A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) can significantly impact your future career in counselling psychology. Whether you are applying for a master’s program, M.Phil, PhD, RCI registration, hospital placement, NGO work, or private practice, a strong recommendation from your internship supervisor adds credibility to your profile.
What Is a Letter of Recommendation in Counselling Psychology?
A Letter of Recommendation is a formal document written by your internship supervisor, psychologist, or department head that evaluates:
- Your clinical competence
- Ethical standards
- Communication skills
- Case handling ability
- Professional behavior
- Readiness for advanced training
In counselling psychology, this letter is often required for:
- Master’s or PhD programs
- M.Phil Clinical Psychology programs
- Hospital or mental health center jobs
- Research assistantships
- International admissions
- Fellowship applications
Why Is a Recommendation Letter Important in Psychology?
In psychology, practical exposure matters as much as academic knowledge. Institutions and employers want proof that:
- You handled real clients.
- You maintained confidentiality.
- You followed ethical guidelines.
- You worked under supervision.
- You demonstrated emotional maturity.
A well-written LOR confirms all of this from a credible authority.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Strong LOR
1. Perform Well During Your Internship
Before asking for a letter, ensure you have:
- Completed assigned case reports
- Maintained punctuality
- Participated in supervision sessions
- Followed ethical guidelines
- Demonstrated empathy and professionalism
- Taken initiative in workshops or assessments
Your daily performance builds the foundation of your recommendation.
2. Build a Professional Relationship with Your Supervisor
A strong LOR comes from a supervisor who truly knows your strengths.
During your internship:
- Ask thoughtful questions.
- Seek feedback on case formulations.
- Show interest in learning psychological assessments.
- Engage in supervision discussions.
For example, if you interned at a reputed mental health platform like MindYog, your recommendation will carry more value if your supervisor has directly observed your case involvement.
3. Choose the Right Person to Ask
Your recommender can be:
- Clinical Supervisor
- Senior Counselling Psychologist
- Organization Director
- Academic Internship Coordinator
Choose someone who:
- Has supervised you directly
- Can comment on your clinical skills
- Is professionally respected
A generic letter from someone who barely knows you is less effective than a detailed letter from a direct supervisor.
4. Ask at the Right Time
Best time:
- Final week of internship
- Immediately after receiving your completion certificate
Do not wait months. If you delay, your supervisor may forget specific details about your performance.
5. How to Ask for a Letter Professionally
You should ask:
- Politely
- Respectfully
- Confidently
Sample Verbal Request:
“Ma’am/Sir, I have learned a lot under your supervision. I am planning to apply for higher studies/jobs, and a recommendation from you would be extremely valuable. Would you be comfortable writing me a strong letter of recommendation?”
Notice the phrase “strong letter” this ensures the recommender writes a positive one.
6. Provide Supporting Documents
Make it easy for them. Share:
- Updated CV
- Internship certificate
- List of cases handled
- Assessments conducted
- Workshops attended
- SOP (if applying for higher studies)
- Deadline details
This helps them write a personalized and detailed LOR.
What Should a Strong Psychology LOR Include?
A high-quality recommendation letter should cover:
1. Duration of Internship
Example:
“Ms. ABC completed her 3-month Counselling Psychology internship under my supervision.”
2. Skills Observed
- Case history taking
- Rapport building
- Empathy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy exposure
- Psychological assessments
- Report writing
3. Ethical Conduct
- Maintained confidentiality
- Respected boundaries
- Followed ethical guidelines
4. Professional Qualities
- Punctuality
- Team coordination
- Active participation
- Feedback implementation
5. Clear Recommendation Statement
Example:
“I strongly recommend her for advanced training in counselling psychology.”
Frequently Asked Common Questions
How long should a psychology recommendation letter be?
Ideally 500–800 words. It should be detailed but not overly lengthy.
Can I draft my own LOR?
Sometimes supervisors ask interns to provide a draft. If this happens:
- Write honestly.
- Avoid exaggeration.
- Leave room for edits.
- Let the supervisor modify and approve.
How many LORs should I collect?
For higher studies:
- 2–3 letters are ideal.
For job applications:
- Usually 1 professional LOR is sufficient.
Should an LOR be on letterhead?
Yes. It should:
- Be on official organization letterhead
- Include signature
- Include contact details
- Mention designation
This increases authenticity.
Can I use one LOR for multiple applications?
Yes, but:
- For competitive programs (like M.Phil Clinical Psychology in India)
- Or international universities
It is better to tailor the letter for each institution.
Mistakes to Avoid While Requesting a Recommendation
❌ Asking at the last minute
❌ Forcing a supervisor
❌ Being casual over WhatsApp
❌ Not providing context
❌ Using unprofessional email language
❌ Asking someone who barely supervised you
Email Template to Request a Letter of Recommendation
Subject: Request for Letter of Recommendation
Dear Ma’am/Sir,
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to kindly request a Letter of Recommendation based on my Counselling Psychology internship under your supervision from [duration].
Your guidance significantly enhanced my clinical understanding, especially in case formulation and therapeutic communication. I am currently applying for [mention purpose], and a strong recommendation from you would greatly strengthen my application.
I have attached my updated CV and internship details for reference. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Thank you for your time and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
How to Maintain Long-Term Professional Relationships
Your internship supervisor may help you beyond just the LOR:
- Research guidance
- Conference recommendations
- Job references
- Clinical supervision
To maintain connection:
- Send occasional updates.
- Share academic achievements.
- Acknowledge their mentorship on professional platforms like LinkedIn.
- Express gratitude sincerely.
How to Strengthen Your Internship Profile Before Asking for LOR
If you are currently interning, focus on:
- Handling diverse cases
- Learning CBT basics
- Practicing case conceptualization
- Writing structured reports
- Observing therapy sessions ethically
- Understanding DSM-based diagnosis
The stronger your profile, the more compelling your letter.
LOR for Indian vs International Applications
For Indian Programs (M.Phil Clinical Psychology)
- More focus on clinical exposure
- Case handling experience important
- Knowledge of assessments valued
For International Programs
- Research exposure valued
- Academic writing skills important
- Evidence-based practice knowledge required
Make sure your recommender knows where you are applying.
Can Online Internship LORs Be Valid?
Yes provided:
- The organization is legitimate.
- Supervision was structured.
- Clinical tasks were assigned.
- Official documentation is provided.
Online mental health platforms such as MindYog provide structured internship programs where performance-based recommendations may be issued.
Final Checklist Before Submitting Your LOR
✔ Official letterhead
✔ Signature included
✔ Date mentioned
✔ Contact details added
✔ Clear endorsement statement
✔ No spelling errors
Final Thoughts
Getting a Letter of Recommendation after your Counselling Psychology internship is not just about asking it is about earning it.
Your dedication, ethical conduct, client sensitivity, and willingness to learn determine how powerful your recommendation will be.
A strong LOR can:
- Open doors to advanced degrees
- Help you secure hospital placements
- Improve job opportunities
- Strengthen scholarship applications
- Build long-term professional credibility
Approach the process professionally, respectfully, and strategically and your internship supervisor will likely be happy to support your growth.
If you are currently pursuing or planning a counselling psychology internship, focus on skill-building and meaningful mentorship because your future career begins with the impression you make today.
