If you’re thinking of becoming a counsellor, but just don’t have a clue on how to go about it, then fear not! You are at the right place.
Being a practising counsellor myself, I have been through the same stage where I was interested in the thought of a career in counselling, but wasn’t sure if it was meant for me or not.
I was very passionate about helping people and encouraging them to find paths to make positive changes in their lives. With time I realised that this is something that aligns with my expectations from life. I then took a decision of pursuing it further as my career, and I am happy to say that I am continuously growing in this field.
That’s why today I want to help you find a similar clarity too.
To start off, here are a few questions that may help you understand if you are heading in the right direction or not:
Do you enjoy helping people?
Do you want to have a positive impact on people’s lives?
Do you enjoy spending time with people and helping them talk about their feelings?
If you answered ‘yes’ to all three questions, then counselling may just be your true calling. However, there is a lot to consider before you take that plunge.
Who is a Counsellor?
A counsellor is someone who helps people in need by providing them with support when they experience emotional difficulties and guides people on personal, career, lifestyle, and relationship issues.
A counsellor:
- Works with individuals and groups to improve their mental health and well-being.
- Helps clients define goals, plan actions and gain insights.
- Develops pathways to the goal with different alternatives.
- Acts as a facilitator to reach goals.
- Takes care of holistic (mind and body) health.
Recommended Read: Exhaustive Guide to Becoming a Psychologist and its Scope in India
Different Types of Counsellors
A counsellor supports and guides clients with issues, which can arise in any sphere of their lives. As a result, a counsellor can don many hats and work in many different domains. Here are the 4 most common types of counsellors.
1. School Counsellor
School counsellors work at the school level (usually as an in-house counsellor) and help students to deal with social, behavioural, personal and academic problems that arise at this crucial stage of their lives.
2. Rehabilitation Counsellor
Rehabilitation counsellors help people deal with the personal, social, and vocational effects of disabilities. They help people with both physical and emotional disabilities caused by birth defects, illness or disease, accidents, and other causes.
3. Mental Health Counsellor
Mental health counsellors address and treat mental and emotional disorders. They use therapeutic techniques to deal with issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction, suicidal impulses, stress, trauma, low self-esteem, grief, etc.
4. Career Counsellor
Career counsellors (like me) help high school students, college students and working professionals to find direction in their career and resolve career-related issues. They help people to know and understand themselves to make career, educational, and life decisions.
How to Become a Counsellor in India
Now that you are clearer on what counselling actually is, let’s get to the main point: how do you become one?
Step 1: Opt for any Stream with Psychology in Class 12th
You can hail from any stream in class 12th, however, you should keep Psychology in your list of subjects (not mandatory). The PCB stream may also give you some advantage when dealing with the physiological and neurological aspects of Psychology.
Step 2: Pursue B.A/B.Sc in Psychology or Applied Psychology for 3 years
The next step in your journey is to take up Psychology for your undergraduation.
Knowledge of areas like general psychology, abnormal psychology, counselling psychology, personality psychology and statistics is useful for a career in counselling. You should also aim to do as many internships in the domain of counselling to get hands-on experience while witnessing the daily job roles of a counsellor.
It will additionally demonstrate dedication to the profession and potentially put you in contact with professionals who can help you in gaining skills.
Some leading colleges to pursue B.A /B.Sc. in Psychology/Applied psychology in India:
- Delhi University, New Delhi
- Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi
- Ambedkar University, New Delhi
- Panjab University, Chandigarh
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
- Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
- Fergusson College, Pune
- Christ University, Bangalore
Step 3: Pursue M.A/M.Sc in Counselling Psychology/Psychology/Applied Psychology for 2 years
To gain the practical knowledge of your field, and to specialise in counselling, you’ll need a master’s degree. You will study about counselling theories, social and cultural diversity issues in counselling, career development and counselling, research methods and much more. You’ll also complete internships and dissertation work to meet the criteria to receive the degree.
Admission to the various colleges will be through entrance exams or your marks in graduation along with the interview. Many institutes let you take up psychology for your master’s even if you have not studied it at the undergraduate level.
Some leading colleges to pursue M.A / M.Sc. in Psychology/Counselling Psychology in India:
- Delhi University, New Delhi
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
- Ambedkar University, New Delhi
- Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi
- Christ University, Bengaluru
- Ashoka University, Sonepat
- Panjab University, Chandigarh
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
- Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
- Fergusson College, Pune
4. Pursue a PG Diploma in Guidance and Counselling for 1 year (Optional Step)
An additional step you can take to actually double down on your counselling skills is to do a 1-year diploma in guidance and counselling. Numerous institutes offer this course, to help you hone your counselling skills and gain practical knowledge and certification in counselling.
