How I've Grown Through my semester with YFS, I've grown in my knowledge of effective therapeutic practices, and in my confidence in my goals for the future. Through attending weekly group supervision, I was exposed to new styles of therapy, and new techniques for effectively working with vulnerable youth. For example, I learned the idea of challenging a client to consider their internal and external self by creating a mask and depicting their internal emotions and thoughts on the inside of the mask, and their outward persona and emotions they share publicly on the outside of the mask. Attending these supervision sessions was especially valuable because the YFS staff encouraged intern participation in case discussions, so I was able to offer my own ideas and get feedback from professionals.
In addition to the knowledge I gained from my internship, I also became more confident in my plans to pursue a career in a helping profession. After having the chance to plan and lead my own mentoring group with another intern, I realized how much I enjoy working with pre-teen and teenage youth, especially in a therapeutic setting. I gained confidence in my ability to make a positive impact on youth through education, and I feel more certain about my goal to continue to serve underprivileged youth in my future career. Managing Expectations As this was my third internship of my undergraduate college experience, I went into this experience unsure of how meaningful it would be. I knew that without a license, I wouldn't be able to practice actual therapy, so I arrived on my first day with expectations that I would spend most of my time doing administrative work. Contrary to my expectations, I was given the chance to take on leadership positions and run my own groups through YFS, which was a unique, valuable learning experience.
Although in general this internship exceeded my expectations, I also was challenged to manage my expectations this semester. Our Reach and Rise mentoring program was unexpectedly cut short due to logistical difficulties and disagreements, which was a frustrating and disappointing experience for me. I really enjoyed leading Reach and Rise, and it was difficult for me to accept letting go of a program that I had put so much thought and energy into. I still wish that the program could continue, especially because the program was designed to help youth who really could benefit from the structure and support of mentoring; however, the experience of having to alter my expectations has helped prepare me for inevitable challenges and logistical "red tape" that I will encounter in my future work in social services.
Working Towards My Future Moving forward, I plan to use the skills and knowledge I learned from my semester with YFS to inform my decision to attend graduate school starting the fall of 2018. After speaking with my supervisors at YFS about their own experiences in masters in social work programs or masters in counseling programs, I now have a better understanding of the different options that exist when pursuing a career in psychology. Interning at YFS affirmed my interest in the therapeutic side of psychology, instead of the research side, so I feel even more excited about the idea of attending a graduate program that allows me to begin working and earning clinical hours towards my license within a few years. After interning with YFS, I feel passionate and energized to work towards my goal of helping youth and families in need through therapy.