Counseling Psychology
Overview
Counseling psychology is a psychological specialty that encompasses research and applied work in several broad domains: counseling process and outcome; supervision and training; career development and counseling; and prevention and health. Some unifying themes among counseling psychologists include a focus on assets and strengths, person–environment interactions, educational and career development, brief interactions, and a focus on intact personalities.
History
The specialty of counseling psychology traces its roots back to the early 20th century and the advent of the vocational guidance movement initiated by Frank Parsons. Counseling psychology as a field values multiculturalism, social justice, and prevention, and these values are often enacted through a focus on strengths and assets, attention to the role of contextual and environmental factors in people’s lives, career development, and the promotion of optimal human functioning.
Theories and Techniques
Counseling psychology includes the study and practice of counselor training and counselor supervision. As researchers, counseling psychologists may investigate what makes training and supervision effective. As practitioners, counseling psychologists may supervise and train a variety of clinicians. Counselor training tends to occur in formal classes and training programs. Part of counselor training may involve counseling clients under the supervision of a licensed practitioner. Supervision can also occur between licensed counselors, as a way to improve counselors' practice of counseling and related skills.
Training and Practice
Counseling psychologists are trained in graduate programs. Most doctoral programs in counseling psychology require a pre-doctoral internship. In training, counseling psychologists undertake a supervised journey in the role of 'scientist-practitioner', where they are expected to gain a broad base of knowledge in the 'science' of psychology and to apply this knowledge to the 'practice' of psychology. They engage in comprehensive and integrative practice that is sensitive to diversity.
Research
Counseling psychologists are interested in how culture relates to help-seeking and counseling process and outcome. They may research how different aspects of identity (e.g., gender, social class, ethnicity, etc.) influence these variables. Counseling psychologists are also interested in how people relate to each other and the environment, how social relationships influence individuals, and how individuals' behavior influences the social system.
See Also
