Like psychology, counseling is a varied field with professionals of the field choosing from a range of study areas such as pediatric, spiritual, rehabilitation, education, career and the like. Additionally, counselors can work in a variety of environments, such as universities, workplaces, mental health institutes and hospitals, as well as choose the age group they want to work with, helping patients receive guidance on expressing their emotions, effectively communicate them and better their quality of life. Therefore, counseling is a great option for those looking to better the world with their compassion and willingness to help others, backed by their education in the field and the required skillsets.
Strict educational requirements apart, counselors are required to meet continuing education requirements every 3 years for the renewal of their professional counseling license. Counseling CEUs come in many forms, with a variety of activities and coursework approved by the concerned bodies counting towards the completion of the mandated CE hours. Counseling CEUs can be completed online or in-person, by completing academic coursework and self-study (split as mandated by the governing bodies) in specified topics and areas. Additionally, activities such as authoring books and articles, presenting at conferences and seminars, teaching counseling courses, completed accredited courses provided by approved providers, and community service may also be counted towards the completion of counseling CEUs, depending on the state bodies. These units are expected to be completed within a specified timeframe; New York, for example, provides 3 years for the completion of counseling CEUs.