Brynlee was an master of social work intern for Family Services during Fall 2023.
Briefly explain what you did and the result of your internship.
I am a student therapist at Family Services. I see eight to ten clients a week for mental health therapy. Some of my specific duties include assessing clients and forming treatment plans, diagnosing mental health problems, implementing research-based treatment interventions, documentation, familiarizing myself with agency policy, and consulting with ecclesiastical leaders on individual cases. I also help facilitate marriage and pornography treatment groups once a week.
What did you learn on your internship that you were not expecting to learn?
As a professional, I have grown much during this internship. Although this is my second therapy internship, I feel like I am getting a “real life” therapy experience in that the client population has a diverse range of challenges. No two of my clients so far have had the same treatment plan. I’ve learned that I really value a client-centered approach in which often I have to use my creativity to help make each treatment plan and intervention more applicable and effective for individual clients. The agency I work for has pushed me to pursue different modality trainings that have not been available to me through my classwork. I have been trained in mind-body bridging, accelerated resolution therapy, and cognitive behavior therapy for couples. I am currently working towards a certification in accelerated resolution therapy in order to further focus my future professional pursuits around trauma work.
How have your future plans changed because of what you learned from your internship experience?
I’ve realized that I would really like to go on and get my Ph.D to contribute research to different areas of social science along side leading a practice in mental health therapy.
Please share how your experience led to personal inspiration or insightful revelation.
This internship experience has been an amazing growing opportunity for me. After just four months with this agency, I have a much greater sense of compassion and empathy for those struggling with both mental health and interpersonal challenges. Being exposed to a diverse range of human experiences, challenges, and resilience every day of my internship has felt sacred in many ways. My mind is continuously being opened and broadened to the love that our Heavenly Father has for all his children, and the various ways he helps each individual through life. I feel my spirituality and faith continue to grow immensely due to my internship experience.
Would you recommend this internship to other students?
Absolutely! The supervision experience has been top quality. I feel very supported in my role as a developing therapist. The clinical knowledge available to me through Family Service resources is expansive, enabling the freedom to explore specific areas of clinical topics.
