An analysis of my practicum providing counseling

Abstract

This report is an analysis of my practicum at Family Service Regina in which I provided individual counseling. My goal to increase and apply graduate level social work knowledge and skills in counseling was achieved through various ways. I worked with a variety of clients: females, males, young adults, seniors, Chinese and Inuit. I gained in-depth knowledge on various problems and assisted clients in addressing the problems, such as anxiety, depression, codependency, grief and loss, self-esteem, limited support and anger. I gained a better understanding of various therapeutic approaches and applied them to assist the clients. The therapeutic approaches consisted of, person-in-environment perspective, person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy and the strengths based approach within a person-in-environment perspective. My counseling skills improved in reflecting, relationship building, goal setting, exploring deeper, focusing and confronting. I gained insight into, and learnt to work with my personal values, the agency’s values, the client’s values and the professional values within Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW), Code of Ethics. I encountered an ethical dilemma. I conclude this paper with recommendations that suggest greater emphasis needs to be placed on training students to deal with situations they will encounter in direct social work practice and educating students on strategies to change social policy and address macro level issues.