Career questions tagged counseling


Psychologists and those alike, have any of you not felt as compassionate towards people as you feel other workers in your field are or have you ever felt before like your job might not be for you because of your social interests? How are things working out now?
I want to be a clinical psychologist in the future but there is a problem. I am an introvert and also have low altruism/compassion towards other people. Is there a way to work on this part of myself or can you still be a psychologists who gives out therapy without caring much for others (at least emotionally)?

How do I choose a career path when I have multiple interests ?
I'm a college psychology major, but I'm also interested in education, counseling, and possibly working abroad. I enjoy mentoring and helping people grow. How can I explore these options without feeling overwhelmed? Thanks!

Is pursuing a career as a Psychiatrist right for me?
Hello there! I am currently a junior in high school. I am very passionate about psychology and would love to become a psychiatrist in the future. I have almost all As and A pluses, including an A in my AP Psychology class. The only problem is, I struggle in math and currently have a C- in my Trigonometry class. I am one class advanced from the average Junior course. Is it essential for me to do well in my math classes to become a Psychiatrist? I am very creative, but math has always been more difficult for me. To those Psychiatrists or Psychologists out there, do you think I have what it takes to pursue a PhD in Psychology or should I shoot for something more attainable? Also to those Psychiatrists out there, what is your work-life balance like? Is it achievable to have quality time with your family outside of work? Thank you for your time!

How to become a better test taker when going from an undergrad program right into a doctorate program?
What helps one person succeed may not be the best way for you to succeed so its important to find your own ways. #Spring25

For those who have entered the professional world as therapists/counselors, have you had a particularly difficult time managing your empathic side when faced with clients' emotions #Spring25?
I cry at the drop of a hat but have heard that training/educational courses help manage this. I wonder at my effectiveness if I have a hard time separating my emotions from those I might counsel.

What sort of advice would you give to someone who is looking to work with sick children if that person is very sensitive; regardless of that weakness, they have a strong passion and love for kids and that’s the only career they see themselves with for the long term?
For context this person wants to pursue a doctorate in the field.

How do you help clients open up with you when starting counseling sessions with you ?
Counseling is extremely dependent on the client seeking help. How do you help make sure the client feels safe to share their issues and not hide them?

Which Psychology Positions are best suited for someone with experience with battered women who experiencing abuse #Spring25?
I've worked with my community park district for ten years and always had the passion to help Battered women but since I didn't have a degree in Psychology my park district wouldn't let me apply, so I decided to go to college and get my degree in Science and Psychology now graduating is approaching it's now time to start searching for my dream organization to join and join other like-minded coworkers helping other Women. #Spring25

What are some things you wish you knew or would have done in graduate school?
What are some things you wish you knew or would have done when in graduate school (specifically mental health counseling degrees)? I am about to enter a graduate program for mental health counseling and I am stressed about everything that is to come (financial aid, loan repayment, managing time between school or personal life, etc). I eventually want to become an animal-assisted therapist focusing on work with veterans. Any recommendations or tips would be helpful! #Spring25

Is it possibly to get internships with psychologists If so then how? ?
I would like to become a psychologist and potentially a psychiatrist, is there any advice or tips that could help through my journey?

What was the hardest part about getting into grad school for counseling? Did you have to have the best grades?
I'm about to graduate high school and I'm majoring in psychology next year with plans of getting my masters in counseling.

What is the most challenging part of opening a private practice as a psychotherapist?
How long did it take you to open a private practice after receiving your counseling license? What were the easiest and most difficult parts of the process? I am beginning a counseling graduate program in the fall and have a goal to open a private practice in New York. Can you move states easily with a private practice?

What was your school journey like to become an Art Therapist?
I am a college freshman at a community college, I know it's awhile down the road before I decide what school I will transfer to but I'm curious. What was your major / minor in for your bachelors degree and what school did you attend for your master's degree? #Spring25

What challenges did you experience when you began counseling?
I am a graduating senior and interested in pursuing a major in counseling, but I am concerned about the challenges I will face if I become a counselor.

What can I do when I am struggling in my classes and how can I prevent myself from stressing myself out from school work?#Spring25
I want to be a police officer and is a criminology and criminal justice major and I am worried I wills struggle in the future.

What advice do you have for an incoming Clinical Mental Health grad student?
I am a 24 yo F that will be attending SMU this Fall to pursue a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am interested in working with adolescents and/or adults, but am having a hard time narrowing it down. I would love to receive advice about grad school, navigating practicum/internships, and what it's like being an LPC-A after graduation. #Spring25

What can a senior psychology major expect when transitioning to a graduate program in Counseling psychology? #Spring25
Moving states, favorite classes have been cognitive psych and developmental psych, interested in art. #Spring25

Where do I start offering free help once im done?
What will be the best way for me to get my name out there and offer free services for low income families once I finish my degree? I want to help people understand legal papers and help them fill them out.

What is the best degree to pursue if I want to help those in natural disaster/poverty stricken areas in global missions?
I am currently leaning towards the counseling approach and might take the psychology degree path.

What kind of questions are on the LPC (to become a licensed therapist) and how can I better prepare myself as a current college student for this exam?
I am about to start my bachelors in the Fall. I understand that I have a long way to go before needing to take the exam, but I want to get a better understanding and work on preparing myself over the years. Being a therapist is all I have ever wanted.

How does it work balancing counseling and research in one’s career in the psychology field?
I am a senior in high school commutes to attending North Carolina State University in the fall and plan to major in psychology with the hopes of doing clinical counseling and research.

What inner wounds must a person confront and heal within themselves in order to truly hold space for the healing of others in a career devoted to social work and counseling??
I've learned in my social work class and from friends who work in the field, that self-care is extremely important in preventing burnout, as well as maintaining a healthy and unbiased relationship with the patients and clients they work with. Would love to get more insight on others' experience with treatment for their own personal issues while working in the field.

What makes a career fulfilling #Spring 2025?
I'm about to start my degree in School Counseling. I've always wanted a career that is meaningful but sometimes I wonder what that actually means!

How can someone incorporate daily self-care while serving in the mental health field?
I am currently a first-year graduate student. Thank you!

What specific skills do you need to be a Mental Health therapist?
What experience do you need? What majors and degrees? Is the communication level difficult, or is it easy to talk to others?

I want to become a marriage and family therapist. Are there any tips or advice I should know, or anything helpful?
I am doing a high school project, and any information would be very helpful and appreciated.

How many years of Education are required, and what degrees are needed to be a clinical psychologist?
I'm a high school student who needs to find information on clinical psychology for my career research project.

What would you say is the most important thing to remember when studying for a major in Psychology?
I am a high school senior getting ready to graduate and I am planning on studying Psychology, it would be great to know tips from people who have studied this. thanks!

How can I help narrow down what field of psychology I want to get in to ?
I'm a freshman in college right now, and I'm still deciding if I want to specialize in clinical psychology.

What are some ways we, as counselors, can ensure our practices are ethical?
Specifically, how can we ensure that patients from all demographics are receiving adequate services? Are there additional ways we can inform ourselves of their specific issues? #Spring25