Trainees’ Experiences of Providing Online Brief Psychological Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
2021
Abstract
Mental health professionals are now in demand as the increased need for online counseling services continues to rise due to the COVID-19 pandemic (Abrams, 2020; Proust, 2021). Psychologists-in-training are called into service to help address the rising trend of mental health concerns (Department of Health, 2020). While previous literature highlighted the positive and negative experiences of psychologists-in-training in the areas of providing therapy, supervision, and enhancing competencies, there is a dearth of longitudinal research in the Asian countries, and more specifically, in the Filipino context. In this study, we sought to contribute to existing literature through exploring the experiences of psychologists-in-training as they deliver online brief therapy services in the Philippines during this COVID-19 pandemic. Using a longitudinal research design, we answered the following research questions: a.) What are the narratives of psychologists-in-training as they journey into becoming psychologists?, and b.) What are their narratives of providing brief therapy? We analyzed 71 monthly journals of trainees through Gilligan’s (2015) Listening Guide. Our findings highlight the difficulties, learnings, and breakthroughs that trainees experience in their journey of becoming psychologists and providing care. We discuss the implications of these findings on training, mentorship, and supervision.
Recommended Citation
Villasanta, A., & Corpuz-Tabo, C. (2021, September 30-October 2). Trainees’ experiences of providing online brief psychological services during the COVID-19 pandemic [Conference presentation]. PAP 2021 Convention, Manila, Philippines.