2 answers
noah
Student
Oak Lawn, Illinois
1
Question
Updated
770 views
what interning or ideas can i start, to help me work my way as a therapist. Also what would i want to major in if i want to be a therapist, would i prefer counciling or psychology?
i would just like to know what path i should start looking more into.
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2 answers
Ebony Staten
CareerVillage.org TeamDirector
24
Answers
Riverside, California
Updated
Ebony’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Noah,
I am currently working on a Masters in Clinical Psychology (two more classes to go!!).
I'd like to take a step back from Jenna's feedback and acknowledge that at the beginning, you may not have clarity regarding which area of therapy you want to go into until you have some experience (which is what I think your question is getting at). Psychology is in and of itself very broad and can be applied in so many ways so its great that you are exploring and asking questions.
1. Your Master's degree is not determined by your major. That will be your choice.
I would ask, what area do you think you'd be able to earn a competitive gpa that also builds on your foundational knowledge?
For example, do you like Business or History? Well, either would be just fine for your BA if you wanted to. The fact that you're interested would mean you'd likely receive a higher gpa and you'd come away with information to understand the business side of the field or with History it would build on your cultural competence when you work with clients.
Pick any major you want because you will need to apply to Masters program upon graduation to be a therapist. Its the gpa that will get you in.
2. There is no wrong answer for internships. Use them as a way to test your own interests.
Since Psychology is so broad, you can search for city or county level internships working with the public, community services or even Summer camps. If you wanted to test out the education space, there is no reason not to. Try it and learn what you're interested in as what as what you're not.
Overall you are in a phase and stage of exploration. Because there are so many options available, it can be scary. It is, for this reason, I encourage you to start with what you like. What you know you're good at. What types of spaces have you found that you thrive in? These will guide you to your major and your internship. While you complete both, you'll learn more about yourself and the field to narrow down your choices.
I didn't think I'd be interested in addiction recovery work or rehabilitation from human trafficking. But after testing out several opportunities, I have found that these are areas that I enjoy serving in. During my Master's I have the opportunity to serve several communities just like you will, during your Masters.
Please be sure to speak with an advisor to make sure you remain in step with the number of classes you need for any major. College is expensive so leaning on this resource will keep you on track with courses while you explore.
You've got this. One step at a time.
I am currently working on a Masters in Clinical Psychology (two more classes to go!!).
I'd like to take a step back from Jenna's feedback and acknowledge that at the beginning, you may not have clarity regarding which area of therapy you want to go into until you have some experience (which is what I think your question is getting at). Psychology is in and of itself very broad and can be applied in so many ways so its great that you are exploring and asking questions.
1. Your Master's degree is not determined by your major. That will be your choice.
I would ask, what area do you think you'd be able to earn a competitive gpa that also builds on your foundational knowledge?
For example, do you like Business or History? Well, either would be just fine for your BA if you wanted to. The fact that you're interested would mean you'd likely receive a higher gpa and you'd come away with information to understand the business side of the field or with History it would build on your cultural competence when you work with clients.
Pick any major you want because you will need to apply to Masters program upon graduation to be a therapist. Its the gpa that will get you in.
2. There is no wrong answer for internships. Use them as a way to test your own interests.
Since Psychology is so broad, you can search for city or county level internships working with the public, community services or even Summer camps. If you wanted to test out the education space, there is no reason not to. Try it and learn what you're interested in as what as what you're not.
Overall you are in a phase and stage of exploration. Because there are so many options available, it can be scary. It is, for this reason, I encourage you to start with what you like. What you know you're good at. What types of spaces have you found that you thrive in? These will guide you to your major and your internship. While you complete both, you'll learn more about yourself and the field to narrow down your choices.
I didn't think I'd be interested in addiction recovery work or rehabilitation from human trafficking. But after testing out several opportunities, I have found that these are areas that I enjoy serving in. During my Master's I have the opportunity to serve several communities just like you will, during your Masters.
Please be sure to speak with an advisor to make sure you remain in step with the number of classes you need for any major. College is expensive so leaning on this resource will keep you on track with courses while you explore.
You've got this. One step at a time.
Jenna Kashcheeva SHRM-CP
Psychologist/HRBP
10
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Jenna Kashcheeva’s Answer
Hey Noah, since your request is quite broad, I suggest you do thorough research about the industry and list a couple of niches of interest to make such an important decision. There are so many different specializations, it will help you understand your passion better and choose the right path for yourself. I studied psychology and I saw many people dropping off school at some point because they got disappointed in the discipline or shifted to something else, so your choice should be well-weighted.
You can take a look at this article to get an idea of what suits you better: https://www.psychology.org/resources/counseling-therapy-psychology-differences/
Another thing that you can do is gain more information about the perspectives of different roles in the long run. At this point, counseling is in a very high demand but by the time you graduate, things may change.
Cutting to the edge, follow your passion rather than other people's opinions because no one knows you better than yourself. Good luck!
You can take a look at this article to get an idea of what suits you better: https://www.psychology.org/resources/counseling-therapy-psychology-differences/
Another thing that you can do is gain more information about the perspectives of different roles in the long run. At this point, counseling is in a very high demand but by the time you graduate, things may change.
Cutting to the edge, follow your passion rather than other people's opinions because no one knows you better than yourself. Good luck!