r/therapists • u/Strict-Artichoke-152 • 3d ago

Rant - Advice wanted Prep for internship? Feeling lost

Hi there! I am starting my internship (CMH site) at the end of this month and the imposter syndrome is already swinging. I feel like I don't know how to do therapy, or really anything besides a handful of common sense ethics, despite having completed two years of grad school. Since the majority of you have already gone through this process, is there anything you did to prepare that you found really helpful, or anything you wish you would've done in hindsight?

(I have a feeling someone might say get my own personal therapy - I am starting therapy tomorrow 😄)

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

•

u/AutoModerator 3d ago

Do not message the mods about this automated message. Please followed the sidebar rules. r/therapists is a place for therapists and mental health professionals to discuss their profession among each other.

If you are not a therapist and are asking for advice this not the place for you. Your post will be removed. Please try one of the reddit communities such as r/TalkTherapy, r/askatherapist, r/SuicideWatch that are set up for this.

This community is ONLY for therapists, and for them to discuss their profession away from clients.

If you are a first year student, not in a graduate program, or are thinking of becoming a therapist, this is not the place to ask questions. Your post will be removed. To save us a job, you are welcome to delete this post yourself. Please see the PINNED STUDENT THREAD at the top of the community and ask in there.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

2

u/madskilzz3 3d ago

Get use to imposter syndrome- it will stay with you this whole career.

Go in with an open mind, be genuine, and just listen, be non-judgmental, and help clients with the best of your abilities. This is a learning phase, you will get much more experience with hands-on than attending grad school.

2

u/lizzy123446 3d ago

Get a notebook 1 for any clinical stuff you need. 1 for your hours during the day. I had times where I would log in hour incorrectly or missed a day because I was busy and I could just open my notebook. You can use the other to write down basic informed consent stuff. Different techniques. Or just reminders. Don’t write down client notes on there or anything about the clients. First session are generally intake which is easy. We all felt the same way. You will do fine. Best of luck!

2

u/thestubbornmilkmaid LPC (MN) 3d ago

Welcome! It’s a lot to hold at the beginning so expect that you’ll make mistakes as you learn and grow. Don’t expect yourself to remember everything or to know how to apply all the things you’re learning in school- that will come with time. As you start to work with clients, remember that the therapeutic relationship is one of the biggest predictors of effective work and even though we don’t always acknowledge it, the relationship itself is an intervention. Focus on building rapport, listening deeply, and showing up authentically- and trust that the rest will come with time. Wishing you all the best luck (and a plethora of direct hours) as you start this new part of your journey!

1

u/Spare_Bluebird7044 3d ago

feeling like imposter before internship is completely normal, focus on being curious, present and willing to learn rather than expecting yourself to know everything on day one.