Steps to Become a Therapist
Therapist is a broader and generic term used for a number of health care professionals who through counselling and mental health service enrich lives of others. The term can refer to a psychotherapist, substance abuse therapist, rehab therapist and a licensed social worker as well. You have to carefully think and select the area of therapy you want to enter into. Sometimes it is difficult to decide, which area is better for you than other, but if you follow your interests and general tendency of working with people it can help you chose the area you might like the most. A genuine passion for working with people also helps in selection of area of therapy you can pursue with all the interest and energies.
Instructions
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1
Start Planning in Advance
A therapist works in a diverse settings and environment, and interacts with people of different nature. It is better to start assessing your interest, capabilities and level of interaction with people. If you are more relax working with children, then this area of work will suit you more than any other. Similarly, if you enjoying interacting more with elderly people, you follow that population segment as your area of studies. You can also work with sportsmen and sportswomen. -
2
Selection of Course
Once you have assessed and chose your area of interest, looking into courses options and institutions offering those courses. Sometimes you can get more than one subjects that can be helpful in enhancing your knowledge in your area of interest. Selecting a course is a critical stage and can put you on the right path of your career. So take all the information about courses available and related options. -
3
Degree Options
From Master's to Ph.D., there are a number of degree options in different disciplines of therapy. For example, you can pursue a Ph.D degree in psychology, Master's in Psychology, Master's in Counselling or Master's in Social Work. Generally, a Master's programme is the best option to pursue your ambitions in the therapy career, but if there is no other option, and you already have a Master's in a related discipline, doing Ph.D. is not waste of your efforts and resources at all. -
4
Learn about Licensing Requirement, State Rules
Having a degree in the discipline and experience in the field is not enough to become a professional therapist in any area of interest. It is mandatory that you fulfil other regulatory requirement of the state or health department to become eligible for working in the profession. Some states offers a license to professional therapist to allow them pursue their careers after earning required qualification and experience. So while studying or after you finish your course, study about the state rules and licensing requirements.
