PG DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

INTERNSHIP REPORT

SUBMITTED BY
HIMANSHI JAIN
222309822
2023-2026

BSC PSYCHOLOGY

1
PG DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

INTERNSHIP REPORT

SUBMITTED BY
HIMANSHI JAIN
222309822
2023-2026

BSC PSYCHOLOGY
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation and thanks to

the Psychology department, including our respected Head of
Department (HOD), dedicated faculty members, and my
supportive friends. Their unwavering encouragement and
guidance were instrumental in the successful completion of
my internships, instilling a sense of confidence in me
throughout the journey.

And I would like to thank Mr. Karthik Lakshmanan, founder

of Chennai counselling services for providing me with this
wonderful opportunity.

I extend my appreciation to Ms. Sreeja Syamala and Ms.

Deepa Ganesh for their unwavering support and presence.
They provided us with opportunities that allowed us to
recognize our strengths and weaknesses, contributing
significantly to our learning.
Last, but certainly the most important source of support and
motivation were my family members whose significant role
throughout the journey cannot go uncredited. I offer my
sincere gratitude to them.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

S.NO CONTENTS
1 Overview of my learning

2 Profile of the organization

3 Attendance report

4 Process report

5 Certificate
 PROFILE OF THE ORGANISATION
AIM
Chennai Counselling Services was founded in 2010 by Karthik Lakshmanan, Counselling
Psychologist. It is a registered Organization under Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India.
Chennai Counselling Services is an industry leader in the field of psychological health and
wellbeing. They are committed to the immediate and ongoing goal of ensuring that everyone
has access to high quality counselling. Established in 2010, Chennai Counselling Services
provides counselling services to individuals, couples and families. Their vision is to impart
skills to take care of mental health of individuals belonging to all the age group. And to
become a one stop place for all services related to mental health. Their mission is Aspiring to
serve the Indians all over the world to come forward in taking care of their mental health.
Training mental health enthusiasts on the skills related to counselling and psychotherapy.

LOCATION
CHENNAI COUNSELING SERVICES

13, Basement Section, Arulambal St,

off Bazulla Road, Parthasarathi Puram,

T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017.

Landmark: On the way from State Bank to Jeeva Park.

TARGET GROUP
Individuals belonging to all the age group

SCOPE OF WORK IN THE SITE

The Interns at Chennai counselling services are encouraged to be assertive and are provided
with a safe space for their opinions. They are given the opportunity to learn therapy
techniques, ethics and career guidance in counselling psychology.

PROCESS REPORT
LOCATION
Chennai counselling services, Kodambakkam
TASKS ASSIGNED BY AGENCY
During the whole period of the internship, interns were asked to do tasks related to
counselling psychology. We were given a study material and were taught about therapies,
techniques, procedures, ethics and were asked to mock as a counsellor to gain a practical
experience. We were asked to do an assignment on diagnosing mental disorders with the help
of the book DSM.

MY ENGAGEMENTS AND INTERACTIONS

I learned the basics to practice as a counselling psychologist, about drama triangle, winner’s
triangle, pop-psychology, emotional regulation, we were taught about few therapy techniques
like gestalt therapy, REBT, CBT, SFBT, BT, ethics to be followed as a counselling
psychologist, counselling in school vs college, career guidance in the field of psychology.

MY OBSERVATIONS
 The interns were all from different colleges and of different age group, so by
engaging with each other I got to many perspectives and insights of psychology.
 Ms. Sreeja Syamala and Ms. Deepa Ganesh, the counselling psychologists of the
academy, shared their experiences and gist of few cases they have handled
 They asked us to mock as counsellors and helped us to gain a practical knowledge on
how to deal with clients.
 I learnt how to take the 1st step in counselling sessions, how to build a rapport with the
clients, how to repeat, rephrase, reflect and intervene a case.
 The study material provided by the academy was very helpful while revising and to
understanding the concepts.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
 I learned about the importance of self-management, how to cultivate habits,
focusing on self-improvement, providing room for my own emotions.

Interning at Chennai Counselling Services in T. Nagar offers an immersive and

comprehensive learning experience, fostering significant professional and personal growth.
One of the primary learning outcomes is the development of clinical assessment and
diagnostic skills. Interns gain hands-on experience in conducting initial assessments, using
diagnostic tools, and formulating accurate diagnoses. This practical exposure is
complemented by observing and assisting in the assessment process, allowing interns to
understand the nuances of various mental health conditions and interpret clinical data
effectively.

