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Student Spotlights

Emma Thompson: Social Worker

Emma was a Clinical Therapy Intern at Family Haven during Winter 2026.

Briefly explain what you did and the result of your internship.

I provided individual therapy for children who have experienced trauma or abuse. Learning how to alleviate suffering and to help these children find healing was both impactful and meaningful for me. I learned that these children are resilient and have a need to be loved!

What did you learn on your internship that you were not expecting to learn?

I learned a lot about finding hope in the darkness. I knew that the struggles of my clients would be heavy and difficult but I was not anticipating finding that much hope and joy at my internship.

How have your future plans changed because of what you learned from your internship experience?

From this internship, I decided that I really enjoy play therapy and working with children. Because of this, I have found a job after graduation that will allow me to continue doing play therapy.

Please share how your experience led to personal inspiration or insightful revelation.

I had a few clients that struggled to feel loved and accepted. I began praying that I would be able to feel and show God's love for them. Though there were times that we still did not always get along, I was given an extra measure of love for them and was able to express it in meaningful ways.

Would you recommend this internship to other students?

Yes, 1000%! I had the best co-workers and the work environment made it easy to grow and to learn as a clinician!

Is there anything else you would like to say regarding your internship?

I am a firm believer that God places us in the experiences that we need. This internship is a manifestation of that!

This is a picture of one of our playrooms. This is where children come for therapy. Play therapy is based on the belief that play is how children converse and the toys they use are the words.
This is a picture of our sand tray room. Sand tray is an experiential form of therapy where clients show what they are thinking or feeling instead of telling what they are thinking or feeling. I saw a lot of healing and insight through providing sand tray therapy.