As you embark in this scary new transition of applying all that you have learned in your counseling program at George Mason University, I would like to present to you some reminders to allow for a successful transition. Tina Krempasky, MA Clinical Counseling, Ohio State University, offered the following pearls of thoughts about starting a practicum in counseling. You will feel really nervous with your first clients and may feel like you need to keep the sessions 'moving' by asking lots of questions. Remember to breath, slow down and 'be' with your client. Allow for silences to let the client reflect.
Silence is sometimes the best thing for the client to reflect.
Nurture the relationship with your supervisor. Ask your supervisor lots of questions. Keep in mind that you are a novice and not expected to have the answers. Remember, you are a beginning therapist, not someone who has been in the field for twenty-five years. Lastly, as you start at your site, keep the following in mind and you are bound to have a successful experience.