Counseling/psychology career?

Question

I'm a senior at Penn State graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies. I was hired working with an Early Intervention program for young children and have decided that I would like to continue my schooling and get a master's.

I've narrowed my interest to school counseling and school psychology. What I'd really like to do is help young children with their social/emotional issues and provide interventions and behavior modifications that will help them to succeed. Actually working WITH the children is really important to me. I would also prefer working in a school setting.

Would an elementary school guidance counselor or school psychologist better suit this? Any advice?

Answer 1

I would say school psychologist, although I'm not sure how much actual work you would be doing directly with the children. I, too, was working in EI right after getting my BA in Psychology. I was lucky enough to find a program in Boston called Birth to Three: Development and Intervention. I'm working in a public school setting now working 1:1 with students in an integrated preschool setting, which is great, but I can also work for an Early Intervention clinic if I change my mind (I'll see how it goes in the school setting!)

Are you planning on getting your Master's degree at Penn State, also? I know they have a Special Ed degree, which might suit what you want more. That way, you'll be gaurenteed you'll be doing behavioral interventions/modifications and working directly with children. I looked into school counseling, also, and it seemed as though there was alot more analyzing data, working on fixing issues within the programs at the school, and teaching others (teacher, parents, ect...) to apply the models you want to do yourself. Just a few rambling thoughts, hope they help and don't confuse you! :-)

Good luck and congrats!! It's awesome you want to help children - we need more people like you!

Answer 2

Social issues, and behavior modifications are 2 areas where a school counselor would be involved with the students.  However, a counselor also gives guidance lessons to the students, tests students for gifted classes, secures clothing and school supplies for students in need, and keeps lots of records.-- in addition to many other duties.  Dealing with emotional issues, behavior modifications and interventions would be dealt with by the school psychologist. As for salary,  you'd make a great deal more as a psychologist.