The personal and professional selves of intern psychologists : an experiential journey

M.Ed.Entering the profession of psychology entails participating in professional roles and tasks that deal directly with human contact and development. Therefore, practicing psychology comprises a highly personalised nature, hence the personal self of the psychologist also comes into play. The development of the professional and personal nature of the psychologist occurs during different stages of becoming a psychologist. One such stage is that of being an intern. An intern has completed the theoretical aspect of a masters in psychology course and is involved in the practical aspect of the degree. This study explores the stage of being a psychology intern. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the experiences of a particular group of psychology interns in relation to their personal self and professional self. As a result a greater understanding surrounding a particular internship experience is hoped to be achieved. The design of the study was qualitative and involved formulating a literature review. This literature review discusses the stages of professional development, tasks and roles and internship experiences. This provides the theoretical framework for this study and should enhance the understanding of the phenomenological experience of interns. Hence, the research approach and theoretical framework adopted was based on existential, phenomenological, ecosystemic and constructivistic principles. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with three psychology interns. All participants completed their internships at the same institute in South Africa. When this study began, I, the researcher was also an intern, thus I am one of the participants. Data was also gained from my own personal reflective and research journal. The literature review, together with the results of this study assist in developing an understanding around the personal self and the professional self of the intern. It is hoped that the information gained from this study will assist future interns in creating meaning for their internship experiences