PSYC2320 Introduction to Counselling and Psychotherapy
Week 1 Discussion
Counselling Specializations
In this discussion, you will explore a counseling specialization that interests you. When most people hear the word “counseling,” they think of a therapy session with a couch and a person in a tweed jacket helping someone through a mental health issue. In reality, counseling is abroad profession that encompasses many different specializations and serves many different populations. Through this conversation, you will learn more about the available options and how your skills and interests may align.
For this conversation, engage with your course community on a counseling specialization that you are considering or are interested in learning more about. You can choose from one of the specializations below or another specialization of your choice:
Addictions counseling
Career counseling
Mental health counseling
Marriage, couple, and family counseling
School counseling
College counseling or student affairs
Clinical psychology. Psychiatric nursing
Licensed clinical social work
Engage in a conversation with your course community on at least ONE of the following, based on your specialization selection:
Summarize the key aspects of the counseling specialization you have chosen. How is it different from other specializations?
Describe the job requirements, including the skills and credentials needed (for example, a master’s or doctoral degree). If licensure is required, provide a brief overview of your state’s requirements (such as clinical hours, licensure exam, or graduation from an accredited program).
Describe the settings in which the professional in this specialization might work, and the populations they might serve.
Describe how your personal as well as professional goals are aligned with this career choice. Be sure to provide examples.
Based on your interest, you may choose to use your Introduction to Counseling: Voices From the Field text to read one or more of the following in order to complete your discussion:
Chapter 10, “Family, Couples, and Sex Counseling,” pages 271–300 (for those interested in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling).
Chapter 11, “Career Counseling,” pages 301–329 (for those interested in incorporating Career Counseling into a specialization of interest).
Chapter 12, “Neuroscience, Addictions, and Psychopharmacology,” pages 330–367 (for those interested in Addictions Counseling).
The Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics may also be helpful. Other resources may be found in the Capella University Library or on the Internet under organizations that support the specialization.
