Psychology and Counseling are in demand among students who want to take up a course on mental health and human behaviour. After completing the coursework, most students end up in a dilemma over pursuing a career in psychology vs counselling. Both deal with helping individuals, but the scope, domain of academics, and sought career path chosen is wholly different. This article on psychology vs. counselling has aptly explained both domains. What is Psychology?Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. It is concerned with trying to fathom a way of understanding how people think, feel, and behave in certain situations. Students majoring in psychology study emotions, learning, personalities, mental health, and social behaviour. Graduation and post-graduation are places where students gain knowledge aboutCharacteristics of human behaviourDevelopmental psychologyAbnormal psychologySocial psychology, Cognitive psychologyResearch methods are connected with the aim It is the theory, research, and analysis that encompass psychology in itself. Many students studying psychology go on to advanced qualifications with either a master's or other post-graduate qualifications. Career Paths Following a Psychology DegreeGraduates can seek employment as:Clinical psychologistEducational psychologistSchool PsychologistResearch assistantTenure-track psychology lecturerMental health associate Higher studies and registration with the concerned authority are required for becoming a licensed clinical psychologist in India. What is Counselling?It deals with helping an individual overcome his/her personal, emotional, and psychological issues. It is more pragmatic and solution-oriented. It deals extensively with helping a person cope with his/her stress, anxiety, relationships, career, and emotional issues, etc. Some of these counselling courses include:Session structureCommunication skillsEmotional intelligenceTreatment approachesCase studies, practice, and training Those students who are listening, guiding, and helping others make the best students in counselling. Career Options After Counselling Some of the posts that one can work after taking counselling-related courses include:Counseling psychologistSchool counselorCareer counselorMental health counselorRehabilitation counsellor They are mainly used in educational institutions, hospitals, NGOs, and government sectors. Main differences between psychology and counselingOn the other hand, psychology is more concerned with theory, research, and diagnosis.The counseling is more on providing directions as well as support.There are more career options in the field of psychology, such as research and teaching.The practice has become more client-centered.Both disciplines demand empathy, patience, and high-level communicative skills. Government Colleges offering Courses in Psychology & Counseling In fact, there are some government colleges and universities in India with quality education in psychology and counseling. Among the most established government institutions are:University of DelhiJamia Millia Islamia, New DelhiBanaras Hindu University (BHU), VaranasiTata Institute of Social Sciences, MumbaiAligarh Muslim University (AMU)University of Calcutta Psychology and counseling are two academic fields that open excellent professional opportunities for graduates. Students who like researching, teaching, and diagnosing find their place in psychology. On the other hand, students who care deeply enough to help people deal with life issues should opt for a counseling career. A student's interests, strengths, and aims in the future best select whether a career in psychology or counseling is taken.
