Counseling Psychology: A Specialized Field in Practical Psychology

Running head: PSYCHOLOGY
COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY
Name of the Student
Name of the University
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Introduction
Recently, the field of psychology and psychiatry has seen some major developments.
The reason that has been attributed to this development is the increased demand for
psychological counsellors and practitioners. In the last fifty years it has been seen that the
reports of mental health issues in patients have significantly increased. Many research
indicate that the expanding employment options and the growing demands of an enhanced
and improved lifestyle has put an unassumingly large amount of mental strain on people.
People have claimed that their desires to lead a sophisticated lifestyle has rendered their
ability to perform seamlessly in their daily activities, difficult. That is why, there is an
immediate requirement of psychiatrists / practicing psychologists in the field. When it comes
to dealing with psychological issues in people, one crucial aspect of interpersonal differences
that we need to remember is that people differ on the basis of varied interpersonal traits,
lifestyles, job and educational requirements as well as socio – cultural components like
family stability, discrimination etc. These are the factors that influence how the personality
and behavior of a person would evolve and impact their future lives. In this paper, twelve
different types of specialized professions in the field of clinical psychology would be
mentioned, discussed in detail. Focus will be given on Counseling Psychology and how being
a Counseling Psychologist can be a fruitful and effective profession in the current job market.
Careers in Psychology
As far as careers in psychology are considered, there are various specialized subfields
that can be considered building an effective profession in practicing psychology (Kuther &
Morgan, 2012). Various domains of work like education, sports, health, industrial etc. are
concerned with the effective functioning of their internal members. However, as the pressure
for performance grows, the requirement for an effective mental health support system also

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increases. There are twelve distinct specialized career options available in practical
psychology. They are as listed below:
 Child Psychologist – this career is concerned with the mental health and wellbeing
of children. Practitioners of this career help children cope with issues like parental
troubles, domestic violence, education related stress etc (Piaget, 2015).
Child psychologists work in various locations ranging from home and clinic based
practices to schools and early education centers and even juvenile correction
homes.
 Counseling Psychologist – this is a specialized field where focus is given on
research and practical evaluation of outcomes of psychiatric assessment and
intervention of patients based on counselling.
The most commonly practiced psychological therapeutic profession, counselling
psychologists practice their sessions either privately or in registered clinics and
counselling centers. Upon the seriousness of the clients, they may even provide
home therapy solutions.
 Clinical Psychologist – this kind of a practice entails direct meetings with clients
to identify their emotional, mental and behavioral problems in their lives, and
through carefully planned observations and analyses, help them get out of those
issues by implementing clinical procedures (Kuther & Morgan, 2012).
Most clinical psychologists work within the health and social care settings like
hospitals and nursing homes, but can also work with child/adolescent mental
health centers as well as old age homes as consultants.
 Developmental Psychologist – Developmental psychologists study humans across
their lifespan. They are concerned with identifying various aspects from their

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growth and development like personality changes, socio – cultural and cognitive
developments etc (Baltes, Reese & Lipsitt, 1980).
Developmental psychologists usually work within a healthcare system but also
can be employed at living homes, orphanages, mental health clinics and daycare
centers.
 Experimental Psychologist – This career entails the use of various scientific
methods and techniques for collecting data and performing research. The
background of vast psychological parameters are studied in this process.
Experimental psychologists are directed by the requirement of research based
psychological interventions and results. Their work also ranges within a variety of
fields like trauma centers and asylums to private research centers and universities.
They analyze psychological statistical data and perform research experimentation.
 Forensic Psychologist – Forensic psychologists are concerned with studying and
analyzing research data from criminal events and incidents to identify the
mentality of criminals and how they function. They can be helpful in predicting
behavioral outcomes of criminals.
Forensic psychologists work within the legal and criminal justice system but can
also work under universities and government and non-government research
organizations, forensic laboratories and in public safety departments as
consultants.
 Industrial-Organizational Psychologist - Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
uses psychological theories, practices and examples to solve problems in the
workplace and help in improving the quality of life. Their focus is on workplace
productivity, management and employee working styles.