As my first week of my internship at MindWell Counseling comes to a close, I find myself feeling both inspired and eager. I feel inspired by the compassion and expertise I’ve witnessed and eager to continue growing, learning, and discovering the ways in which I can make a difference. 

I began this internship hoping to clarify my career interests, strengthen my communication and organizational skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the inner workings of therapy through the lens of a licensed counselor. After a single conversation with Maggie, LCPC, RPT, I’ve been exposed to the multiple facets that make up this work. Most importantly, I’ve learned that therapy doesn’t begin and end with a session – it’s the preparation beforehand, the environment it takes place in, the reflection afterward, and the thoughtful attention towards every detail in between.

This week was focused on the foundational elements of therapy: documentation, boundary-setting, and ethical decision-making. While conversations like these may seem less visible than direct client work, they are essential to creating a safe, intentional space where healing and learning can occur.  These early lessons have already encouraged me to approach my work with greater intentionality, organization, and self-awareness both during my time at MindWell and in my future endeavors.

Even with all the excitement, stepping into this internship felt intimidating and stirred moments of nervousness and self-doubt. Yet, alongside these feelings, a sense of belonging was present. At MindWell, I have felt comfortable and have already gained the ability to see what thoughtful, compassionate care looks like. Here, I feel encouraged to be curious, to reflect on both my strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately, to grow.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue learning, not just about therapy itself, but about who I am and what impact I can make through this work. I want to continue to develop my clinical insight, improve my ability to manage tasks behind the scenes, and explore new therapeutic approaches. Most of all, I want to learn more about how to hold space for others in a grounded and empowering way, something I have gained a deeper insight into through Oprah Winfrey’s and Bruce Perry’s book, What Happened to You? 

Life is all about balance, and whether intentional or not, I believe this internship will guide me toward finding that balance within myself – between listening and leading, structure and flexibility, empathy and professionalism. Even after just one week, this experience has already shaped the kind of professional and person I hope to become.