Human mind has been a mystery for years now. All the discoveries and research are helping us understand our minds better. With the new insight, it is also becoming easier to treat people’s mental illnesses. The awareness and information is helping people speak up and seek help for their mental disorders. This has led to an increased demand for therapists and mental health counselors. If you are a graduate with a psychology degree who wants to help people live better lives, here are the top five postgraduate courses you can pursue to become a therapist.
1. MSc in Clinical Mental Health Counselling
MSc in Clinical Mental Health Counselling is a two years degree that can be pursued both online and in-person. The course focuses on theories and practical skills required to evaluate and treat mental health disorders. The core subjects are Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Psychopathology, Crisis and Trauma Counseling, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment, Couples and Family Therapy, Psychological Testing and Assessment Techniques, Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling, and Law and Ethics for Counseling Professionals. The students must do an internship and practicum in Mental Health Counseling.
They can also specialise in any one of the following areas: Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counseling, Career Counseling, Child and Adolescent Counseling, Eating Disorders, Marriage and Family Counseling, and Trauma Counseling. This will help the students work in their area of expertise, increasing their job opportunities.
2. MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy
MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy is a two to four year course that can be done as full-time or part-time course. The course aims to familiarize students with the modern theoretical and research-based approaches and develop them to be professionally trained individuals. The course focuses on Psychotherapeutic Relationship, Personality Theory, Counselling Case Analysis, Counselling Practicum, Mental Health and Psychopathology, and Research Methods.
The clinical practice helps the students practice and experience the cultural, ethical and social parameters that play a vital role. The students upon completion of the course will be able to choose the appropriate, research-based, and practical techniques to help their patients.
3. MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a two years full-time degree, which can also be finished in four years as a part-time course. This course is highly beneficial to those who want to work in the healthcare industry. CBT is a form of therapy that focuses on altering dysfunctional emotions, behaviors and thoughts by changing negative or irrational beliefs.
The subjects of study are Principles of CBT, CBT for Anxiety Disorders and Depression, Assessment and Formulation Skills in CBT, Application of CBT, and Introduction to Complex Adaptation of CBT. The students also have to do a dissertation on a research project based on a specialisation of their choice.
4. MA Social Work
MA in Social Work is a two year full-time degree. It aims to equip the students with knowledge, skills and social practices to become an effective and empathetic social worker. The course deals with Human Development and Social Relationships, Law and Social Policy, Social Adversity, Risk and Resilience, and Organisations and Inter-professional Practice. The students also have to attend various social work and theory practice sessions.
The student’s knowledge about social relations, ethical and legal practices, and experience from field work equips them to be counselors as well. They can get a state license upon graduation to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). This allows them to practice clinical psychotherapy.
5. Msc in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy
MSc in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy is a three years course with clinical practice sessions. Psychodynamic therapy is a perspective oriented therapy, where the client’s mental and emotional states are analysed. This greatly deals with the subconscious mind and unconscious processes of the person. This course is highly beneficial for working in organizations and groups, as the students understand individual behavior and relationship dynamics in depth.
The core subjects include Clinical and Observational Skills, Development of a Professional Attitude, Psychodynamic Skills and Techniques of Practice, Psychodynamic theory and Organizational Understanding and Clinical Thinking. The students also have to do clinical placements during second and third year.
These 5 courses can make your dream of becoming a counselor or therapist true. One can obtain a state or national license upon course completion. You can find work as a therapist or counselors in schools, universities, and hospitals. You can also practice individually or work as a telephone or online therapist. Telephone therapy is a great way to help people in remote areas to get therapy, from the comfort of your home. The comfortable work hours help in managing your work, life balance. Let’s create healthy and happy minds.