5 answers
Odey
Student
Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
1
Question
Asked
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How can I become a counselor when I study social science
I want to become a counselor (relationship and marriage counselor) but I can't study the course online. Is it possible for be to become a counselor when I study social science?
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5 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1849
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Odey !
This is a good question and I am happy to know of your career interest. I can give you advice about what steps to take in Nigeria in order to become a Marriage and Family Counselor.
Enroll in college in your country and obtain a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Social Work or Counseling. During this study, obtain volunteer work working with couples and families. Then you will need to go for your Masters Degree in Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy. In your country this masters degree would take two to three years to complete. Once you've obtained your Masters Degree, the next step is Licensure, and in Nigeria you would not be licensed at the federal level. The states have their own licensing boards and you can explore this for the information. For your license, you may need to pass an exam and go for continuing education, but check with the organization for this at school or in your community or do a search online.
You will then need to obtain Certification from the Nigerian Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Thereafter, you will be expected to continually train by attending workshops, conferences, and trainings. That is the route in Nigeria to become a Marriage and Family Therapist.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
This is a good question and I am happy to know of your career interest. I can give you advice about what steps to take in Nigeria in order to become a Marriage and Family Counselor.
Enroll in college in your country and obtain a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Social Work or Counseling. During this study, obtain volunteer work working with couples and families. Then you will need to go for your Masters Degree in Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy. In your country this masters degree would take two to three years to complete. Once you've obtained your Masters Degree, the next step is Licensure, and in Nigeria you would not be licensed at the federal level. The states have their own licensing boards and you can explore this for the information. For your license, you may need to pass an exam and go for continuing education, but check with the organization for this at school or in your community or do a search online.
You will then need to obtain Certification from the Nigerian Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Thereafter, you will be expected to continually train by attending workshops, conferences, and trainings. That is the route in Nigeria to become a Marriage and Family Therapist.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Thanks for the advice.
Odey
You are very welcome !
Michelle M.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
535
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Odey,
Yes, it is possible to become a relationship and marriage counsellor with a social science background in Nigeria, though additional steps and education are needed to qualify for this specific counselling career. Here’s a general pathway you can follow:
1. Complete a Social Science Degree: If you're already studying a social science subject like sociology, psychology, or related fields, this is a good foundation for counseling. Social sciences help you understand human behaviour and relationships, which are crucial in counselling.
2. Pursue Further Education in Counselling: After your degree, you’ll need to specialize in counselling. You can either pursue a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) or a Master’s in Counselling or Marriage and Family Therapy. Many Nigerian universities, such as the University of Ibadan, University of Port Harcourt, Obafemi Awolowo University, and others offer these programs. These degrees will provide the specific skills needed for relationship and marriage counselling.
3. Internship or Practical Experience: Gaining hands-on experience is crucial in counselling. Look for internships, mentorship programs, or volunteer opportunities at counselling centers, NGOs, or religious organizations that provide relationship and family support services.
4. Professional Certification: In Nigeria, you will also need to get certified by relevant bodies, such as the Counselling Association of Nigeria or other recognized institutions. This certification ensures that you're recognized as a professional counsellor.
5. Ongoing Training and Development: Counselling requires continuous learning to stay updated on new techniques and methods. You can attend workshops, seminars, and online courses in counselling even if you're not studying the main course online. Many programs offer in-person training sessions.
If you're determined to pursue counselling, you can certainly build on your social science degree by following these steps and seeking specialized education and certifications.
Best wishes!
Yes, it is possible to become a relationship and marriage counsellor with a social science background in Nigeria, though additional steps and education are needed to qualify for this specific counselling career. Here’s a general pathway you can follow:
1. Complete a Social Science Degree: If you're already studying a social science subject like sociology, psychology, or related fields, this is a good foundation for counseling. Social sciences help you understand human behaviour and relationships, which are crucial in counselling.
