Counselling Psychology Internship at Rhodes University

Rhodes University invites dynamic, dedicated, and suitably qualified candidates to apply for the Counselling Psychologist Internship within the Division of Student Services and Development (Rhodes University Student Counselling Centre) in Makhanda, Eastern Cape. This 12-month structured internship offers exceptional hands-on clinical experience delivering comprehensive psychological support, mental health interventions, and psycho-educational development to a diverse university student body in South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Individual and Group Psychotherapy: Conduct short-term individual psychotherapy, couple counselling, group therapy, and supportive family interventions tailored to the psychological needs of university students.

• Crisis Intervention: Provide urgent containment and crisis management services, participating in after-hours emergency call-outs for critical student incidents within rapid response timeframes.

• Psychological and Career Assessment: Administer, score, interpret, and write professional reports for comprehensive psychological and career assessments.

• Counselling Support Services: Offer confidential HIV pre- and post-test counselling and wellness guidance to both students and staff members.

• Psycho-Education & Training: Design, develop, and facilitate mental health awareness workshops, training modules, and educational materials under the supervision of senior psychologists to promote holistic student well-being.

• Administrative Excellence: Maintain detailed, ethical, and up-to-date client records and case files in accordance with HPCSA standards and university governance protocols.

Why Join the Company

Rhodes University is renowned for academic excellence, collegiality, and fostering an inclusive, student-centred environment. Joining the Student Counselling Centre allows intern psychologists to complete their mandatory HPCSA training under the direct supervision of highly experienced registered psychologists. Interns gain extensive exposure to diverse clinical presentations, advanced therapeutic frameworks, and supportive multidisciplinary collaboration, laying a robust foundation for a distinguished career in psychological practice.

Application Strategy (Exclusive)

• Highlight Practical Clinical Competencies: Clearly showcase your theoretical orientation, evidence-based intervention exposure, and any university clinic or practicum hours completed during your first year of Master's studies.

• Demonstrate Crisis Management & Proximity: Explicitly mention your willingness to participate in emergency after-hours call-outs and confirm your ability to reside within 16km of the Rhodes University campus in Makhanda.

• Tailor Academic & Language Proficiencies: Emphasize any multilingual capabilities—specifically proficiency in isiXhosa alongside English—as well as your active registration with the HPCSA as a Student Psychologist.

Interview Preparation

Candidates shortlisted for this role should be prepared to discuss case conceptualization, ethical decision-making, and rapid crisis management techniques. Expect questions such as:

• "How would you conduct an immediate risk assessment and crisis intervention for a student presenting with acute suicidal ideation?"

• "Can you describe your therapeutic framework and how you adapt short-term psychotherapy to meet the developmental challenges of early adulthood?"

Practice structuring your clinical answers confidently by utilizing the Xhosadev Interview Simulator to refine your responses before the panel interview.

How to Apply

Applicants are requested to compile and email their complete application package to 📧 [email protected] before the closing date. For any administrative questions or formal recruitment enquiries, please contact 📧 [email protected].

Your application must include:

• A comprehensive updated CV containing the contact details of three contactable referees.

• A detailed letter of motivation.

• Certified copy of current registration as an M1 Counselling Psychology student.

• Certified copy of registration as a Student Psychologist with the HPCSA.

• Certified copies of undergraduate degree certificates and academic transcripts.

• A certified copy of your South African ID or Passport.

• Currently enrolled in the first year of a Master's Degree in Counselling Psychology at an accredited South African university.

• Current, active registration as a Student Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

• Sound knowledge and understanding of adolescent and early adulthood developmental stages.

• Demonstrated evidence-based counselling and psychotherapeutic competencies.

• Strong administrative, time management, and computer literacy skills (Word, Excel, online communication tools).

• Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills in English (proficiency in isiXhosa is an advantageous asset).

• Willingness and capability to reside within 16km of Rhodes University campus to respond to after-hours campus emergencies within 20 minutes.

• Uncompromising adherence to professional ethics, client confidentiality, and institutional values.