Practicum in the midst of a pandemic: a unique clinical counselling experience at Family Service Regina

Date
2020-12
Authors
Harvey, Shanae
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Social Work, University of Regina
Abstract

This practicum report outlines my unique clinical counselling experience at Family Service Regina within the Counselling Unit and the Thrive Walk-in Counselling Clinic (WICC). My placement involved providing in-person clinical counselling for the first half of my practicum, and telephone and video counselling sessions for the latter half of my placement from a remote location in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that emerged during my practicum. The objective of my practicum placement was to gain advanced knowledge and clinical skill development in providing counselling to children, individuals, and families experiencing a wide array of challenges on an ongoing or single-session basis. This report highlights the three predominant therapeutic approaches that were implemented throughout my clinical counselling experience, including: solution-focused brief therapy and narrative therapy with both adults and children, and child-centered play therapy with children. These three approaches were guided by trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and strength-based values and ideology at personal, Agency, and professional levels from a theoretical social constructivism lens. The way that these approaches were integrated throughout my practicum experience from in-person, telephone and video-based communication platforms will be discussed. Overarching themes that emerged during my practicum placement, including personal and professional growth and skill development, challenges, and ethical considerations will also be explored.

Description
A Practicum Report Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Social Work, University of Regina. iv, 105 p.
Keywords
Family Service Regina, COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020---Psychological aspects, Thrive Walk-in Counselling Clinic, Solution-focused brief therapy, Narrative therapy, Play therapy
Citation