My practicum journey as a student counsellor involves diverse roles, such as client sessions, creating progress notes, participating in educational seminars and progress notes, and managing academic responsibilities. Engaging with clients has been my practicum journey’s most informative and impactful component. Throughout the session, I provided psychoeducation and applied the theoretical knowledge and skills based on the client’s specific needs. At the beginning of my first practicum semester, my goal was to incorporate different modalities, such as Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, to address my client’s concerns. I was eager to integrate various modalities to better understand my comfortability with applying them in a session to serve my clients better. Another goal was to create a non-judgemental environment for each unique client where they could express themselves openly without the fear of criticism or lack of empathy. Creating a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients has always been crucial, as I want to support them throughout their healing journey. Creating a safe and welcoming space for my clients where they feel supported at each step has always been a goal of mine. Creating a safe and non-judgemental environment helps the client-counsellor relationship flourish while fostering trust and rapport. Another goal I have set is to continue learning and growing as a professional.
One of the challenges I have faced during my practicum journey is finding a healthy balance between my practicum responsibilities and managing my work/home life. It was overwhelming at first to balance multiple responsibilities. However, organizing and creating lists of tasks to complete with specific dates has helped me manage successfully. I am fortunate to be able to develop my practicum schedule, which has helped me significantly in managing my time and accomplishing my tasks, goals, and practicum responsibilities.
I consider myself very lucky to have a supervisor like Jas. Throughout my practicum journey, Jas has not only provided tremendous support, empathy, and commitment to ensuring I have guidance through all the obstacles that have arisen, but she has also made herself readily available for any questions I may have throughout my day-to-day journey. Jas has always responded to my emails with genuineness and has been supporting me through my journey so far, which has increased my confidence in assisting and communicating with others. Through her guidance and support, I have grown as a student counsellor. I appreciate her willingness to assist me through all the hurdles I have encountered with grace. I am grateful for her continuous support and encouragement throughout my practicum journey.
I have developed and maintained genuine therapeutic relationships with my clients so far. I am grateful to be supporting each client through their healing journey. Establishing trust and rapport with my clients has been rewarding. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is essential, and witnessing each unique client’s growth, healing, and self-improvement has been fulfilling and rewarding as a student counsellor. Active listening, being empathetic toward the client, creating a non-judgemental environment, and being supportive and genuine in the process have helped me develop amazing therapeutic relationships.
I have been embracing my practicum journey one step at a time, and I have learnt that being courageous and accepting new challenges has promoted growth and self-awareness. I am motivated to continue learning from others, pushing through times of discomfort, and confidently handling challenges. Despite my initial nerves about beginning my journey as a practicum student, through the support of my family, friends, therapeutic relationships with my clients, and supervisor Jas, I am excited to continue my journey as a student counsellor.