Mikaela Young

An empathetic, compassionate, and driven Master's student in Counselling Psychology seeking a practicum placement to fulfill degree requirements and gain clinical experience. I am eager to develop my skills and enhance my confidence and abilities as a counsellor. I aim to support and empower individuals of all backgrounds throughout their healing journey through an open, compassionate, and nonjudgmental approach. I work exceptionally well with others and have acquired excellent communication and active-listening skills.

Interpersonal and Communication 

• Empathy- Demonstrated a remarkable ability to reflect feeling and meaning during counselling role-play sessions and supporting those in crisis as a Crisis Responder. Strong capacity to convey respect and understanding when supporting others.
• Compassion- Consistently demonstrates a genuine care and concern for the well-being of others and responds appropriately. This was exemplified in my position as a Crisis Responder, where I supported people of all ages in various crisis situations and provided them with a safe space and appropriate community resources.
• Active Listening and Oral/ Written Communication- Through interpersonal volunteer and work experiences and graduate level counselling role-play sessions, I have developed strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills which convey respect, understanding, and empathy through the conscious use of tone, feeling words, and microskills.

Relationship Building and Collaboration

• Establishing Rapport- Exhibits an exceptional ability to efficiently establish trust and genuine connection with users of the crisis service, in turn creating a safe space for users to feel heard and supported.
• Helping Characteristics- Trained in various communication and healing characteristics from Kids Help Phones Crisis Responder training program. Such characteristics include risk assessments, conveying empathy, communicating warmth and unconditional positive regard, and supporting those in times of crisis.
• Collaboration and Coordination- Strong ability to work alongside and lead others as demonstrated in position such as a Head Life Guard. Listened to and communicated with staff to sustain a positive workplace and ensure the safety of patrons was upheld at all times.

Adaptability and Problem-Solving 

• Versatility and Resilience- In my role as Head Life Guard I had to quickly respond to various crisis and emergency situations while maintaining and calm composure and leading others. This role required a broad range of skills and training, exhibiting my ability to respond in a variety of manners.
• Openness- Demonstrated capacity and willingness to learn, as exemplified in volunteer, work, and educational positions. I encompass a growth mindset and am willing and eager to learn from superiors.
• Maintaining Composure- Ability to remain composed and grounded in high-stress situations such as supporting those of imminent suicide risk and responding to various emergency situations as a lifeguard. I have demonstrated the ability to remain calm to ensure the appropriate care is given to those in need in countless situations.

• Living Works- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
• St. John's Ambulance- Intermediate First Aid, CPR C & AED

• Canadian Counselling Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) Student Member