2. Pursue Further Education in Counselling: After your degree, you’ll need to specialize in counselling. You can either pursue a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) or a Master’s in Counselling or Marriage and Family Therapy. Many Nigerian universities, such as the University of Ibadan, University of Port Harcourt, Obafemi Awolowo University, and others offer these programs. These degrees will provide the specific skills needed for relationship and marriage counselling.
3. Internship or Practical Experience: Gaining hands-on experience is crucial in counselling. Look for internships, mentorship programs, or volunteer opportunities at counselling centers, NGOs, or religious organizations that provide relationship and family support services.
4. Professional Certification: In Nigeria, you will also need to get certified by relevant bodies, such as the Counselling Association of Nigeria or other recognized institutions. This certification ensures that you're recognized as a professional counsellor.
5. Ongoing Training and Development: Counselling requires continuous learning to stay updated on new techniques and methods. You can attend workshops, seminars, and online courses in counselling even if you're not studying the main course online. Many programs offer in-person training sessions.
If you're determined to pursue counselling, you can certainly build on your social science degree by following these steps and seeking specialized education and certifications.
Best wishes!
David Padilla
ABA
15
Answers
Santa Ana, California
Updated
David’s Answer
Psychosocial assessment is an intrinsic part of psychology, which is fundamental to becoming a counselor. Therefore, the short answer to the question is yes, nothing can stop you from achieving your goals and dreams, especially if you are passionate about counseling (as is my case). You mentioned that you "can't" study counseling online, which sparks my curiosity. When I started my courses online, I had the challenge that my new landlord did not provide internet, and money was scarce for me. Since counseling is my passion and dream, I inquired about portable internet with my cellphone provider, and they offered me Hotspot, which is portable internet. I do not know why you can't take courses online, but do not let anything get in the way of your dreams.
David Padilla
David Padilla
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
97
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Odey,
In piggybacking on Michelle's advice, since you know now what you want to go into you can make a plan! But just so you know, you do not necessarily need to study psychology as an undergraduate. You WILL need to fulfill the pre-requisite courses for a graduate degree however. A personal example (keep in mind I live in the US)- I studied fine art and art history. Before applying to graduate school- a clinical dual degree in counseling and art therapy, I had my art pre-reqs fulfilled, but not my psychology. I took all three required (psychology) courses at two different community colleges in my city. Two of the courses were online. All this to say, you can find a way! If you can take the classes you need online and make it affordable, it could be a way to supplement your other studies. And if you can study a similar topic to psychology such as sociology, anthropology, social work, social services, addiction studies, or even child development- you will be set up very well to continue this work in a graduate program. I suggest looking at the graduate school application requirements now- for Nigerian schools, or wherever you hope to apply someday. This will give you time to prepare and have everything ready once you choose and are ready to apply to be a student. Then you can get creative about how to fulfill all the necessary steps. To work as a licensed therapist in the US, you need a graduate degree (post-undergrad). To be a psychologist you need a doctorate degree (PhD or PsyD), and to be a psychiatrist you must attend medical school, also a doctorate degree. For you it will be important to learn more about education and career options in your home country. This may take some research- online or at a library. National associations will also provide information such as CASSON. As a student you can volunteer with a nonprofit or mental health focused agency; this will give you additional experience that may shape your eventual career within this field. Congrats on knowing what you want to do! The helping profession will be happy to have you!
