By. Rachel Troob, Psychology Intern
As I sit down to reflect on my time as an intern at Dr. Alyson Nerenberg’s private practice, I am overwhelmed with a mix of emotions. The experience has been transformative and filled with valuable lessons that I will carry with me throughout my career and life. From witnessing the remarkable growth of clients to experiencing the unconditional support from my colleagues, here are the four most significant lessons I learned during my time as an intern.
- The Remarkable Growth of Clients Under a Supportive Environment: One of the most inspiring aspects of my internship was witnessing how quickly clients grew and thrived under a supportive therapeutic environment. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of empathy, understanding, and a non-judgmental approach in facilitating healing and personal growth. Whether it was helping clients navigate through challenging life transitions or cope with mental health issues, seeing their progress was incredibly rewarding.
- The Value of Having a Supervisor – A Team for My Clients and Myself: Throughout my internship, I had the privilege of working under the guidance of a supervisor, Jessica Feldman, who served as a mentor, teacher, and advocate for both me and my clients. Her knowledge and experience not only enriched my own professional growth but also had an impact on the quality of care I was able to provide to my clients. It reinforced the idea that seeking guidance and collaboration is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength to deliver the highest standard of care.
- The Trust and Support From Dr. Nerenberg’s Team: From the moment I stepped into the private practice, I was welcomed with open arms by Dr. Nerenberg’s team. Despite being an intern, I was treated as a valued member of the team, trusted with meaningful responsibilities, and given opportunities to contribute to the practice’s success. It was inspiring to be surrounded by colleagues who were not only passionate about their work but also invested in each other’s growth and well-being.
- Termination – Navigating the Challenges of Saying Goodbye: As my internship is coming to an end, I find myself grappling with the bittersweet reality of termination. While I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment in how much I had learned and grown during my time in the practice, saying goodbye is undeniably difficult. I have formed deep connections with my clients, and the thought of leaving is met with a mix of sadness and apprehension. However, I realize that termination is an inevitable part of the therapeutic process and a necessary step towards growth for both clients and therapists.
Overall, my internship in private practice has been an amazing opportunity. I want to say a huge thank you to Dr. Nerenberg, Jessica Feldman, and the rest of the team for taking a chance on me! As I embark on the next phase of my career, I will carry these invaluable lessons with me.