I am a counseling intern, and it has been suggested that I act with confidence in counseling others. However, I do have to mention to clients that I am an intern, and I don't want to misrepresent myself in terms of my experience, which is very low. Could use some advice from others.
2007-01-05 07:23:16 · 6 answers · asked by t78t78 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
What are you actually saying when you bring up your "intern" status to clients? (Don't expect too much from me, I'm just an intern?)
As you trust your self and believe in your ability, skills and training; you'll project confidence. This is learned over time and stands as a goal to work toward. As an intern or new teacher or rookie police officer, there is an awkward, anxiety-ridden stage. "Stage fright" is quite an appropriate term, actually.
Advice? Trust yourself, trust what you know, give yourself time. Enjoy the ride and keep your sense of humor.
2007-01-05 07:48:32 · answer #1 · answered by S. B. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In terms of being 'just an intern' I think that you are as good as the advice you give. You should act with confidence, not because you are an intern pretending to be more, but because you want your clients to believe that what you are telling them has more than some truth and will be beneficial.
Faking it to you make it in your position is okay, because I am sure you wouldn't give advice that is not credible or logic. If you ever come to a client who has a problem you feel overwhelmed, by, buy yourself some time, tell them you have some pamphlets or somebody who is an expert and then get some information from someone with more experience and then get back to them, or even pass them along. It is good that you are so kind and caring..good luck
2007-01-05 07:57:30 · answer #2 · answered by GreyRainbow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only way to gain experience in any area is to 'do'. You have training, you have the confidence of the counselor that you are working with... and you are obviously an ethical person, or your lack of experience would not be an issue to you.
People who are drawn to work with others usually have good reasons for doing so. You probably have a wealth of life experience in this area, even if it is not the formal experience in a counseling situation. I think the most important thing is to look at this from a learning perspective... lack of experience does not mean that you need to recreate the wheel... it means that when you are not sure of something, you seek out the answers from those who are supervising you. That's learning... it's not faking it... it's just not letting your personal doubts over run you to the point that you miss out on the learning.
2007-01-05 07:32:43 · answer #3 · answered by Mikisew 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just make healthy eye contact, smile and answer questions in an honest manner.
Pretend the patient is a family member, listen well, and they will feel confident in you.
It's only unethical if you misrepresent yourself when asked.
2007-01-05 07:28:02 · answer #4 · answered by Soundjata 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just say the minimum required and move on. Or tell them that you have colleagues to consult if a question comes up that you can't handle. You don't have to blurt out that this is your first month or they're your first client.
2007-01-05 07:25:53 · answer #5 · answered by Katherine W 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
When I was externing, I told people that I was so an so and I was an extern. If they asked questions from there, then I answered them, but just keep it simple.
2007-01-05 07:27:54 · answer #6 · answered by Renee B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