For Careers in Therapy, Continuing Education Is Necessary

For anyone who is interested in having a career in therapy, continuing education will be part of the ongoing path. The individuals who opt for this career field are likely to be of the mindset that they want to help others. They should be compassionate, understanding and trustworthy. They should also have sorted out all of their own quirks and idiosyncrasies in order to be effective clinicians. This profession is an important one in terms of well-being for their patients and clients. They are to the mind as doctors and nurses are to the body, i.e. healers. Here are some points to consider:

- What they do in their line of work: The exact job duties will depend on where they work. They may be in private practice, work for a hospital or clinic, in an elementary or high school, at a business or even in the military. Those in private practice may have individual clients, or see families or couples. The ones who work in hospitals or clinics may assist those who are in behavioral units due to mental illness or substance abuse or that are recovering from physical illnesses, operations and injuries. In schools, counselors may coach and assist young children through college-aged students in achievement, goal setting and other more personal issues. In businesses, a therapist may give personality profile tests, work with personnel in a variety of growth enhancement ways or help individuals who are going through a hard time. In the military, counselors serve veterans and soldiers in an array of ways including challenges such as PTSD and other issues related to this line of work.

- Schooling: In order to become a counselor, therapist or psychologist, an individual will have to attend four years of undergraduate college before applying to a graduate program. He or she will earn a Master's Degree in social work, counseling or a similar field. He or she may go on to earn a Doctorate degree, as well. After completing graduate school, the individual will need to complete a certain number of hours treating patients while being supervised by a licensed professional. Finally a state examination will need to be passed successfully.

- Ongoing education: Throughout the career of therapy, ongoing education courses will need to be taken, called CEUs. These CEUs are mandated by the state in order to keep licensure current and the counselor abreast of current treatment techniques. These courses may be taken online, at a local college or on-site training facility, through their employer or even via a book or DVD. Coursework can be in areas of interest that would best serve their clients such as classes in brain research, adolescent issues, couples' work, eating disorders, substance abuse, mood disorders and much more.

When a person has decided to devote his or her life work to being a professional licensed to perform therapy, continuing education coursework will be part of the equation. Every few years, license renewal will come up and it's the professionals' responsibility to sign up for coursework and complete it before the expiration date on the state license.