Professional Development & Clinical Practice (KLS 872)

Posted on September 19, 2024

Introduction & Background
KLS 872 (Professional Development and Clinical Practice) is a year-long module that aims to equip us, as MA Clinical Psychology students, with the professional knowledge and skills required to competently practice clinical psychology. We thus work as Student Psychologists, under supervision of a registered clinical psychologist, at different practicum sites during Year 1 of the MA Clinical Psychology programme. This module also aims to promote mental health and wellbeing within communities, which aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of “Good Health and Well-being” and supports UP’s initiative of making a difference and uplifting communities. The services we provide at the Aurum Institute’s Pop Inn Clinic, particularly, reflect our community engagement.
 
The Practical Site
The Aurum Institute’s Pop Inn Clinic, situated at Loftus Park, Arcadia, provides sexual health services as well as psychosocial support services to Key Population Communities (e.g. transgender, gay, bisexual, and queer people). In addition, the clinic offers a supportive environment that promotes social interaction and community building. At the clinic, we mostly work in collaboration with the administrative staff who facilitates the referral and administrative processes as well as social workers who address clients’ psycho-social needs. The majority of clients we consult are either self-referred or referred by social workers. The reasons for referral are diverse and range from individuals experiencing oppression or harassment related to their sexuality and/or gender, to those struggling with adjustment after undergoing hormone therapy or receiving an HIV diagnosis. Many clients also struggle to cope with grief, manage anxiety or depression, or simply want to improve their overall mental wellbeing.
 
Our Role at the Clinic
As Student Psychologists we offer clients at Aurum’s Pop Inn Clinic supervised treatment plans aimed at addressing moderate to severe mental health challenges. These treatment plans involve psychotherapeutic interventions and psychometric testing. Psychotherapy involves the formulation and conceptualisation of a client’s current challenges through an evidence-based and empirically supported theoretical framework. We make use of a wide range of therapeutic approaches which encompass psychodynamic psychotherapy, systemic approaches, person-centred therapies, cognitive behavioural therapy and solution-focused brief therapy. Considering the unique population we are consulting at the clinic, our therapeutic approaches are also geared towards socio-political sensitivity and adopt a culturally aware lens. We take care to not only address our patient’s individual struggles but the broader social inequalities that punctuate the lived experiences of Queer bodies in South Africa as well. In practice, we therefore provide psychoeducation, positive behavioural change, risk reduction, improved emotional regulation, trauma-focused support and the reduction of psychological distress. Clients typically engage in weekly therapy sessions, ensuring ongoing engagement with the therapeutic process.
 
Our Experience at the Clinic
Our work at Aurum’s Pop-Inn Clinic has been profoundly fulfilling, in terms of the services we provide, the connections we build with the community, and the professional growth it has afforded us. The clinic has offered a unique opportunity to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, many of whom have faced considerable challenges in accessing inclusive and non-discriminatory healthcare services. Our clients consistently express appreciation for the inclusive, affirming environment we strive to create. By offering a space that is free from judgement and stigma, we are able to provide services that build trust and a sense of belonging, making our work at the clinic not only significant but also transformative for the clients we serve. Furthermore, working at the clinic has been professionally fulfilling and personally enriching at it provides us with a deeper understanding of the multifaceted challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. The collaborative nature of the work, coupled with the clinic’s ethos of inclusivity, also creates a sense of shared purpose among the staff. Through sustained teamwork and liaison with the clinic, we have been able to create systems that enhance both service delivery and client outcomes. Regular feedback from the clinic staff and clients have been instrumental in refining our services to better meet the needs of the community. The rich learning environment and diverse population exposure have provided us with invaluable insights, helping us to develop our practice and offer more effective and compassionate care.
 
- Author MA Clinical Students & Dr Jolize Joubert van Appel

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