The internship also hones therapeutic intervention skills, as interns learn to implement
techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy
(DBT), and mindfulness practices. By participating in therapy sessions and observing
different therapeutic approaches, interns can apply these techniques under supervision,
enhancing their practical understanding. Additionally, crisis intervention is a critical area
where interns acquire skills in managing mental health crises, providing immediate support,
and developing safety plans for clients in distress. This experience is invaluable in teaching
interns to remain calm under pressure and understand protocols for handling emergencies.

Effective client interaction and communication are essential skills developed during the
internship. Interns build rapport with clients, practice empathetic listening, and tailor
communication strategies to meet diverse client needs. These skills are crucial for successful
therapeutic relationships and client outcomes. Moreover, understanding and adhering to
ethical guidelines, maintaining client confidentiality, and navigating ethical dilemmas are key
components of the internship. Interns learn to apply ethical principles in everyday practice,
handle sensitive information responsibly, and understand the importance of informed consent.

The internship significantly enhances theoretical knowledge. Interns gain an in-depth

understanding of various mental health disorders, their symptoms, and treatment modalities.
This knowledge is applied to real-world cases, allowing interns to observe the manifestation
of disorder in clients and understand the rationale behind treatment plans.

. Interns observe the application of research findings in clinical settings, understand the
importance of evidence-based interventions, and discuss the latest trends with supervisors.
Additionally, interns develop a comprehensive understanding of psychological theories and
models, such as psychodynamic, humanistic, and behavioral approaches. Analyzing how

different theories are applied in practice, comparing theoretical perspectives, and discussing
case studies with mentors deepen their theoretical foundation.
Personal growth and self-reflection are integral parts of the internship experience. Interns
increase their self-awareness, better understand their strengths and weaknesses, and enhance
their emotional intelligence. Reflecting on personal reactions to client interactions,
understanding the impact of personal biases, and developing self-care strategies contribute to
this growth. The formation of a professional identity is another crucial outcome. Interns
understand the role of a mental health practitioner, develop a sense of purpose in the field,
and refine their professional skills through feedback from supervisors and observing role
models.

Cultural competence is a significant area of growth, as interns enhance their understanding of

cultural factors on mental health and develop culturally sensitive approaches. Interacting with
clients from diverse backgrounds, learning about cultural differences in mental health
perceptions, and incorporating cultural considerations into practice are vital skills acquired
during the internship. Improved adaptability and problem-solving skills are also key learning
outcomes. Interns learn to navigate complex cases, adapt therapeutic approaches, and develop
resilience in the face of challenges.

The internship provides practical experience in various settings, including in-patient and out-
patient clinics. Interns understand the dynamics of different care settings, the differences in
treatment approaches, and the coordination of care between services. Observing the workflow
in these settings, understanding the continuum of care, and learning about the integration of
services are valuable experiences. Group therapy and workshops offer additional learning
opportunities. Interns facilitate group therapy sessions, conduct workshops, and understand
group dynamics, gaining practical skills in effective group facilitation.

Community outreach and education are also integral parts of the internship. Interns
participate in outreach programs, educate the public about mental health, and promote mental
health awareness. This involvement helps develop skills in community engagement and the
creation of educational materials. Collaborative learning and networking are essential

components of the internship. Interns work collaboratively with other healthcare

professionals, understanding the roles of different team members and appreciating the
importance of a multidisciplinary approach. Participating in team meetings, collaborating on
case management, and learning from the expertise of different professionals enhance their
collaborative skills.

Building a professional network, connecting with mentors and peers, and understanding the
importance of professional relationships are crucial outcomes. Interns engage in networking
events, join professional organizations, and seek mentorship and guidance from experienced
practitioners, which is invaluable for their future careers. Overall, the internship at Chennai
Counselling Services in T. Nagar provides a comprehensive and enriching learning
experience, combining practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and personal growth. Through
hands-on practice, observation, and collaboration, interns develop a deep understanding of
mental health practice and prepare for a successful career in the field. The diverse and
dynamic environment of T. Nagar further enriches the learning experience, providing interns
with a well-rounded and impactful internship.
 

AN OVERVIEW OF MY LEARNING AND APPLICATION

> Introduction
- Internship Duration: [09/05/24] to [23/05/24]
- Location: Chennai Counselling Services Academy, T. Nagar, Chennai
- Mentor/Supervisor: [KARTHICK LAKSHMANAN/SREEJA SYAMALA,
DEEPAGANESH]

> Learning Objectives

During my internship at Chennai Counselling Services Academy, my primary learning

objectives included:

1. Understanding Counselling Techniques: To gain in-depth knowledge of various

counselling methodologies and psychological theories.

