Choosing the Right Program
There are many rewarding therapist career paths to choose from. When selecting a training program, reflect on your strengths, interests, and the populations you hope to serve. Programs range from counseling, social work, psychology, marriage and family therapy, and more. Each has its own educational requirements, so research options thoroughly.
Finding the Right Fit
Look for accredited programs that provide both academic coursework and supervised fieldwork. This hands-on experience working with real clients under supervision is invaluable preparation for a career as a therapist. Seek out faculty who are practicing therapists themselves to benefit from their clinical expertise.
Developing Core Competencies
A quality therapist training program will help you develop skills in assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, intervention, cultural competence, ethics and legal issues. Through field placements, you’ll gain experience collaborating with clients, families, and other professionals. Identify programs that specialize in your areas of interest.
Self-Care and Lifelong Learning
Pursuing work as a therapist can be demanding yet rewarding. Nurture personal self-care practices and maintain professional connections to avoid burnout. Therapists must engage in continuing education throughout their careers as best practices evolve. An excellent grad program will teach you how to evaluate research to inform your work.