An internship in guidance and counselling at Mount Pearl Senior High

Abstract

This report describes an internship at Mount Pearl Senior High School in Mount Pearl, NF., from April 14th to June 23rd, 1997. The report details the internship and a research component which were completed at the internship site. The goals of the internship included the development of individual and group counseling skills, development of psycho educational assessment skills and report writing, experience in the outside referral process, development of competence in consultation, an increase knowledge of career awareness, and to conduct research on the topic of youth suicide. -- During the placement, the intern worked primarily with one Guidance Counselor/Registered Psychologist and gained insight into the varied theoretical perspective utilized at the high school level. He had the opportunity to work with the Vice-Principal who is also a Registered Psychologist and former guidance counselor at the school. There was also extensive opportunity to meet with and learn from members of outside agencies throughout the city. -- Much of the intern's time was devoted to counseling students from fifteen to nineteen years of age. An equal amount of time was spent researching and working with suicidal individuals. The research component focused on students attitude, opinions and experiences with suicide and suicidal behaviours. This research resulted in the implementation of the Youth Suicide Awareness Program. A discussion of this research is presented in Part II of this report.