Giannina Lebo ’22 Gains Real-World Experience in the Counseling Psychology Field

Giannina Lebo ’22, a counseling psychology major, has found mentors, gained confidence and learned valuable skills through the University’s Experience360 Program.

Lebo interned at Harry S. Truman High School, in Bristol, Pennsylvania, in the guidance office, where she was a guidance counselor assistant. Lebo was responsible for scheduling meetings with students, making students’ schedules, talking to students herself, and filing student information.

“I found a mentor,” said Lebo, of the internship experience. “I still speak to the guidance counselor I worked with and she is always open to writing me letters of recommendation and if I need help with anything she will help.”

Lebo is certified in child sexual abuse prevention by the Stewards of Children: Darkness to Light Program. She is passionate about helping people in any way she can.

“I want to be a counselor to help people,” said Lebo.

Lebo is thankful for DelVal’s hands-on experience in the counseling psychology labs. Conducting mock counseling sessions in the labs gave her valuable experience in the field before her internship. During her E360 activity, Lebo learned that

“there is a lot more behind the scenes work to being a guidance counselor than what meets the eye.”

“Everyone faces challenges that no one knows about, which is why it’s important to always approach people with kindness because you only have an outside view of what people are going through,” explained Lebo.

In addition to her internship, Lebo also attended the Pennsylvania Counseling Association Conference, where she attended talks about different areas of study within the counseling field.

While studying at DelVal, Lebo gained more confidence in herself. One of her goals includes developing the confidence and social skills to feel comfortable talking with anyone she meets. The friendly DelVal community is helping her to practice those skills.

DelVal’s small class sizes, counseling psychology labs, beautiful campus, and close-knit community are what attracted Lebo to DelVal. She especially enjoys the faculty relationships.

“I think the most essential thing about my education at DelVal is having professors that help you succeed and do everything in their power to get you to be the best you can be,” said Lebo. “They are easily accessible and very understanding on top of wanting you to succeed.”

Lebo hopes to attend graduate school and start working in her field immediately after earning her bachelor’s degree.