1 answer
Kayleigh
Student
Athens, Alabama
1
Question
Updated
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What classes must I take to become a therapist?
I would like to work in the social work field, primarily with special needs adults and teens. I also have an interest in working with mental health patients and domestic violence patients.
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1 answer
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
939
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Kayleigh,
Your passion for being a therapist and helping people with special needs, mental health patients, and survivors of domestic abuse is incredibly motivating. Professionals like you who are motivated to changing the world and have compassion are needed in this industry. Even though the path could be difficult, the difference you make in people's lives will be immensely fulfilling.
To become a therapist, you must complete courses that provide a solid foundation in psychology, social work, and counseling, particularly if you want to deal with adults with special needs, adolescents, mental health patients, or survivors of domestic abuse.
A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Psychology, or a similar degree is a wonderful initial step if you want to work in social work. Basic courses in psychology, sociology, human development, and social work practice will be part of your undergraduate education. Taking classes in abnormal psychology, counseling, and crisis intervention may also help you in the future while working with survivors of domestic abuse and mental health patients.
A Master of Social Work (MSW), Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy degree is typically needed for jobs involving therapy. Here, you'll enroll in more specialized classes including behavioral therapy, case management, trauma-informed treatment, and counseling ethics. Coursework on assessment and diagnosis, group therapy, and therapeutic interventions will be part of your master's degree if you wish to become a Licensed therapeutic Social Worker (LCSW) or a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Look for courses in developmental psychology, special education, or disability studies if you want to work with people who have special needs. Additionally, many schools provide electives in family therapy, community advocacy, and drug misuse counseling, all of which may be useful for your job.
Internships and fieldwork are essential in addition to coursework. Working directly with the populations you are interested in will help you choose the specialism that best suits your interests and will prepare you for your career.
See an academic counselor to talk about the optimal degree path for your objectives if you're still weighing your alternatives. You're on a great track to changing people's lives for the better!
Best wishes!
Your passion for being a therapist and helping people with special needs, mental health patients, and survivors of domestic abuse is incredibly motivating. Professionals like you who are motivated to changing the world and have compassion are needed in this industry. Even though the path could be difficult, the difference you make in people's lives will be immensely fulfilling.
To become a therapist, you must complete courses that provide a solid foundation in psychology, social work, and counseling, particularly if you want to deal with adults with special needs, adolescents, mental health patients, or survivors of domestic abuse.
A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Psychology, or a similar degree is a wonderful initial step if you want to work in social work. Basic courses in psychology, sociology, human development, and social work practice will be part of your undergraduate education. Taking classes in abnormal psychology, counseling, and crisis intervention may also help you in the future while working with survivors of domestic abuse and mental health patients.
A Master of Social Work (MSW), Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy degree is typically needed for jobs involving therapy. Here, you'll enroll in more specialized classes including behavioral therapy, case management, trauma-informed treatment, and counseling ethics. Coursework on assessment and diagnosis, group therapy, and therapeutic interventions will be part of your master's degree if you wish to become a Licensed therapeutic Social Worker (LCSW) or a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Look for courses in developmental psychology, special education, or disability studies if you want to work with people who have special needs. Additionally, many schools provide electives in family therapy, community advocacy, and drug misuse counseling, all of which may be useful for your job.
Internships and fieldwork are essential in addition to coursework. Working directly with the populations you are interested in will help you choose the specialism that best suits your interests and will prepare you for your career.
See an academic counselor to talk about the optimal degree path for your objectives if you're still weighing your alternatives. You're on a great track to changing people's lives for the better!
Best wishes!
Thank you for taking the time to help! Your awesome!
Kayleigh
You're welcome!
Chinyere Okafor