What Is Counseling Psychology? A Brief Description of the Discipline and Comparison to Other Psychology Professions

In This Presentation, You Will … Learn more about counseling psychology Develop an understanding of the differences and similarities between counseling psychology and other psychology disciplines Gain information to help you make informed decisions regarding your career path

Counseling Psychology Is One Specialty in Professional Psychology According to the website of the Society of Counseling Psychology, “Counseling psychology as a psychological specialty facilitates personal and interpersonal functioning across the life span with a focus on emotional, social, vocational, educational, health-related, developmental, and organizational concerns” (www.div17.org) Counseling psychology is a broad and diverse discipline within mental health care Can lead to many different careers

Psychology Is Very Broad There are many different subfields of psychology: Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Experimental Psychology Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Neuropsychology, School Psychology, Social Psychology, Sport Psychology, the list goes on and on … Additionally, the type of degree earned can differ: Ph.D., Ed.D., Psy.D., M.S., M.A.

Scientist-Practitioner Model Counseling psychologists are usually trained to be scientists as well as professional practitioners Learn how to understand and conduct scientific research Learn how to conduct therapy Doctoral level degree is required to be a counseling psychologist in the United States (e.g., Ph.D., Psy.D., Ed.D. ) *Note. Models of training may soon be eliminated in favor of competencies. Source: Gelso & Fretz, 2001

Becoming a Counseling Psychologist Typical Requirements to Become a Counseling Psychologist Typical Components of Doctoral Programs in Counseling Psychology Graduate School Full-time study in a doctoral program (Post Bachelor’s Degree or Post Master’s Degree) Post-doctoral training Not required in all states Licensure Must pass nationally- administered examination Must meet state requirements, including state policies for psychologists Course work Practica Comprehensive exams (i.e., doctoral qualifying exams) Internship Dissertation

What Do Counseling Psychologists Do? The majority of counseling psychologists have described their primary role as either a clinical practitioner (working with clients) or an academician (faculty member at a college or university; Watkins et al., 1986). However, many counseling psychologists participate in a wide range of activities (www.div17.org): Psychotherapeutic and Counseling Practice Teaching Research Career Development Testing, Assessment, and Evaluation Supervision Consultation Administrative Activities Facilitate social justice, diversity, and multicultural agendas and initiatives

Where Do Counseling Psychologists Typically Work? Setting % College or University (Faculty Member) 35.2 Independent Practice 20.1 College or University Counseling Center 17.2 Hospital 7.4 Clinic 4.4 Human Services (nursing home, rehab facility, etc.) 4.2 Government (military, government, criminal justice system) 2.1 School/Education Setting Medical School 1.7 Business and Industry 0.9 Other 4.5 Source: Gelso & Fretz, 2001 (Based on the 1995 APA Directory Survey)

Counseling Psychology Trends May be likely to work with clients who are closer to the “normal” range of functioning This is not always the case, as many counseling psychologists work with clients with more “severe” psychopathology Focus on strengths instead of a focus on psychopathology only May focus on taking clients past normal functioning to an “optimal” level of functioning Focus on early intervention and prevention efforts, setting counseling psychology apart from many other disciplines Sources: Gelso & Fretz, 2001, & Society of Counseling Psychology Website

Counseling Psychology Trends Focus on career-related issues Vocational choice and development are often studied Often work with clients who have problems in the career realm Place an emphasis on multicultural research, practice, and training The role of culture in therapy and in society is explored Place an emphasis on social justice issues Sources: Gelso & Fretz, 2001, & Society of Counseling Psychology Website

Counseling Psychology vs. Related Disciplines Clinical Psychology Community Psychology There is much overlap between counseling and clinical psychology More emphasis on psychopathology in clinical psychology Focuses on person-environment interactions Moves beyond the individual and examines community settings Not likely to involve direct counseling / therapy Source: Gelso & Fretz, 2001

Counseling Psychology vs. Related Disciplines Psychiatry Medical doctor Prescribes medication May conduct psychotherapy, but much less common School Psychology Primarily work with children in schools Industrial/Organizational Psychology (I/O Psychology) The study of behavior in work settings Psychiatric Social Work Conduct counseling (Master’s or Doctoral level) Mental Health Counseling Marriage and Family Therapy Source: Gelso & Fretz, 2001

In Conclusion Counseling psychology is a very broad degree that can lead to employment in many different settings. Although this PowerPoint may be a good starting point, you will probably need to learn more in order to determine if earning a degree in counseling psychology is the best fit for you.

For More Information On Counseling Psychology Student Affiliates of Seventeen (SAS) Website: http://www.div17.org/SAS/index.html Division of Counseling Psychology website http://www.div17.org/ Look for resources under the “Student” subheading. List of APA Accredited Counseling Psychology Programs: http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/programs/ac cred-counseling.aspx

References and Additional Resources: Fitzgerald, L. F., & Osipow, S. H. (1986). An occupational analysis of counseling psychology: How special is the specialty? American Psychologist, 41, 535- 544. Gelso, C., & Fretz, B. (2001). Counseling psychology (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. Norcross, J. C., Sayette, M. A., Mayne, T. J., Karg, R. S., & Turkson, M. A. (1998). Selecting a doctoral program in professional psychology: Some comparisons among PhD counseling, PhD clinical, and PsyD clinical psychology programs. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 29, 609-614. Norcross, J. C. (2000). Clinical psychology vs. counseling psychology: What’s the diff? Eye on Psi Chi, 5(1), 20-22. Society of Counseling Psychology (2010). Society of counseling psychology, division 17. Retrieved from http://www.div17.org/ Watkins, C. E. (1983). Counseling psychology versus clinical psychology: Further explorations on a theme or once more around the "identity“ maypole with gusto. The Counseling Psychologist, 11, 76-92. Watkins, C. E., Lopez, F. G., Campbell, V. L., & Himmell, C. D. (1986). Counseling psychology and clinical psychology: Some preliminary comparative data. American Psychologist, 41, 581- 582. Watkins, C. E., Lopez, F. G., Campbell, V. L., & Himmel, C. D. (1986). Contemporary counseling psychology: Results of a national survey. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 33, 301-309.