphasis on coping, adjustment and well-being of the individual in personal as well as professional environments.

Counselling Psychologists help people make better choices in life and lead a good life.

Psychological Counselling involves building a relationship of understanding and mutual respect between a psychologist and a client. It tries to create a secure environment where the client can open up without the fear of being judged.

Types of Counselling in Psychology

Counselling entails various therapeutic techniques that assist people in coping with personal issues. These techniques are tailored to the individual needs and circumstances of the individual who is seeking help. The various forms of counselling in Psychology are as follows:

Counselling vs Psychology

Both Counsellors and Psychologists are mental health providers, and they help people with mental health issues.

However, the difference lies in their scope of practice and settings in which they work. Let us look at the table that addresses Counselling vs Psychology in detail:

What is the Difference Between Clinical and Counselling Psychology?

The Clinical vs Counselling Psychology debate is very common in the field of Psychology. Often, we confuse them with the same discipline.

Although both disciplines strive to improve the mental state of people, they are different in terms of focus, approach and work setting.

Let us look at the table that addresses Clinical vs Counselling Psychology in detail:

How to Become a Counselling Psychologist in India?

To become a Counselling Psychologist in India, you must get formal training in this field. You can opt for a Psychology Counselling course from any reputed university in India.

A Psychology Counselling course will help you get trained by experienced psychologists and professors, with a strong emphasis on clinical practice and supervised sessions. We have summarised the steps on how to become a Counselling Psychologist in India:

Enrol in a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Psychology serves as the initial and most significant step in the process. The course will enable you to gain insights into the psychological theories, concepts, and basic practices.

Gaining Practical Work Experience

You are also required to undertake an internship in a health care organisation or assist a qualified psychologist to get first-hand experience and understanding of the actual situation in the field of Counselling.

Complete a Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology

Specialisation in Counselling Psychology requires a Master’s degree. The postgraduate degree will help you acquire high-level skills and knowledge.

Improve Your Skills

You must make efforts to improve your abilities and knowledge in specialised areas. To achieve this, you can pursue additional training and certification programmes to enhance your skillset and guide clients better.

Career Scope of Counselling Psychology

A career in Counselling Psychology offers job prospects across different sectors. The career demand is due to the growing awareness of mental health in society and the rising demand among the public to avail psychological services.

Counselling Psychologists can find employment in various settings, including private practices, schools, hospitals, and research institutions. Some of the top career options in this field are as follows:

Key Takeaways

Counselling Psychology provides a balanced combination of purpose, career development and society.
This is a rewarding career choice if you are empathetic, patient, and interested in learning about human behaviour.
You can consider our courses on Psychology at JAIN (Deemed-to-be-University) Department of Psychology if you are interested in pursuing a career in this field.

FAQs

Q1. What is Psychology Counseling?

A1: Psychological Counselling is a form of therapy that helps individuals understand their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours.

It supports people in coping with personal, emotional, or mental challenges and improving well-being.

Q2. What does a Counselling Psychologist do?

A2: A Counselling Psychologist helps individuals manage stress, emotional difficulties, relationship issues, and life transitions.

These professionals use therapeutic techniques to build coping skills and promote personal growth.

Q3. Is Counselling Psychology a good career?

A3: Yes. Counselling Psychology is a rewarding career with growing demand, driven by increased mental health awareness.

It offers diverse opportunities in schools, hospitals, private practice, and community settings.

Q4. Who is the Father of Counselling Psychology?

A4: There is no single individual who is regarded as the Father of Counselling Psychology. Counselling as a method was developed due to the combined contributions of Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow

Q5. What are the qualities of a good Counsellor?

A5: A good counsellor is empathetic, patient, non-judgmental, and a good listener.

Q6. What is the main purpose of Counselling?

A6: The main purpose of counselling is to help individuals understand themselves better and manage life’s challenges.

Q7. Can a Counsellor write a medical certificate?

A7: No. Counsellors cannot issue medical certificates. Only licensed medical practitioners are authorised to provide medical certificates.

Q8. Is a Counselling Psychologist a doctor?

A8: No. A Counselling Psychologist is not a medical doctor. They are mental health practitioners trained in Psychology who offer therapy to their clients.

These professionals do not have formal medical training and cannot prescribe medication.