7 answers
Chloe
Student
Renton, Washington
1
Question
Asked
1321 views
how can I get experience in the counseling/psychology field before I am in college?
I am a current high school senior who wants to go on to become a licensed counselor/theripist. I am currently job-searching and thought it would be amazing to get some pre-undergrad experience! #psychology #counseling #experience
7 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1347
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Chloe if you are thinking about majoring in psychology when you get to college, it is a good idea to start preparing as soon as possible. Taking specific high school courses can help you succeed in your college-level psychology classes. Just because your high school has a limited selection of psychology classes does not mean that you'll be shortchanged on your academic preparation for college.
CLASSES YOU SHOULD BE TAKING NOW
Generally, you should focus on building a solid background in science and math while you are in high school. Excellent writing and communication skills are also essential, so English and speech courses can also be beneficial. In order to get a better idea of what high school classes you should take, schedule an appointment with your guidance counselor to discuss your academic plans. Your counselor can offer further advice on which courses might help you reach your goals. Consider taking some of the following courses while you're in high school:
• Algebra and statistics: Statistics play a vital role in research, and nearly all psychology programs require at least one statistics course. High school math classes help you prepare for the demands of college. These courses will help you learn more about concepts including independent and dependent variables, exponents, probability, and graphs.
AP Psychology: If your high school offers an AP Psychology course, then you should take advantage of this great opportunity. Not only does this course provide a great introduction to psychology, but it may also allow you the chance to earn college credits that will give you a head start on your degree.
• Biology: Psychology and biology have a great deal in common, so taking high school biology courses can be very helpful. During your university studies, you will cover topics such as cell biology, human anatomy, brain anatomy, genetics, and evolution — topics all covered in high school biology courses.
• English/writing/speech: Psychology students are expected to communicate effectively, both in verbal speech and in writing. Taking writing and speech courses in high school is a good way to develop solid communication skills that will be very useful later on.
• Social sciences: Many university psychology programs recommend that high school students take plenty of social science courses including economics, history, government, geography, and sociology. These courses help increase your general knowledge base and help you develop critical thinking skills for your academic and professional career.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Because of the confidential nature of the work psychologists do, it’s unlikely you’d be able to shadow a psychologist who is working with clients. You might instead volunteer for a crisis intervention center or some other organization that uses volunteers to assist people in need. Other kinds of work might be helping on a hotline, working with troubled children, tutoring a child with a difficulty such as autism, or becoming a camp counselor. Any kind of role that encourages you to pay attention to others, use good listening skills, and to try to be helpful can be a good first step for the field.
American Psychological Association Summer Programs in Psychology for High School Students • https://www.apa.org/science/resources/summer-student-programs
Volunteering for Students of Psychology and Social Work • https://www.goeco.org/tags/volunteering-for-students-of-psychology-and-social-work
Online Psychology Class for High School Students • https://www.eachieve.com/OnlineSocialStudiesCourses/PsychologyClass
CLASSES YOU SHOULD BE TAKING NOW
Generally, you should focus on building a solid background in science and math while you are in high school. Excellent writing and communication skills are also essential, so English and speech courses can also be beneficial. In order to get a better idea of what high school classes you should take, schedule an appointment with your guidance counselor to discuss your academic plans. Your counselor can offer further advice on which courses might help you reach your goals. Consider taking some of the following courses while you're in high school:
• Algebra and statistics: Statistics play a vital role in research, and nearly all psychology programs require at least one statistics course. High school math classes help you prepare for the demands of college. These courses will help you learn more about concepts including independent and dependent variables, exponents, probability, and graphs.
AP Psychology: If your high school offers an AP Psychology course, then you should take advantage of this great opportunity. Not only does this course provide a great introduction to psychology, but it may also allow you the chance to earn college credits that will give you a head start on your degree.
• Biology: Psychology and biology have a great deal in common, so taking high school biology courses can be very helpful. During your university studies, you will cover topics such as cell biology, human anatomy, brain anatomy, genetics, and evolution — topics all covered in high school biology courses.
