Eligibility
There are mainly certificate, diploma, and postgraduate courses in counseling. Candidates with a graduation in psychology can apply for a post graduation in clinical or community psychology. However, for diploma in guidance counseling they prefer graduates in home science or arts. A diploma program in Vocational Rehabilitation and Counseling as well as rehabilitation psychology also exists; most people with an M.A in psychology can apply for it. This program is mainly for qualified counselors to improve their skills and continue professional development.
Details Of The Course
The post graduation in counseling studies includes the following areas of study:
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Counseling Children and Young People
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Research Methods
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Post Trauma Stress and Approaches to Trauma
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Brief Therapies
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Introduction to Cognitive Behavior Therapy
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Integrated Mindfulness
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Introduction to Counseling
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Personal and Interpersonal Development of the Counselor
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Human Growth and Development across the Lifespan
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Concepts in Psychology
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Counseling Theories
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Counseling Process
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Theoretical Approaches to Counseling and Techniques
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Understanding Psychological Problems
Skills Required
It almost goes without saying that a good counselor needs to be a good listener. A counselor must also be able to give unbiased advice without bringing in personal prejudice. A counselor must be the kind of person who is not shocked easily and must be able to look at every problem objectively. The counselor must be someone who feels comfortable with at all times. The information given to the counselor must be confidential and he/she must not share it with anyone. In a profession like counseling trust plays, a very important role and an aspiring counselor must come across as trustworthy and genuine.
Specialization
Specialization in counseling include clinical counseling, child and adolescent counseling, sports and motivational counseling, career counseling, trauma and abuse counseling, substance abuse and addictive disorder counseling and lastly marital and family counseling. All these specializations can be taken as certificate courses or as optional subjects with a B.A in psychology. The latest to be added to this list is stress control counseling and sex counseling both a matter of huge concern due to depreciating lifestyles.
Career Prospects
On completion of the counseling course candidates can work in various organizations such as schools and colleges, old age homes, de-addiction centre’s, marriage counseling agencies, youth and adolescent nonprofit counseling centre’s and lastly welfare departments of governments. You can also be self-employed and start your own counseling centre. This profession is entirely based on trust and therefore the code of secrecy must be maintained at all times.
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Syracuse University, New York, USA
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Winthrop University, USA
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Auburn University, USA
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University of the district Columbia, USA
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Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda , Gujarat , India
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NCERT in New Delhi, India
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All India Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Maharashtra, India
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Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India
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SNDT Women's University, Maharashtra, India
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University of Madras , Tamil Nadu, India
