Many of my students ask: can I start my own practice with a Bachelor's in Applied Psychology? My answer is: yes – it's possible, for example in psychological counseling, coaching, and prevention.
At Practice Day in my Berlin office, we explored the central question of how to successfully launch a practice – which fields are open and which ethical, legal, and professional foundations must be considered.
Practice fields with an Applied Psychology Bachelor qualification include a variety of models, oriented toward the expertise and specialization of graduates.
Anyone who starts a practice bears a special responsibility. Psychological counseling must always be clearly distinguished from clinical psychotherapy. The guidelines of the German Psychological Society (DGPs) provide orientation: they set standards for quality, transparency, and professionalism and emphasize core principles such as competence, integrity, confidentiality, and respect for human rights and dignity. These values form the core of responsible practice management and build trust – both for clients and for the society that psychological work serves.
Our sincere thanks go to Prof. Dr. Sabine Arnold for this contribution. She shows what opportunities a practice foundation with a Bachelor's in Applied Psychology can open and gives students valuable insights into psychological counseling, coaching, and prevention.
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