Internship, Practicum, and Field Placement Handbook: A Guide for the Helping Professions

The Internship, Practicum, and Field Placement Handbook is a practical guide for interns in the helping professions, with real-world knowledge of the skills students need through every phase of their practicum, field placement, or internship. This text expertly guides students through the essential skills needed for beginning work in the field of mental health and outlines skills that will serve students throughout their academic and professional careers. Skills discussed include how to make a great first impression, understanding the process and content of clinical writing, recordkeeping, working with peers and supervisors, understanding diversity, cultivating self-care, and promoting safety.

Every phase of the internship is discussed chronologically: from finding and preparing for placements to concluding relationships with clients and supervisors. Following an evidence and competency-based approach, the latest research findings are reviewed from the fields of psychology, social work, and counseling.

The Internship, Practicum, and Field Placement Handbook is an invaluable resource for students, faculty, and supervisors engaged in the exciting, challenging experience of transitioning from academia into clinical training in the field. Free online resources available at www.routledge.com/9781138478701 support the text.

Preface

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1 - Preparation

Chapter 2 - The Adventure Begins

Chapter 3 - Internship Classes and Peer Groups

Chapter 4 - Ethical and Legal Issues

Chapter 5 - Supervision

Chapter 6 - Diversity Considerations in Practice

Chapter 7 - Clinical Writing, Treatment Records, and Case Notes

Chapter 8 - Stress and Self-Care

Chapter 9 - Assaults and Other Risks

Chapter 10 - Closing Cases

Chapter 11 - Finishing the Internship

Chapter 12 - Frustrations, Lessons, Discoveries, and Joy

Appendix: Selecting or Establishing an Internship Site

Index