In piggybacking on Michelle's advice, since you know now what you want to go into you can make a plan! But just so you know, you do not necessarily need to study psychology as an undergraduate. You WILL need to fulfill the pre-requisite courses for a graduate degree however. A personal example (keep in mind I live in the US)- I studied fine art and art history. Before applying to graduate school- a clinical dual degree in counseling and art therapy, I had my art pre-reqs fulfilled, but not my psychology. I took all three required (psychology) courses at two different community colleges in my city. Two of the courses were online. All this to say, you can find a way! If you can take the classes you need online and make it affordable, it could be a way to supplement your other studies. And if you can study a similar topic to psychology such as sociology, anthropology, social work, social services, addiction studies, or even child development- you will be set up very well to continue this work in a graduate program. I suggest looking at the graduate school application requirements now- for Nigerian schools, or wherever you hope to apply someday. This will give you time to prepare and have everything ready once you choose and are ready to apply to be a student. Then you can get creative about how to fulfill all the necessary steps. To work as a licensed therapist in the US, you need a graduate degree (post-undergrad). To be a psychologist you need a doctorate degree (PhD or PsyD), and to be a psychiatrist you must attend medical school, also a doctorate degree. For you it will be important to learn more about education and career options in your home country. This may take some research- online or at a library. National associations will also provide information such as CASSON. As a student you can volunteer with a nonprofit or mental health focused agency; this will give you additional experience that may shape your eventual career within this field. Congrats on knowing what you want to do! The helping profession will be happy to have you!
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
97
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Odey,
In piggybacking on Michelle's advice, since you know now what you want to go into you can make a plan! But just so you know, you do not necessarily need to study psychology as an undergraduate. You WILL need to fulfill the pre-requisite courses for a graduate degree however. A personal example (keep in mind I live in the US)- I studied fine art and art history. Before applying to graduate school- a clinical dual degree in counseling and art therapy, I had my art pre-reqs fulfilled, but not my psychology. I took all three required (psychology) courses at two different community colleges in my city. Two of the courses were online. All this to say, you can find a way! If you can take the classes you need online and make it affordable, it could be a way to supplement your other studies. And if you can study a similar topic to psychology such as sociology, anthropology, social work, social services, addiction studies, or even child development- you will be set up very well to continue this work in a graduate program. I suggest looking at the graduate school application requirements now- for Nigerian schools, or wherever you hope to apply someday. This will give you time to prepare and have everything ready once you choose and are ready to apply to be a student. Then you can get creative about how to fulfill all the necessary steps. To work as a licensed therapist in the US, you need a graduate degree (post-undergrad). To be a psychologist you need a doctorate degree (PhD or PsyD), and to be a psychiatrist you must attend medical school, also a doctorate degree. For you it will be important to learn more about education and career options in your home country. This may take some research- online or at a library. National associations will also provide information such as CASSON. As a student you can volunteer with a nonprofit or mental health focused agency; this will give you additional experience that may shape your eventual career within this field. Best of luck to you!
In piggybacking on Michelle's advice, since you know now what you want to go into you can make a plan! But just so you know, you do not necessarily need to study psychology as an undergraduate. You WILL need to fulfill the pre-requisite courses for a graduate degree however. A personal example (keep in mind I live in the US)- I studied fine art and art history. Before applying to graduate school- a clinical dual degree in counseling and art therapy, I had my art pre-reqs fulfilled, but not my psychology. I took all three required (psychology) courses at two different community colleges in my city. Two of the courses were online. All this to say, you can find a way! If you can take the classes you need online and make it affordable, it could be a way to supplement your other studies. And if you can study a similar topic to psychology such as sociology, anthropology, social work, social services, addiction studies, or even child development- you will be set up very well to continue this work in a graduate program. I suggest looking at the graduate school application requirements now- for Nigerian schools, or wherever you hope to apply someday. This will give you time to prepare and have everything ready once you choose and are ready to apply to be a student. Then you can get creative about how to fulfill all the necessary steps. To work as a licensed therapist in the US, you need a graduate degree (post-undergrad). To be a psychologist you need a doctorate degree (PhD or PsyD), and to be a psychiatrist you must attend medical school, also a doctorate degree. For you it will be important to learn more about education and career options in your home country. This may take some research- online or at a library. National associations will also provide information such as CASSON. As a student you can volunteer with a nonprofit or mental health focused agency; this will give you additional experience that may shape your eventual career within this field. Best of luck to you!
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Odey