In today’s world, lifestyles are constantly changing. This is taking the stress level to its peak. This enhances the demand for psychological support through various techniques to relax the mind. Three students (Divijaa Sahni, Aryan Singh of XI-B and Tanishka Saini of XI-D) of The Indian School were given a unique chance to attend a Psychology Internship conducted at Moolchand Hospital under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Jitendra Nagpal, renowned Psychiatrist and Programme Director of Expressions India. The internsip was held from 27 to 31 May 2019.
The course of this five-day internship revolved around understanding various concepts relating to the human mind and the different ways in which the thinking capacity of the human brain gets affected. We were told about the various theories related to the evolution of the human mind. We were introduced to Sigmund Frued’s psychodynamic theory of the unconscious mind which includes the concept of ‘Id’, ‘Ego’ and ‘Superego’. Later the concept of anxiety due to conflict between these three structures of the human mind was explained to us. Dynamics of chronic and complex psychological disorders like Schizophrenia, PTSD, OCD and various others were also shared with us. We learned about several new aspects of psychiatry, psychological therapies and the methods and steps of taking sessions ‘for the ill’ and ‘of the ill’.
We observed various cases and attempted to draw conclusions regarding their difficulties after observing the cases carefully. The practice of preparing proformas for the adult, the children and the elderly was shared with us. The methods of enquiry and therapies were also shared. We were given a special chance to help the hospital psychologists record the behaviour of the clients and draw conclusions for the same. We also interacted with patients and filled up the proforma for them and their informants. The students also designed a time table for one of the clients, which was well appreciated by the psychologists.
Dr. Nagpal asked us about our experience with the hospital and suggested various books and topics we should read to expand our knowledge. He laid special emphasis on the new laws and the changes made to suit children and people with disabilities. He told us about the Persons with Disabilities Act (PWD) 1995 which is an act for equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation. He also told us about [MISIC] Malin’s Intelligence Scale for Indian Children (MISIC) and explained the three key points of that test. Those were: the ability to judge well, to understand well and to reason well.
The diversity of issues of the patients encouraged us to learn more about them and also think of the various therapies which can help in curing these psychological ailments. Interactions with the patients also helped us learn methods of interaction with the mentally challenged and the etiquettes of treating such patients.
The internship proved to be a highly enriching experience for us and motivated us to learn more about the larger domains of Psychiatry and Psychology.
Divija Sahni XI-B
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