• English/writing/speech: Psychology students are expected to communicate effectively, both in verbal speech and in writing. Taking writing and speech courses in high school is a good way to develop solid communication skills that will be very useful later on.
• Social sciences: Many university psychology programs recommend that high school students take plenty of social science courses including economics, history, government, geography, and sociology. These courses help increase your general knowledge base and help you develop critical thinking skills for your academic and professional career.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Because of the confidential nature of the work psychologists do, it’s unlikely you’d be able to shadow a psychologist who is working with clients. You might instead volunteer for a crisis intervention center or some other organization that uses volunteers to assist people in need. Other kinds of work might be helping on a hotline, working with troubled children, tutoring a child with a difficulty such as autism, or becoming a camp counselor. Any kind of role that encourages you to pay attention to others, use good listening skills, and to try to be helpful can be a good first step for the field.
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Lynn Jordan
Social Work
2
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Lynn’s Answer
If you are looking for paid employment you could apply at any organization or hospital the provides counseling services. This would allow you to either get hands on experience or to observe professionals already in the field. It is a good idea to seek a job related to your career goal but don’t forget about volunteering while you are in college. Volunteering will provide an opportunity to experience a variety of counseling settings.
Thanks so much!
Chloe
Katie McCord
Elementary School Counselor
3
Answers
Severna Park, Maryland
Updated
Katie’s Answer
John's recommendations are really great. I'm a school counselor, and I'm not allowed to have interns who aren't in a master's program. I do have a mentoring program for high school and college students. It's not counseling, but it's exposure to the population that the student's are interested in.
If you have a population - kids, adults, elderly, etc that you know you are interested in working with in the future, I suggest you find ways to mentor or support people in some way in that population. You might also consider a job or volunteer work with a mental health group that isn't counseling, but puts you in touch with the counseling field of work. For example, in Annapolis, Maryland we have a business called Pathways that helps people struggling with addiction and provides counseling. Some jobs are not counselors, but you get an idea of how this operation may work and make some connections. Confidentiality is important, so it isn't possible for you to provide counseling prior to being in a program.
There are also many causes, such as suicide awareness, that are related that you could get involved with. Just being a teen, you are probably counseling your peers pretty often. Learn what you can and make sure to refer those in need to get help from a counseling source. Ask lots of questions to those in the field, just soak it up to understand what counseling really is and whether it's for you.
Good luck! I love your interest and passion.
If you have a population - kids, adults, elderly, etc that you know you are interested in working with in the future, I suggest you find ways to mentor or support people in some way in that population. You might also consider a job or volunteer work with a mental health group that isn't counseling, but puts you in touch with the counseling field of work. For example, in Annapolis, Maryland we have a business called Pathways that helps people struggling with addiction and provides counseling. Some jobs are not counselors, but you get an idea of how this operation may work and make some connections. Confidentiality is important, so it isn't possible for you to provide counseling prior to being in a program.
There are also many causes, such as suicide awareness, that are related that you could get involved with. Just being a teen, you are probably counseling your peers pretty often. Learn what you can and make sure to refer those in need to get help from a counseling source. Ask lots of questions to those in the field, just soak it up to understand what counseling really is and whether it's for you.
Good luck! I love your interest and passion.
These are great ideas! Thanks so much for your time!!
Chloe
Gina Cabrera
EC
114
Answers
Hernando, Florida
Updated
Gina’s Answer
Gaining experience in the counseling/psychology field before college can be a valuable way to explore your interests and gain insight into the profession. Here are some suggestions to consider:
1. Volunteer at local organizations: Look for volunteer opportunities at counseling centers, mental health clinics, crisis hotlines, or community organizations that provide support services. This can give you exposure to the field and allow you to observe and assist professionals in their work.
2. Reach out to professionals: Contact local counselors, therapists, or psychologists and inquire about shadowing or internship opportunities. Many professionals are open to mentoring and providing hands-on experience to aspiring students.
