Field Site Experience PORT Human Services on Paladin Drive offers an opioid treatment programs (OTP; it is known as PORT Methadone Clinic. My experience at PORT OTP has been an emotional roller coaster. I had an interview with another student, my site supervisor, another counselor, and the site director. During the interview, I was told that if I could successfully complete practicum at this site, I would be prepared to work with any population and any facility in the profession. I was informed that I would get a great deal of direct contact. I left the interview feeling very excited and happy about my decision to do my practicum at this site. My initial schedule was four hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. That schedule was very stressful; I
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The classroom was a haven for students to discuss practicum issues without feeling afraid to voice opinions and expect positive feedback/encouragements. During group supervision, the instructor gave information that would be useful in any setting and with any populations. She provided information about mental status exams, crisis plans, therapeutic group topics, goal setting, interviewing skills, assessment process, and counseling strategies/techniques. I feel that I learned more about counseling during my group supervision, I used most of the information Dr. Sias provided at PORT …show more content…
I experience a triadic form of supervisions; I shared supervision with another student. During supervision, the other student and I would engage in role-playing. During role-plays, we would practice basic counseling skills and re-play sessions that occurred at our site. The doctoral student would intervene when necessary during role-plays or wait until the role-play was completed to provide suggestions and other feedback. There were times when the doctoral student role-played as a counselor and a client. During each session, she would start by asking if there any issues we would like to discuss and end each session by asking if we needed any information for our next day at our sites. The doctoral student also gave useful information about counseling. She shared her experiences of counseling and allowed us to explore who we were as a professional. She presented herself in a calm and non-intimidating manner. I presented two audio recordings in which she gave appropriate feedback and suggestions.
General Comments Overall, my practicum experience has been very challenging. Despite all the challenges, I have learned a lot about myself and the politics of the counseling profession. As an advocate for future students, I would not recommend PORT OTP for practicum or internship unless you are fully prepared to work double-time, already familiar with OTPs, the site, and the staff.
The classroom was a haven for students to discuss practicum issues without feeling afraid to voice opinions and expect positive feedback/encouragements. During group supervision, the instructor gave information that would be useful in any setting and with any populations. She provided information about mental status exams, crisis plans, therapeutic group topics, goal setting, interviewing skills, assessment process, and counseling strategies/techniques. I feel that I learned more about counseling during my group supervision, I used most of the information Dr. Sias provided at PORT …show more content…
I experience a triadic form of supervisions; I shared supervision with another student. During supervision, the other student and I would engage in role-playing. During role-plays, we would practice basic counseling skills and re-play sessions that occurred at our site. The doctoral student would intervene when necessary during role-plays or wait until the role-play was completed to provide suggestions and other feedback. There were times when the doctoral student role-played as a counselor and a client. During each session, she would start by asking if there any issues we would like to discuss and end each session by asking if we needed any information for our next day at our sites. The doctoral student also gave useful information about counseling. She shared her experiences of counseling and allowed us to explore who we were as a professional. She presented herself in a calm and non-intimidating manner. I presented two audio recordings in which she gave appropriate feedback and suggestions.
General Comments Overall, my practicum experience has been very challenging. Despite all the challenges, I have learned a lot about myself and the politics of the counseling profession. As an advocate for future students, I would not recommend PORT OTP for practicum or internship unless you are fully prepared to work double-time, already familiar with OTPs, the site, and the staff.