Such diploma courses are particularly relevant for people who do not hold a master’s in psychology, yet want to build their career in counselling. Try to ensure that the course you pursue is recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).
A few institutes offering PG Diploma in Guidance and Counselling include:
- Delhi University, Delhi
- Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi
- National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), New Delhi
- National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development, New Delhi
- CVM Institute of Human Resource Development, Gujarat
- Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak
- SGT University, Gurgaon
Note – We are discussing the most recommended path to become a counsellor. You may choose not to go this way. For example, many people alternatively pursue a Master’s in Social Work to enter the field of counselling (esp. by following it up with a PG diploma in counselling).
However, at least one degree in Psychology is highly recommended, since it helps you understand the intricacies of the human mind, and enables you to better face the challenges of the field.
How to Become a Career Counsellor in India
Career counselling is something other than simply settling on a major and what work you need to get after one graduates. Since career keeps developing over one’s lifetime, career counselling too is a multi-step, deep-rooted process, helping people make career and life choices.
The objective of career counselling is not just to enable one to settle on the choices they have to make presently, but to give them the information and abilities to settle on future career and life choices as well.
To start practising as a career counsellor, you’ll need to follow the same pathway as I mentioned above, and get as much practical exposure to career counselling as possible, through relevant internships. Additionally, you can get certification courses in career counselling to enhance your skills, such as the International Certified Career Coach (ICCC) program by Mindler and Career Development Alliance (CDA).
Recommended Read: 5 Reasons Why Career Counselling Can Steer Your Career in the Right Direction
Scope of Counselling in India
Gone are those days when people used to approach their elders for guidance in each and every phase of life. Due to changes in our lifestyle, society and families, individuals are increasingly facing the need to get guidance and support at different phases in their lives. As a result, the scope of counselling in India is also increasing exponentially.
After completing your post-graduation, a few of the areas you can work in include:
- Schools, colleges, and other educational institutes
- Psychological counselling centres
- Marriage and relationship counselling agencies
- Organisations and workplaces
Summing Up
In addition to the basic degree requirements, you’ll also need to possess certain personal qualities such as empathy, interpersonal skills, patience, resilience, good listening and communication skills, and above all, immense passion to do good for others.
So if you have decided that you want to build your career in this field, step forward and be the person people can turn to in times of trouble. All the best!
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Becoming a psychologist is not as difficult as you may think. It is a lot of hard work, and you need to be passionate about the field, but it is a realistic goal. If you love understanding people and the human mind and are willing to work hard, you have the essential qualities needed to be a psychologist. This blog will look at the different steps you need to take to become a psychologist and everything you must know about this degree, including why you would want to choose this as a career.
What is Psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes. Psychologists analyse a person’s reactions, emotions, and behaviour, and then use what they’ve learned to address the resulting behavioural issues. Psychologists are in charge of identifying psychological, emotional, and behavioural concerns and diagnosing specific disorders, using data gathered from patient interviews, tests and records, and medical reference sources. The psychologist’s role also includes developing an individualised treatment plan for each patient and modifying it over time.
How to Become a Psychologist in India?
The following are the prerequisites for becoming a licenced psychologist:
- Pass the 10+2 exam, preferably with Psychology as a subject.
- A Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree is required in Psychology. The curriculum focuses on personality development, psychotherapy, stress management, and neuro-psychology.
- Postgraduate specialisation is available, with an MA or M.Sc. in Psychology, Social Work, or Counselling.
- PhD or M.Phil degrees are also offered for further specialisation at the doctoral level.
Top Colleges in India to Become a Psychologist
Universities in India
Location
Fees Structure (USD) 2022
Christ University
Bangalore
2 L-11 L
Jamia Millia Islamia
Delhi
19.4 K – 24 K
University of Mysore
Mysore
37.39 K – 1.9 L
IGNOU
Delhi
3.5 K – 18.6 K
LPU
Jalandhar
83 K – 3.6 L
Manipal College of Health Profession
Manipal
2.1 L – 7.36 L
University of Hyderabad
Hyderabad
52.1 K – 81.31 K
Ashoka University
Delhi
25.25 L
FLAME University
Pune
19.85 L
Symbiosis School of Liberal Arts
Pune
16.3 L
Top Universities Abroad to Become a Psychologist
Universities in Abroad
Country
QS Ranking
Fees Structure 2022
Harvard University
USA
1
51,904 USD per academic year
Stanford University
USA
2
$52,857 per year
University of Oxford
UK
3
£31,030
University of Cambridge
UK
4
£35,517
University of California (UCB)
USA
5
$15,000 per semester
University of California (LA)
USA
6
$2275.00/month
Yale University
USA
8
$84,525
University of Michigan
USA
10
$28,317
MIT
UK
9
$53,450 annually
UCL
UK
7
£22,200
Eligibility Criteria for Psychology Abroad & Admission Process
Undergraduate
Suppose you are looking for a bachelor’s degree in Psychology overseas. In that case, you should ideally have two things: a thorough comprehension of Science and Mathematics and a broad perspective and foundation in social sciences. There is currently no such requirement.