3. Seek research opportunities: Reach out to psychology departments at local colleges or universities to inquire about research assistant positions. Assisting with research projects can provide valuable exposure to the field and help you develop research skills.
4. Take relevant courses or workshops: Look for online courses, workshops, or seminars related to counseling or psychology. These can provide you with foundational knowledge and demonstrate your commitment to learning about the field.
5. Join relevant clubs or organizations: Get involved in clubs or organizations at your high school or in your community that focus on mental health, counseling, or psychology. This can provide opportunities to engage in discussions, attend events, and connect with like-minded individuals.
6. Start a blog or podcast: Consider starting a blog or podcast where you can share your thoughts, research, or experiences related to counseling or psychology. This can help you develop your communication skills and demonstrate your passion for the field.
7. Read books and research articles: Take the time to read books, research articles, and blogs related to counseling and psychology. This can deepen your understanding of the field and expose you to different perspectives and approaches.
Remember, while gaining experience is valuable, it's important to respect professional boundaries and confidentiality. Always seek permission and guidance from professionals when engaging in any hands-on experiences. Additionally, pursuing a formal education in counseling or psychology, such as a bachelor's degree or higher, will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to become a licensed counselor or therapist.
1. Volunteer at local organizations: Look for volunteer opportunities at counseling centers, mental health clinics, crisis hotlines, or community organizations that provide support services. This can give you exposure to the field and allow you to observe and assist professionals in their work.
2. Reach out to professionals: Contact local counselors, therapists, or psychologists and inquire about shadowing or internship opportunities. Many professionals are open to mentoring and providing hands-on experience to aspiring students.
3. Seek research opportunities: Reach out to psychology departments at local colleges or universities to inquire about research assistant positions. Assisting with research projects can provide valuable exposure to the field and help you develop research skills.
4. Take relevant courses or workshops: Look for online courses, workshops, or seminars related to counseling or psychology. These can provide you with foundational knowledge and demonstrate your commitment to learning about the field.
5. Join relevant clubs or organizations: Get involved in clubs or organizations at your high school or in your community that focus on mental health, counseling, or psychology. This can provide opportunities to engage in discussions, attend events, and connect with like-minded individuals.
6. Start a blog or podcast: Consider starting a blog or podcast where you can share your thoughts, research, or experiences related to counseling or psychology. This can help you develop your communication skills and demonstrate your passion for the field.
7. Read books and research articles: Take the time to read books, research articles, and blogs related to counseling and psychology. This can deepen your understanding of the field and expose you to different perspectives and approaches.
Remember, while gaining experience is valuable, it's important to respect professional boundaries and confidentiality. Always seek permission and guidance from professionals when engaging in any hands-on experiences. Additionally, pursuing a formal education in counseling or psychology, such as a bachelor's degree or higher, will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to become a licensed counselor or therapist.
Renee Rosen
social work
1
Answer
Freehold Township, New Jersey
Updated
Renee’s Answer
When I was a High School student, before going to college to study Psychology and then later a Masters in social work , I volunteered at a homeless shelter where I was able to work with children. My senior year of High School I was required to do a service and I worked in a nursery school. These helped me to know that I wanted to specialize in children. Good luck
Thank you!!
Chloe
Michael Henson
Retired
42
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Michael’s Answer
You can ask your guidance counselor for an introductory letter to a neighborhood psychologist/counselor office, asking if you can shadow them! They can construct a letter or apply an exception like they do for interns. I’m sure there are laws to protect the client and you may have to have your parents sign any waivers they may have on your behalf! Hope this helps
Awesome, thank you!!
Chloe
Khushboo Madan
5
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Khushboo’s Answer
Undertaking internships, shadowing and connecting with experts in the field and learning from their experiences can help a lot in understanding the nuances of the field. You can also do volunteer work with any nonprofit organization that is working with children, elders or is providing support to a specific group of people.
Thank you!!!
Chloe
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