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How should I choose between two career options?
I want to be a therapist, but I am not sure if I want to go as far as being a psychologist or just being a counselor. #psychology #therapy #career-path
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Michael’s Answer
Choose the one that doesn’t feel like work!
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Pro’s Answer
If you have multiple interests you might try an Interdisciplinary, Liberal Studies, or General Studies major, that will let you combine multiple interests. Or an Individually Designed major that you can even name yourself.
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Rita’s Answer
That’s a common question a lot of people have! I had the same issue when I was in my undergraduate program- I started as a psychology major but switched to social work because it aligned more with my values. It’s important to understand the general differences between the fields/potential jobs: (these are very general descriptions!)
Social Work: Focuses on the person and their overall environment, pulls from sociological research. Common jobs include counselors, case manager, managers in community outreach programs.
Psychology: focuses on the brain and why people react due to brain function. Counseling as a psychologist focuses more so on inventories, testing, and evaluation of mental disorders.
Psychiatry: Requires medical school and focuses on treating (prescribing) mental disorders. They rarely conduct long term one on one counseling.
Figure out what type of counseling you want to do
Talk to a social work or a psychologist to hear their experiences
Social Work: Focuses on the person and their overall environment, pulls from sociological research. Common jobs include counselors, case manager, managers in community outreach programs.
Psychology: focuses on the brain and why people react due to brain function. Counseling as a psychologist focuses more so on inventories, testing, and evaluation of mental disorders.
Psychiatry: Requires medical school and focuses on treating (prescribing) mental disorders. They rarely conduct long term one on one counseling.
Rita recommends the following next steps:
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Sikawayi’s Answer
I would recommend that you focus on your passion. Being open to new career opportunities is the best thing you can do for yourself. If you focus on the path, you are currently most passionate about then you can redirect as you get into the field. What's great about both of these roles is that they are in the same field, so the skills are transferrable. Best of luck!