Internship & Training in Clinical & Counseling Psychology

This comprehensive, training-focused internship aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills required in the fields of Clinical & Counseling Psychology. The program is structured to help students become competent mental health practitioners, as the course provides them with the opportunity to enhance their understanding of the therapeutic process along with an introduction to various clinical disorders. Each week, the course will delve into different  therapeutic skills, central topics in clinical and counseling psychology, and training in counselor ethics. Our program is structured to support students as they equip themselves with core competencies to be effective and ethical practitioners, through the use of case studies and discussions, role plays, NGO visits, & other experiential activities.

Topics Covered

1. Foundational Skills in Counseling: This internship includes training on the core principles and practices necessary for effective counseling. You’ll learn how to establish rapport, communicate empathetically, and conduct Mental Status Examinations (MSE) to assess a client’s mental health. Additionally, the course covers the APA Code of Ethics, providing a framework for addressing moral dilemmas in professional practice.
2. Mood Disorders: Mood disorders refer to a group of mental health conditions characterised by significant changes in a person’s mood, energy, and level of activity. These changes can be long-lasting and can cause significant impairment in a person’s ability to function in their daily life. Major mood disorders that we will cover are Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Mania.
   
3. Anxiety disorders: Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterised by excessive and persistent feelings of worry, fear, or apprehension. Anxiety disorders can interfere with a person’s daily life, making it difficult for them to perform everyday tasks, maintain relationships, or pursue their goals and interests. Major anxiety disorders we will cover are Panic disorder, Agoraphobia, Specific phobias, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, and Mixed Anxiety and Depressive Disorder. Students will learn about identifying triggers, coping mechanisms, and various treatment approaches.
   
4. Therapeutic Approaches and Specialized Techniques: Students will explore affirmative and evidence-based therapeutic modalities, narrative therapy, including art and play therapy, and methods in existential psychology. This course also introduces Queer Affirmative Therapy (QAT) and Kiink Affirmative Therapy (KAT), providing skills to create inclusive and nonjudgmental spaces for clients from diverse backgrounds.
   
5. Specialized Intervention Strategies: This course will equip students to address complex client needs, such as managing substance use and addiction, supporting couples in counseling, and understanding self-harm and suicide prevention. Through practical examples and case studies, participants will gain the skills to handle sensitive topics effectively and compassionately.
   
6. Practical Applications: Students will learn how to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, from conducting assessments to navigating the termination phase of therapy. Activities include role-plays to simulate counseling scenarios and field exposure through NGO visits, linking classroom insights to community-based mental health practice.