Counseling Continuing Education - Choices That Make Sense

Counseling continuing education is more than just a good idea for any professional in psychotherapy. In many states and for many employers, it is a necessity. Because of this, a career minded person must find the time to take the required classes and get the credits needed for licensing. Of course, anyone involved in the field of social work or even private practice understands how little time there is to juggle career, family, free time, and further learning. This is why you have to make smart choices when it comes to getting your credits. Thankfully, there are options available that make it easier to do just that.

Before you sign up for a counseling continuing education class, evaluate how much time you'll have to devote to the requirements. Take a look forward at your immediate schedule and make sure it doesn't conflict with the classes. Today's online options mean that taking in person, classroom-oriented classes isn't always necessary. If you're open to taking online courses, they can be much more flexible. Instead of moving your entire schedule around to make room for the classes, you can move the classes around so they fit your schedule. Careful, though! Don't assume that taking an online class will be easier or less time consuming than an in-person environment.

Online classes aren't the only option for counseling continuing education. Take a close look at your requirements and you may be surprised at the number of options available to you. Seminars and even audiotape courses can often make sense, depending on the requirement. The best thing about recorded lessons is that you can learn at the feet of some of the true masters in the field. Instead of having to take expensive flights around the country to attend seminars given by these experts, you can listen in the comfort of your own home. CD recordings can be listened to in the car. MP3 recordings can be put on your iPod and listened to as you work out, lie in bed, or do whatever activity helps you relax.

If you're interested in more counseling continuing education options, it might be helpful to join an online forum devoted to the topic. The more you interact with others in your field, the easier you may find it to stay plugged into the various options available. Besides, this represents an amazing opportunity to network with others in your field, something that can help you progress in your field and even open up job opportunities you may not have otherwise known about.