The therapy scene was new to me starting with Practicum, and I was extremely nervous about how I would integrate into Capital Area Counseling (CAC). The staff and management met me with warmth, compassion, and steadiness. The site exudes beauty in the office setup from the waiting room to sufficient private and comfortable therapy rooms, an Internship Lounge, a kitchen, and nice, clean bathrooms.  It has been amazing to witness the meaningful contributions of everyone who makes up this organization.

CAC interns have shown an incredible depth of knowledge in sharing information, supporting one another no matter the situation, and displaying emotional courage and support wherever needed. CAC Ambassadors hold a special place at CAC by offering peer support, engaging in peer groups, and answering questions no matter how weird they are.

The supervision offered through CAC is clinically rigorous and personally nurturing. I appreciate how open and honest the triadic sessions are for reflection, ethical discernment, humility, and emotional safety. CAC offers the opportunity for internship to blossom into more than just a learning experience; it is an exploration of developing and growing, skill-building, and identifying who you are as a therapist. My association with CAC has expanded my use of therapeutic models from the personal and powerful stories of healing and transforming to foster connections and relationships with clients, staff, and management.

The change in myself from when I entered Practicum to where I am now is visible in the questions I ask, in the refinement of my client sessions, and in the quiet moments where I can say, I got this. “You be you” is an understatement; it is everything. Grateful does not capture how I truly feel about my experience with CAC. If you want to know any and everything about therapy, check out CAC.

Shawana Abrams
Pre-Graduate Student Counselor