The academic requirements for undergraduate studies are roughly classified by the type of degree offered by the university. FOR EXAMPLE, a B. A. (Bachelor of Arts) would prefer a student with a background in Arts and Humanities. In contrast, a BSc or Bachelor of Science in Psychology would choose Science disciplines such as Biology, Organic Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Masters
- Secondary schooling in your own country must be completed.
- A strong interest in psychology.
- Test results for English language skills that are satisfactory.
- A bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology or a related discipline, is required for postgraduate studies.
The application process for studying abroad is time-consuming, and applicants must begin preparing well in advance of their expected start date. Because application deadlines are sometimes established long before the semester, it is crucial to start the admissions process as soon as possible.
Admission process
- Choosing a country, university, and field of study
- Request application forms from universities.
- Taking the necessary tests
- Essays and recommendation letters must be organised and prepared.
- Completing and submitting application forms and required papers such as visas, appropriate finances, test scores, etc.
- Reporting different test scores to universities, such as TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS, and your prior education scores.
Cost to Study Psychology Abroad
Degree
Country
Fees
Master’s
Australia
32,000 AUD to 50,400 AUD
Undergraduate
USA
$25,905
Graduate
USA
$19,122
Master’s
UK
20,000 to 50,000 GBP
Bachelor’s
Canada
20,000 CAD to 60,000 CAD
Master’s
Canada
18,000 CAD to 48,000 CAD
Master’s
New Zealand
31,000 NZD to 44,500 NZD
Undergraduate
Germany
€1,500 per annum
Graduate
Germany
€1,500 per annum
Role of Psychologist Abroad
International psychology combines practical and theoretical elements to provide interventions for individuals and organisations working across several cultural and international contexts. Those who get a degree in international psychology can learn to be global leaders who comprehend different cultures. In an increasingly globalised environment, an international psychology degree can also lead to a profession promoting social justice. International psychologists can serve as counsellors to support patients and build future mental health treatment plans. Counsellors typically deal with their patients on daily decision-making, health difficulties, relationships, and job decisions.
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Career Opportunities and Salary Abroad
Social worker: A social worker helps people going through difficult times in their lives. Divorcing couples, children in foster care, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and victims of abuse or crime may all benefit from the services of a social worker.
Educationalist Psychologist: Psychologists use their understanding of how the brain works to help children with unique needs. Psychologists excel in the educational industry due to detecting students’ subtleties and gestures.
Organisational psychologist: International psychologists can apply their specialised knowledge in broader organisations.
Counsellor: International psychologists can serve as counsellors to support patients and build future mental health treatment plans.
Psychotherapist: A psychotherapist works with people, families, and couples to assist them in managing marital problems, divorce or separation, job and family stress, and addictions.
Careers After Pursuing Psychology
Career
Average Salary
Psychiatrist
$216,090
Industrial-Organisational Psychologist
$102,530
Neuropsychologist
$90,460
Forensic Psychologist
$59,440
Clinical Psychologist
$81,330
Engineering Psychologist
$79,818
Counselling Psychologist
$72,540
School Psychologist
$58,360
Sports Psychologist
$55,000
AECC Global can assist you in pursuing your dreams where you can get end-to-end assistance from choosing the right place to visa services.
FAQs About How to Become a Psychologist
How much does a Psychologist earn in India?
The average salary of a Psychologist in India with 3 years of experience is around 30k per month.
Is being a Psychologist a good career in India?
Yes. Being a Psychologist is a good career choice in India. There are many subdivisions in Psychology which are Clinical, Counseling, Industrial, Educational and Forensic Psychology. Among the above, Clinical Psychology is the best established Psychology in India.
What is the minimum qualification to become a Psychologist in India?
To become a Psychologist in India, aspirants must have completed the Bachelor of Science degree with a specialisation in Psychology.
Is MBBS required to become a Psychologist?
No. MBBS is not required to become a Psychologist. A Bachelor degree in Psychology followed by a Masters in Psychology would be more than enough to become a professional Psychologist.
