Recently, we asked one of our Spring Psychology students to tell us about her experience. We are proud to highlight Erica Olson and her experience as an intern for The Crossroads, Inc., a residential substance abuse treatment home for men, women, and Veterans across the valley.
[[{"fid":"9514","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Erica Olson","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"Erica Olson"},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Erica Olson","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"Erica Olson"}},"attributes":{"alt":"Erica Olson","title":"Erica Olson","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]
Major(s)/Minor(s): Psychology
Semester of Internship: Spring 2019
Internship Site: Crossroads, Inc.
Give an overview of your site and what you do while interning there.
Crossroads is a place of recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. It serves addicted men and women by providing residential and outpatient recovery programs. As an intern, I assist with clinician duties such as leading group discussions and recording client behavior and participation throughout the discussions. I participate in morning staff meetings to discuss how we can better enhance job performance and lessen the conflict between residents. And, I get the opportunity to listen to 1-on-1 therapy sessions with a therapist and a resident about the resident’s progress.
Why did you choose this site for your internship? Discuss how the site fits in with your career and/or academic goals.
I am interested in Marriage and Family Therapy, however, while signing up for classes and an internship, I couldn’t find the “perfect” internship that focuses just on Marriage and Family Therapy. Instead I found Crossroads, a rehabilitation center where I get to observe therapy directed to other issues. I find myself learning so much about what therapy is, what it entails, and I think even this style of therapy for drug addicts will have many similarities to therapy for Marriage and Family.
What do you like most about working at your site? What activities/responsibilities do you enjoy and learn the most from?
I liked the challenge of leading group discussions because it was simply that, a challenge. Crossroads is definitely a new environment for me where I am learning how to interact with vulnerable individuals trying to recover from drugs and alcohol. I enjoy leading group discussions because I get to listen to each of their stories and exactly what gave them the motivation to change and come to Crossroads. Also, I love working here because I am learning more about myself, my likes and my dislikes and if I really want to pursue doing therapy.
What skills/knowledge have you gained at your internship so far that you will carry with you in your career path?
At Crossroads, I have been exposed to traumatic stories and l have heard and seen altercations take place between residents and/or residents and staff members. In this environment, I am learning to be open-minded when I listen to residents share their stories. I am learning to be more assertive so that residents don’t take advantage of me and my role at Crossroads. And, I am learning how to problem-solve when it comes to responding to a resident’s behavior or personal struggle they have.
Discuss your career goals and what your next steps are after you complete your Psychology degree.
After completing my Psychology degree, I plan on going to graduate school for 2 years to get a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Aside from earning a master’s degree, I will be doing 2 years of clinical experience by volunteering at an agency that provides mental health services. And, in order to become a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I must take the state’s licensing exam. Also, like many other careers that require licenses, I must take continuing education requirements in order to maintain licensure every few years or so.
What advice can you give to other students interested in pursuing an internship?
Definitely do it! I don’t think there is any time wasted in an internship even if you realize during your internship, this work is not for you. I’ve asked many of my classmates what they plan on doing after getting their bachelor’s degree, and many do not know. I think an internship can teach us critical skills for any kind of career, but most importantly it teaches us more about ourselves, our strengths and our weaknesses, what we like and dislike. Internships can give us experience in the career field we are pursuing, or it can simply help us eliminate the careers we know for sure we are not interested in.