Jackie’s Experience at Elements
During my time as an intern at Elements Psychological Services, I embarked on a transformative journey that exceeded all of my expectations, in every way. From day one, I was warmly welcomed into a dynamic environment where learning and asking questions was not just encouraged, but celebrated.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship was the opportunity to develop essential skills that will undoubtedly shape my future career. Dr. McCarthy and Jackie were instrumental in my growth, providing invaluable insights into the field of psychology and fostering an atmosphere where I felt empowered to explore and push my limits. As an information systems major, I wasn’t quite sure what an internship at a psychology office would bring. I never knew just how intertwined technology and healthcare actually are. Throughout this summer, I was able to hone my technical and computer skills by applying them to both company-wide projects and client-specific situations. We were challenged with the tasks of filming and editing content for the company’s social media, writing blogs for the website, creating flyers and brochures on Canva, and even developing the backend of the website. Before I knew it, I was doing things I never thought I could! Everyone always encouraged me to continually push myself beyond my comfort zone, which helped me in ultimately realizing the depth of my potential in this unfamiliar environment.
This experience was not only educational and beneficial, but also incredibly enjoyable. Every day presented new challenges and learning opportunities, whether it was understanding the nuances of therapy and assessments, researching different psychological disorders, or learning the art of advocating for clients’ needs (or building a giant tent with everyone in the courtyard for that weekend’s event. 🙂 ) Each task highlighted the importance of compassionate care and professional integrity, values that resonate deeply within the practice.
Not only did my experience here enrich my academic knowledge, but it also gave me a clear understanding of a healthy and happy work environment. Every single person at Elements is kind, caring, and willing to help you learn whenever they can. Whether we were working hard on a marketing project, or spilling the tea about our weekend adventures, it was always fun. There was never a day where I wasn’t excited to go into the office (and that says a lot considering I’m definitely not a morning person!)
As I reflect on my time here, I am filled with gratitude for everyone at the practice who made this experience possible. The support, mentorship, and camaraderie I experienced is invaluable, and I will carry these memories with me throughout my career. I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity at Elements, and I will forever be appreciative of everyone that provided me with this environment to cultivate my skills. This internship has truly been a cornerstone in my professional journey. Inspired by the knowledge gained during my time here, I am excited to apply what I have learned to future endeavors!
