Obtaining a Masters of Addiction Counseling is a great way to build your career in the field of addiction therapy. There are many different ways you can go about getting your degree, including online and hybrid programs. In addition, you’ll also want to consider what type of licensing requirements you will have to meet.
Associations for addiction counselors
Whether you are just beginning your career in addiction counseling or are a seasoned professional, it’s a good idea to become a member of an addiction counselor association. This will provide you with benefits including networking opportunities, training and continuing education, and advocacy. In addition, you’ll gain access to research studies and scientific conferences.
The National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) is the largest membership organization for addiction professionals. The organization promotes the advancement of knowledge, excellence, and ethics within the field. NAADAC also provides clinical training, education, and certification. NAADAC has more than 10 thousand members worldwide.
The International Association of Addictions and Offender Counselors (IAAOC) is a professional organization for counselors, educators, probation officers, and correctional treatment specialists. Its mission is to promote excellence in counseling and to advocate for the highest quality of services.
Online or hybrid programs
Choosing an online or hybrid Master of Addiction Counseling program will give you the opportunity to study in a convenient environment, while also providing you with the skills you need to help those suffering from substance misuse challenges. With the help of this degree, you can work in a variety of community and social service settings, as well as in private practices.
The master’s degree in counseling typically requires students to complete 60 credit hours of coursework, including two internships. You will also need to complete a scholarly project. Graduates of the program typically seek employment as counselors in substance misuse or mental health settings.
Students can choose to enroll in the school’s 100 percent online program or a hybrid program, where half of the coursework is online and the other half is completed on campus. The school’s courses are delivered in 16-week academic terms, either synchronously or asynchronously.
EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a form of addiction treatment that helps you overcome trauma. This therapy is most helpful for people who have experienced a life-changing event such as a serious accident, a difficult diagnosis, or a violent crime.
The EMDR technique is designed to help trauma victims get over their shock and pain, and help them place the event in a more favorable light. It can also help a person develop better coping skills.
The technique uses rapid eye movements, taps, tones, and a variety of other techniques to change the way your brain processes information. This process can help you release traumatic memories and reduce your cravings for alcohol, drugs, and other addictive substances.
The technique is also meant to stimulate the brain’s information processing system, so that you can think more positively. You may be surprised to find that many people actually experience marked improvement in their symptoms after a few sessions.
Christian counseling component
Those who seek out a masters in addiction counseling should not overlook the Christian counseling component of their program. This is because it is one of the most important areas of study within the field.
The Bible contains many references to the best practices of counseling. In fact, the Bible lists several spiritual gifts that can be used in the context of counseling.
The field of Christian counseling is still developing. While the Bible is an excellent guide to the best practices of the field, it is not the only tool in the box. A counselor should also have the appropriate attitude and values.
Christian counseling uses biblical techniques to help a person overcome addiction. This may include teaching coping skills, and methods to overcome stress. The counselor should also demonstrate compassion and grace to their clients.
Licensure requirements
Obtaining a Masters of Addiction Counseling will give you the skills you need to support individuals with addictions. In addition to earning a degree in counseling, you will also gain real-world clinical experience. This will allow you to expand your role, and increase your earning potential.
In order to become a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), you must meet specific education and training requirements. You must complete a minimum of 350 clock hours of education, focusing on chemical dependence counseling skills. You must also complete a supervised work experience of at least one year.
Depending on your state of licensure, you may need to take an exam to prove you have the necessary qualifications. Some states require you to complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check. In addition, you may need to attest that you have been drug-free for a certain period of time.