Counseling Psychology

Counseling psychology is a general practice and health service provider specialty in professional
psychology. It focuses on how people function both personally and in their relationships at all
ages. Counseling psychology addresses the emotional, social, work, school and physical health
concerns people may have at different stages in their lives, focusing on typical life stresses and
more severe issues with which people may struggle as individuals and as a part of families,
groups and organizations. Counseling psychologists help people with physical, emotional and
mental health issues improve their sense of well‐being, alleviate feelings of distress and resolve
crises. They also provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of more severe psychological
symptoms.
Specialized Knowledge

Across all stages of development (i.e., childhood, adolescence, adulthood and older age),
counseling psychologists focus on:
 Healthy aspects and strengths of clients (whether being seen as individuals, couples,
families, groups or organizations.
 Environmental/situational influences (how cultural, gender and lifestyle issues shape
people’s experiences and concerns).
 Issues of diversity and social justice (e.g., advocacy). 
 The role of career and work in peoples’ lives.
Problems Addressed
The problems addressed by counseling psychology are addressed from developmental (lifespan),
environmental and cultural perspectives. They include, but are not limited to:
 School and career/work adjustment concerns.
 Making decisions about career and work, and dealing with school‐work‐retirement
transitions.
 Relationship difficulties‐including marital and family difficulties.
 Learning and skill deficits.
 Stress management and coping with negative life events.
 Organizational problems.
 Dealing with and adjusting to physical disabilities, disease or injury.
 Personal/social adjustment.
 The development of one’s identity.
 Persistent difficulties with relating to other people in general.
 Mental disorders.
Skills & Procedures Utilized
The procedures and techniques used within counseling psychology include, but are not limited
to:
 Individual, family and group counseling and psychotherapy.
 Crisis intervention, disaster and trauma management.
 Assessment techniques for the diagnosis of psychological disorders.
 Programs/workshops that educate and inform the public about mental health, school,
family, relationship and workplace issues so that problems can be prevented before they start or
reduced before they get worse.
 Consulting with organizations.
 Program evaluation and treatment outcome (e.g., client progress).
 Training.
 Clinical supervision.
 Test construction and validation.
 Research methodologies for scientific investigations.
Population Served
Clients served by counseling psychologists include individuals, groups (including couples and
families) and organizations. Counseling psychologists work with individual clients of all ages,
such as children who have behavioral problems; late adolescents with educational and career
concerns or substance abuse problems; adults facing marital or family difficulties, career
changes, or overcoming disabilities; and older adults facing retirement. They work with groups
to assist them in finding solutions to many of these same problems, as well as to improve the
personal and interpersonal functioning of group members. Counseling psychologists also consult
with organizations (e.g., businesses) and work groups to help provide a work environment in
which people can succeed, and to enhance the ability of organizations to increase productivity
and effectiveness.