Educational Pathways to a Career in Counseling

Considering a career in counseling but aren't quite sure what educational path you should take to get there? Licensed Professional Counselor Takesha Shannon of TMS Counseling, LLC, in Northport, AL developed an interest in psychology while taking a related course in high school. Today she has her own private practice and provides counseling services to children, adolescents and their families. She has some valuable advice to offer to high school and college students who have an interest in counseling but don't know where exactly to begin.

Take psychology and other courses related to human behavior.

"I was sitting in my first psychology course at Selma High School when I realized my interest in human behavior," says Shannon, who stresses that taking courses such as psychology is an excellent way to develop the appropriate knowledge base needed for a career in counseling. "The course both intrigued and challenged me. I knew from that point I needed to know more about this field and what it had to offer."

Although introductory social science courses in psychology and sociology do not address the counseling profession specifically, they are essential courses for anyone who is contemplating a career in counseling. In fact, these courses are helpful to pretty much everyone who seeks to understand human behavior. And because social science courses are part of the general education curriculum at most colleges and universities, you can still receive college credit for them even if you later decide to major in something that is not related to counseling.

Do your own research to get a better feel for the profession.

Because there are many different occupations that involve some form counseling, it is a wise idea to learn about them and choose the one that best suits your personality, skills and interests. "I would advise speaking to... social workers, counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, rehab counselors...asking specifically about their typical day as a clinician, what types of clients they work with, salaries, what requirements are necessary to practice, and the opportunity for growth with the degree earned," suggests Shannon, who also notes that this is what she did before deciding that she wanted to be a professional counselor.

Plan on earning one or more advanced degrees.

Depending on what area of counseling interests you, you may need substantial training beyond the bachelor's degree. Psychiatrists, for example, are medical doctors who have successfully completed medical school. Clinical psychologists typically have earned either a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree. In Shannon's case, she pursued a master's degree and then an Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S.).

"The Educational Specialist Degree is a 30-credit hour program plus internship beyond Master's-level study. In order to become licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor, I had to graduate from a CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accredited program of study, take an exam, complete a portfolio, internship, and accrue 3,000 hours of supervised counseling. In my field, being licensed is mandatory for the practice of counseling. Earning an Educational Specialist degree afforded me the ability to deduct 1,000 hours of supervision, and being a Nationally Certified Counselor is an additional credential that most counselors attain to demonstrate their advanced knowledge in counseling."

Let your heart lead you.

While it's important to educate yourself about various careers in counseling, advice from others may sway you in the direction of traveling down a path that is not right for you and does not fit your personal interests. Some people may encourage you to pursue a particular occupation because it is associated with higher earnings or status, but it's best to listen to your heart before committing one way or the other. When Shannon listened to her heart, she chose the career of her dreams.

"...I knew I had an interest in specializing in the treatment of children with emotional and behavioral problems, so I sought a specialization in play therapy," Shannon explains. "I knew I wanted to help children and adolescents grow into successful adults. I knew I wanted to use my degree to facilitate the growth and strength of today's families."

"If you have a natural talent for working with people, you love taking information and applying it in real life situations and not in a lab or classroom, and you have the diligence, determination, and drive to complete a rigorous course of study, counseling may be a profession for you," Shannon offers to students. "If you enjoy listening to...and helping others, counseling may be for you. If you enjoy assisting others in reaching their full potential through various therapies and do not wish to prescribe medication or do testing, counseling may be for you! Do your research and follow your heart.

Learn more about Takesha Shannon's career as a LPC by clicking on the following link: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2998440/career_spotlight_takesha_shannon_licensed.html?cat=31