My clinical counselling journey during a pandemic at Francis Psychotherapy and Consulting Services in Ontario

Abstract

This field practicum report is a reflection of my clinical counselling journey during my Master of Social Work field practicum placement at Francis Psychotherapy Consulting Services in New Market, Ontario. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my placement involved providing clinical counselling services using telephone and video conferencing mediums from a remote location. The objective of my field practicum was to gain advanced level social work knowledge and counselling skills in a clinical setting by focusing on integrating various therapeutic approaches. I provided services to a total of six clients by using different therapeutic approaches via online platforms (Zoom and Jane App). This report highlights cognitive behavioural therapy, solution-focused brief therapy and narrative therapy, and how they were integrated throughout my clinical counselling placement. A discussion of my experience delivering services using various video conferencing mediums and telephone during the pandemic is also highlighted in this report. Ethical issues and challenges encountered when offering remote services were explored, as well as the different skills and strategies I learnt during the practicum journey. All in all, my practicum journey was transformative and emancipatory. I have gained tremendous insights and clinical experiences while my clients have benefited greatly from the application of cognitive behavioural therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, and narrative therapy. I was also able to use my intersecting identities and experiential knowledge to provide support and respond to the varied needs of my clients which is pivotal in building therapeutic relationships.