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What is the hardest part you go through when becoming a child therapist Is it school, the experience afterwards or finding the perfect job? Also, what graduate school would you recommend for this field? ?

College Freshmen
Psychology Major
Wanting to get a degree in counseling eventually

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Annah’s Answer

Ashlyn, I do not know of a best school but as an undergraduate, if possible, I suggest you take courses in child development, gender studies, and sexuality. This is not necessary, but it will all be useful in graduate school. For graduate programs look for a school that offers a CFT credential- this stands for Child Family Therapy. This way most of your work will focus on working with children and families! Some schools also offer additional certifications like play therapy or expressive arts therapies. These are wonderful additions you may be able to add on to your graduate degree. If you know you want to work specifically in schools, go for a school counseling degree. It is also very specific and will teach you criteria necessary to pass the school counseling exam and be able to practice within your state. If you know now you want to go for the child psychology doctorate, you might want to make things easier (as in efficient) and apply to schools that have this option. You may also get your MA first and then return to school later for a PhD or PsyD, if that is desired. As for choosing a school, perhaps start by looking at all the schools in Illinois that have an MA in child family counseling. Then assess each program to see if it meets other criteria you may have, like cost, location, doctorate program, scholarships, etc. The degree of work you put into your degree will equal the amount you get out of it. It does help to have inspiring and talented professors, however. What helped me decide is to visit my school and attend classes for a day. I got to observe students and talk with people to hear firsthand their experience as students. Part of this was about me being able to visualize being there as well- walking the campus and learning with a similar cohort. Working with children also means working with their parents and caregivers; this is a potential challenge. Working with CPS or the court system can take an emotional toll. It can be difficult to reconcile the trauma and neglect that may occur to people at a very young age. Luckily there are also opportunities to help heal the damage and work to build resiliency! Being a therapist is going to be a tough job; there is no way around it. It can also be a gloriously satisfying job. Enjoy the journey! Best of luck.
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