3 answers
Bailey
Student
Rockledge, Florida
1
Question
Updated
356 views
As a college student, how can I best prepare for a career as a counselor or therapist?? #Fall25
I want to be a therapist and I am currently in my 1st year of college.
Login to comment
3 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Bailey. Becoming a counselor or therapist is a rewarding path that allows you to help others overcome challenges, improve their mental health, and build stronger relationships. Since you are already in your first year of college, this is the perfect time to start preparing for this meaningful career.
The first and most important step is to focus on your education. In your undergraduate years, majoring in psychology, sociology, or human development can give you the knowledge base you'll need later. Pay special attention in courses related to mental health, communication, and behavioral science. These subjects help you understand how people think and act.
At the same time, try to gain practical experience. Look for volunteer opportunities, internships, or part-time jobs that let you work with people in supportive roles. For example, you could volunteer at a youth center or school counseling office.
Building strong interpersonal skills is another key part of preparing for this career. Therapists need to be good listeners, patient, and nonjudgmental. Taking classes in communication or joining peer support groups can strengthen your ability to connect with people.
All the best.
The first and most important step is to focus on your education. In your undergraduate years, majoring in psychology, sociology, or human development can give you the knowledge base you'll need later. Pay special attention in courses related to mental health, communication, and behavioral science. These subjects help you understand how people think and act.
At the same time, try to gain practical experience. Look for volunteer opportunities, internships, or part-time jobs that let you work with people in supportive roles. For example, you could volunteer at a youth center or school counseling office.
Building strong interpersonal skills is another key part of preparing for this career. Therapists need to be good listeners, patient, and nonjudgmental. Taking classes in communication or joining peer support groups can strengthen your ability to connect with people.
All the best.
Christina Owens
Senior Technical Writer/Content Consultant
1
Answer
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Christina’s Answer
You’re already doing something powerful—you’re thinking ahead, not just through. That’s how real counselors are made.
Start by studying people, not just psychology. Volunteer, listen, observe. Sit with different kinds of stories and learn to hear what isn’t said.
Grades will get you the degree, but empathy earns the trust. And trust? That’s your true currency in this field.
Keep your will conditioned and your heart aligned.
— Christina Owens | CoachOwens
https://coachowens.com/ | Follow on LinkedIn @CoachOwens 💫🧠
Start by studying people, not just psychology. Volunteer, listen, observe. Sit with different kinds of stories and learn to hear what isn’t said.
Grades will get you the degree, but empathy earns the trust. And trust? That’s your true currency in this field.
Keep your will conditioned and your heart aligned.
— Christina Owens | CoachOwens
https://coachowens.com/ | Follow on LinkedIn @CoachOwens 💫🧠
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1186
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Bailey!
That’s a solid start! Being aware of your "why" at a young age helps you develop into a mindful therapist. Building a foundation of knowledge and empathy is one of the best things you can do now that you're in your first year. Combine electives such as social work, abnormal psychology, and human development into your basic psychology courses.
Engage outside of the classroom by volunteering at community centers or helplines, joining the psychology or peer counseling clubs at your school, and applying for positions as research assistants with professors. These provide you a sense of what a real-world assistance job is like.
Additionally, you should look into graduate programs as soon as possible. A master's degree is required for the majority of counseling and therapy positions, so consider what those programs value. Experience, references, and self-awareness are just as important as GPA.
Above it all, keep in mind that the therapists who endure are the ones who also develop self-care skills. Now is the time to develop that healthy balance. Keep going on your meaningful path with patience and curiosity.
Best wishes!
That’s a solid start! Being aware of your "why" at a young age helps you develop into a mindful therapist. Building a foundation of knowledge and empathy is one of the best things you can do now that you're in your first year. Combine electives such as social work, abnormal psychology, and human development into your basic psychology courses.
Engage outside of the classroom by volunteering at community centers or helplines, joining the psychology or peer counseling clubs at your school, and applying for positions as research assistants with professors. These provide you a sense of what a real-world assistance job is like.
Additionally, you should look into graduate programs as soon as possible. A master's degree is required for the majority of counseling and therapy positions, so consider what those programs value. Experience, references, and self-awareness are just as important as GPA.
Above it all, keep in mind that the therapists who endure are the ones who also develop self-care skills. Now is the time to develop that healthy balance. Keep going on your meaningful path with patience and curiosity.
Best wishes!