While each university or program has a different approach or focus, there are some common concepts, theories, and skills that you will need to learn on the road to becoming a licensed counselor or counseling psychologist.
Human Development: Understand the developmental stages of the journey of the human experience and how they impact individuals. An overview of cognitive, emotional, moral, and physiological development over the life-span is discussed and analyzed.
Psychopathology: Become familiar with various mental illnesses; what causes them, how to classify and diagnose them, and how to approach therapy. Students become familiarized with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is the recognized manual used by professionals in the field.
Counseling Theory: Understand and apply various philosophies and approaches to providing therapy. Different schools of thought for techniques and strategies are discussed and analyzed.
Research Methods: Utilize theories and relevant research methods to evaluate therapy approaches and overall mental wellness in specific demographics.
Ethics: Develop a professional understanding of sound ethical codes and laws surrounding the field of mental health.
Theory and Technique for Specific Demographics: Understand the unique needs and realities of various subgroups of clients. This may vary depending on your emphasis or specialization but may include grief counseling, substance abuse, specific needs of minority groups, or various relationship dynamics.
Case Management: Study systems and skills used to assess, set goals, implement intervention strategies, and monitor the process of therapy. The flow and organization of information necessary for documenting care and treatment are discussed.
Internship/Practicum: Put the knowledge and theory into practice in a supervised therapy setting. Some counseling sessions may be recorded and analyzed with a supervisor and/or peers for self-reflection and growth in the practice.