Characteristics of Counselling Psychology and Counselling Psychologists in India: A Larger Scale Replication of a Nationwide Survey

Using a larger and more geographically diverse sample than past research, a total of 124 counselling psychologists in India completed a 52-item questionnaire investigating the characteristics of counselling psychology/psychologists in India. Results suggest that the prototypical professional practicing counselling psychology in India could be a Hindu female with a master’s degree in general psychology who focuses on remedial/rehabilitative treatment with individual clients. The most common theoretical orientation mentioned was eclectic/integrative. Participants reported being satisfied with counselling psychology as a career and highlighted the need for more supervised practicum, increased public awareness, government-funded jobs, and a nationwide system of regulation and licensing.