Guides to Counseling Careers & Other Resources

The Association for Play (APT) provides the official definition of play therapy as “the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.”

Starting out with essential archetypes like houses, bridges, animals, heroes, villains, and family figures, sandplay therapists soon become avid collectors, amassing all kinds of cultural symbols to be as inclusive as possible. However, since it can be difficult to find LGBTQ+ representation when shopping for miniatures, let’s explore some recurring themes in LGBTQ+ mental health, and how sandplay therapists can diversify their collection.

The cost of undergraduate and graduate programs has grown significantly more expensive over the last decade, and salaries haven’t kept pace. Many aspiring counselors turn to scholarships to reduce their financial burden and focus on getting the training they need.

Many clients disconnect from their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations to mentally survive. The practice of mindfulness helps clients heal by teaching them techniques that bring their attention to the present moment.

Even though we’re very excited to be accepted to college, the experience can be stressful. Moving away from the support of home, accepting financial burdens, coping with roommates, figuring out how a bureaucracy works, and preparing for seemingly endless tests and papers can be overwhelming.

Broadly speaking, social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process of developing a learner’s social and emotional skills with the same level of focus as shown to other core subjects like reading, math, and science.

Expressive art techniques promote mental health and wellbeing. When clients allow themselves to laugh, let go, and relax, they can experience relief from painful thoughts and sensations, which helps decrease depression, anxiety, and stress.

LGBTQ+ clients can face some unique challenges in family therapy, especially when it comes to disclosing their sexuality or gender identity, setting boundaries with intolerant family members, and helping those in their life accept who they are.

Wages for counselors vary widely based on the type of counseling services offered, the level of education completed, employers, and where the work is performed. Which state a counselor works in can have a strong effect on the average salary.

This guide to bilingual and culturally diverse counseling careers includes information on degree and certificate programs that specialize in treating diverse and underserved populations.