Isabella’s Journey at Elements
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at Elements Psychological Services, a private practice specializing in therapy and evaluations. Run by a dynamic team of women, this experience has provided me invaluable insights into a psychological practice’s clinical and business aspects. From learning directly from Dr. Jessica McCarthy about the intricacies of managing a private practice to gaining hands-on experience in marketing, my time here has been both educational and inspiring.
When I first started my internship at Elements Psychological Services, I was excited and curious. Walking into a practice run entirely by a team of accomplished women was empowering. The office environment was warm and welcoming, reflecting the practice’s supportive and client-centered approach. I was eager to learn about a private practice’s behind-the-scenes operations and see how clinical theories are applied in real-world settings.
During my internship, I had the opportunity to dive into the marketing side of Elements, which was both challenging and rewarding. I assisted in preparations for “The Climb” event and created promotional graphics using Canva to enhance the business’s visibility. Additionally, I edited and developed social media content to strengthen the practice’s online presence. This experience showed the importance of networking and demonstrated how effective promotional materials can engage clientele. Collaborating with the founder herself, Dr. McCarthy, allowed me to see all of the hard work and thought that goes into benefiting your own business. Working with Jackie Sadlier and Dr. McCarthy enhanced my marketing skills and gave me valuable insights into building and maintaining a successful business.
As an aspiring psychologist, I was incredibly fortunate to learn from two doctoral-level psychologists, Dr. Jessica McCarthy and Dr. Jessica Poggioli. Both of them took me under their wing, providing important insights into their day-to-day work lives. Internships in private practice settings are notoriously difficult to secure due to licensing requirements, making this opportunity even more special. I am immensely grateful for the chance to learn from these knowledgeable professionals who shared their expertise in psychological assessment and intervention. While my academic studies have covered various tests and theories, witnessing their application in a real-world setting brought a new level of clarity and understanding. Additionally, I had the privilege of asking questions and receiving career advice about the future of my career and the field of psychology.
As my internship with Elements Psychological Services comes to a close, I am leaving with a wealth of knowledge about psychology and the intricacies of running a private practice. As I approach my final year at Villanova and gear up to apply to graduate programs, I am more certain and excited about my chosen career path. This internship has provided exactly what I hoped for, reaffirming that I have chosen the right profession, invaluable hands-on experience, and connections with an incredible team of women who continue to inspire me. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to applying what I’ve learned as I move forward in my academic and professional journey.
