Tele-Counseling Experience of Psychology Graduate Students in Online Internship: A Narrative Inquiry

Abstract

Tele-counseling has been recognized as a useful and effective modality for delivering mental health services, there remains a need to explore whether psychology graduate students can effectively adapt to this emerging form of practice. Unfortunately, the literature addressing the tele-counseling practices of these future professionals is scarce. To address this gap, this study investigates the lived experiences of psychology graduate students as they deliver tele-counseling services during their online internships. Employing a narrative inquiry approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six interns from various school of Psychology in Zamboanga City. The study uncovered sixteen emerging narrative themes that provide insights into the complexities of tele-counseling. Key findings include interns’ efforts in building rapport, exercising autonomy in selecting counseling approaches, guiding clients, managing technological challenges, struggling with limited observations of nonverbal cues, tolerating interruptions, and maintaining spontaneity during sessions. Post- session, interns engaged in reflective practices, observed client improvements, consulted with mentors, received feedback from colleagues, and conducted extensive research. Before subsequent sessions, they established protocols, made intentional preparations, experienced performance anxiety, and implemented self-care activities. The study concludes that targeted training and support are essential for preparing interns for the demands of tele-counseling. It is recommended that psychology internship programs incorporate comprehensive tele-counseling training modules, including technology use, supervision, and self-care strategies, to enhance interns’ readiness and effectiveness in delivering virtual mental health services.