Children’s mental health services: learning and exploring on a clinical playground

Abstract

This practicum report is a summary and reflection of my learning and experiences at Children’s Mental Health Services in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; a clinical field practicum in partial fulfilment of a Master of Social Work degree. The purpose of this 12-week practicum was to gain graduate level field experience using narrative therapy techniques in working with children and families accessing Children’s Mental Health Services. In addition to working as a member of an interdisciplinary team, I provided family, individual, and group-based therapy, assisted with various groups, and became familiar with an assortment of programs that are connected to Children’s Mental Health Services. The report begins with a discussion of my learning goals and outcomes, an overview of children’s mental health, and a description of the Saskatchewan Health Authority and Children’s Mental Health Services. A literature review of child development, narrative therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and trauma-informed care follows. I then discuss how these frameworks were integrated into my clinical social work practicum and include professional development opportunities, and social work values and ethical considerations. The report concludes with a summary and reflection of the personal and professional growth I realized by means of this practicum experience.