2. Client Interaction: To develop skills for professional and empathetic interaction with
clients.

3. Case Management: To learn the process of managing and documenting client cases
effectively.

4. Ethical Practices: To understand and apply ethical guidelines and confidentiality standards
in counselling.

>Key Responsibilities

Throughout the internship, I undertook several key responsibilities, including:

- Client Sessions: Assisted in and observed individual and group counselling sessions to
understand the practical application of different counselling techniques.

- Documentation: Maintained accurate and confidential records of client sessions and

progress.

- Workshops and Seminars: Participated in and helped organize workshops and seminars on
various mental health topics.

- Research and Reports: Conducted research on relevant psychological topics and prepared
detailed reports and presentations.

>Learning Outcomes

By the end of the internship, I had achieved significant learning outcomes in several areas:

- Enhanced Counselling Skills: Improved understanding and application of counselling

techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), client-centered therapy, and
solution-focused therapy.

- Professional Client Interaction: Developed strong skills in interacting with clients,

establishing rapport, and maintaining professional boundaries.

- Case Management Proficiency: Gained proficiency in documenting and managing client

cases, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.

- Ethical Awareness: Deepened my knowledge of ethical practices in counselling, including

confidentiality and professional conduct.

>Practical Applications

The internship provided numerous opportunities to apply my learning in practical settings:

- Client Case Studies: Worked on real-life case studies, applying theoretical knowledge to
practical scenarios and developing treatment plans.

- Group Sessions: Assisted in and sometimes led group counselling sessions, facilitating
discussions and managing group dynamics.
- Feedback and Improvement : Received and incorporated feedback from supervisors and
clients, leading to continuous improvement in counselling techniques and approaches.

> Challenges and Solutions

During the internship, I encountered several challenges and developed strategies to overcome
them:

- Emotional Resilience : Handling emotionally intense sessions was challenging, and I

developed strategies for self-care and sought regular supervision to build resilience.

- Communication Barriers : Initially faced communication barriers with clients, which I

overcame through practice, active listening, and guidance from mentors.

- Case Complexity: Dealt with complex cases by collaborating with senior counsellors,
seeking their insights, and continuously learning from their experience.
 Conclusion and Future Plans

Conclusion :

My internship at Chennai Counselling Services Academy has been an invaluable experience

that has greatly contributed to both my professional and personal development. The hands-on
experience in counselling, combined with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills I
gained, has prepared me well for a career in mental health. The guidance and feedback from
my mentors were instrumental in my growth, helping me navigate the challenges of
counselling and improving my approach to client care. This experience has solidified my
passion for counselling and equipped me with the skills and confidence needed to pursue a
fulfilling career in mental health.

Future Plans :

Building on the foundation laid during my internship, I have set several goals for my future:

> Further Education: Pursue advanced studies in psychology or counselling to deepen my

expertise and specialize in areas such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused
therapy, or child and adolescent counselling.

> Certification and Licensure: Obtain relevant certifications and licenses to enhance my
credibility and professional standing in the field of mental health.

> Continued Professional Development: Actively seek opportunities for professional

development through workshops, seminars, and conferences to stay updated with the latest
advancements and research in counselling and psychology.
> Specialized Training : Enroll in specialized training programs to develop skills in niche
areas of counselling, such as family therapy, addiction counselling, or crisis intervention.

> Building a Professional Network : Continue to build and maintain a professional network
with fellow counsellors, psychologists, and mental health professionals to collaborate, share
knowledge, and support each other in our practice.

> Practical Experience: Seek positions in clinical settings, community organizations, or

educational institutions to gain more practical experience and apply my skills in diverse
environments.

> Advocacy and Awareness: Engage in mental health advocacy and awareness initiatives to
contribute to the destigmatization of mental health issues and promote the importance of
mental well-being in the community.

My internship has been a transformative experience that has

prepared me for a fulfilling career in counselling. With a clear
vision for my future and a commitment to continuous learning, I
am excited to take the next steps towards becoming a proficient
and compassionate mental health professional.
Processes Observed at Internship site

For eg.

1. Case Review Meetings

2. Outpatient clinic
3. Vocational Training...etc

Interventions (conducted/ observed)

For e.g.

● Art Based Therapy, storytelling, DMT, Yoga

● Group counselling/ therapy or group activities/ bibliotherapy
Case management / individual sessions etc...

Skills used/ observed for Individual Counselling & Group Therapy

For eg.

1. Rapport building, Active listening

2. Immediacy, Primary Empathy etc.

Psychological Tests/ Assessments (Done/observed):

NONE

Miscellaneous

For e.g
CERTIFICATE