An Exploration into the subjective emotional experiences the msc1-clinical psychology trainees at the University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus) during their first block of training

Abstract

The Clinical Psychology training programme at the University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus) is contextualized within the theoretical paradigm of the General Systems Theory. The main focus during the first block of training is on equipping trainees with a person-centered stance and the necessary skills that go with it such as empathy, unconditional positive regard and congruence and also to develop a frame of reference in the trainees which is suitable to form a basis as a therapist. Thus training within this context is experiential. The aim of this study was to explore the subjective emotional experiences of the Msc1-Clinical Psychology trainees at the University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus) during their first block of training. The research was conducted through qualitative interviews with the trainees shortly after being exposed to the first block of training. The sample size consisted of five trainees of the 2011 Masters in Clinical Psychology training programme at Medunsa Campus. Interviews were analysed in accordance with qualitative methodology through thematic analysis. Finally, an attempt was made to discuss and integrate the research findings into which the strengths and limitations of the study and future recommendations were made. Results from this study indicated that trainees during their first block of training experienced different challenges which are not only emotional but mental as well as academic in nature. Moreover, it became evident that trainees further experienced challenges in their social contexts such as families and relationships outside the training context.