At ReNyou Counselling, our internship program is designed to bridge academic knowledge with hands-on learning, offering psychology and allied students a comprehensive introduction to mental health care, therapeutic practice, and inclusive education. Through immersive experiences in both counselling and neurodiversity.
Interns begin their training with access to a thoughtfully curated collection of video-based learning modules. These cover a wide range of topics, including psychological theories, therapeutic modalities like cognitive-behavioural therapy and person-centred therapy, trauma-informed care, ethics in practice, developmental psychology, and case conceptualisation. The modules provide a strong theoretical base that supports the practical aspects of the internship, allowing interns to engage with clinical situations with clarity and informed sensitivity.
To translate theoretical knowledge into applied skill, interns participate in mock counselling sessions that simulate real-life therapeutic encounters. These sessions help develop core counselling skills such as active listening, rapport building, boundary setting, and client-centered communication. Through structured role plays and guided feedback, interns refine their ability to manage emotional disclosures, explore therapeutic goals, and maintain professional presence. These simulations are a safe space for practicing therapeutic engagement and self-reflection.
Interns are encouraged to think critically and stay informed through weekly academic and clinical discussions. These sessions may involve exploring contemporary psychological research, presenting complex case scenarios, discussing diagnostic trends, or addressing ethical dilemmas in therapy. The format is interactive, promoting questioning, reflection, and exchange of ideas. Topics often extend into emerging areas such as digital mental health, trauma neuroscience, and the social determinants of psychological well-being.
Advanced or postgraduate-level interns may be given the opportunity to conduct supervised pro bono counselling sessions with actual clients, based on client consent and comfort. These sessions offer a rare, valuable chance to engage in live therapeutic work under close supervision. Interns gain insight into managing real client dynamics, documenting sessions, setting therapeutic goals, and applying learned modalities in real time. This facet of the internship strengthens ethical responsibility and deepens the intern’s sense of therapeutic presence.
Interns also observe therapy sessions conducted by senior clinicians to better understand how experienced professionals navigate complex client situations. These observations allow interns to witness the application of various therapeutic approaches, session structuring, and clinician-client interaction in action. They also provide insight into how therapists assess progress, tailor interventions, and manage emotional regulation within the session. This observational learning is invaluable in shaping the intern’s own developing therapeutic style.
ReNyou encourages a culture of shared learning through structured peer supervision sessions. Interns from diverse academic backgrounds and institutions come together to reflect on experiences, discuss mock sessions, present case-based insights, and offer mutual support. These interactions expose students to multiple perspectives, challenge cognitive biases, and foster a deeper understanding of psychological practice across different contexts. Peer learning not only enhances reflective practice but also strengthens professional identity through collaborative engagement.
In the neurodiversity track, interns shadow and assist clinicians working with children and adolescents who present with a range of developmental profiles, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, global developmental delay, and learning difficulties. Interns observe therapy sessions, learn behaviour regulation strategies, and gain familiarity with intervention planning. This exposure provides essential understanding of how neurodevelopmental differences manifest and how therapeutic support can be tailored to meet each child’s unique needs.
A core highlight of this track is the opportunity to work as a trainee shadow teacher within inclusive educational settings. Interns support neurodiverse students in mainstream classrooms, helping them access academic content, engage socially, and regulate behaviours. Under the supervision of special educators and school counsellors, interns learn how inclusive education works in practice and how collaborative support plans are developed and implemented. This role enhances their understanding of educational psychology and inclusive pedagogy.
Interns are introduced to several evidence-based intervention systems that support neurodiverse learners. These include the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) for emotional and physiological regulation, the Focus System for improving sensory-motor integration, and structured supports such as visual schedules and AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) tools. Exposure to these tools helps interns appreciate the role of multidisciplinary collaboration, as they see how psychological care intersects with speech therapy, occupational therapy, and educational planning.
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