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

2. 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

3. 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” (
Counseling psychology is a broad and diverse discipline within mental health care
Can lead to many different careers

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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 (
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

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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.

14. For More Information On Counseling Psychology
Student Affiliates of Seventeen (SAS) Website:
Division of Counseling Psychology website
Look for resources under the “Student” subheading.
List of APA Accredited Counseling Psychology Programs:
cred-counseling.aspx

15. 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,
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,
Norcross, J. C. (2000). Clinical psychology vs. counseling psychology: What’s the diff? Eye on Psi Chi, 5(1),
Society of Counseling Psychology (2010). Society of counseling psychology, division 17. Retrieved from
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,
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,
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,