Alright, let’s talk about that time I dipped my toes into the world of psychology internships at Denver Health. Fresh out of school, I was eager, maybe a little too eager, to get some real-world experience. I’d heard about this Denver Health Doctoral Psychology Internship Program, sounded fancy, right? I figured, “Why not?” and sent in my application. They mentioned something about a “practitioner-scholar model,” which, honestly, sounded a bit over my head at the time. But hey, I was there to learn.
So, I applied, waited, and boom, I got an interview! I was nervous as heck, but I prepped like crazy, reading up on everything Denver Health and psychology-related. The interview day came, and I met with Dr. Sheldon and Dr. House – super intimidating titles, but they were actually pretty chill. We talked about my interests, my (limited) experience, and what I hoped to gain from the internship.
Getting My Feet Wet
I got the internship! I was stoked, but also kinda freaking out. The first few weeks were a whirlwind. I shadowed experienced psychologists, sat in on patient sessions (with their permission, of course), and did a ton of reading. It was overwhelming, but I was learning so much. I learned all about the various departments, from acute care to outpatient clinics. I even got to help out with some research projects, which was way more interesting than I expected.
- Shadowing sessions: Initially, I just observed, trying to absorb everything like a sponge.
- Assisting with research: Data entry was not fun, but it was cool to see how it all came together.
- Attending workshops: Learned about different therapeutic approaches and ethical considerations.
The Real Deal
As I got more comfortable, I started taking on more responsibilities. I conducted initial assessments, helped develop treatment plans, and even co-led some group therapy sessions. It was nerve-wracking, but also incredibly rewarding. Seeing patients make progress, even in small ways, was the best feeling. It definitely made me tired after a whole day of work, but I was so happy to help.
Looking Back
That internship at Denver Health was a game-changer for me. I learned so much, not just about psychology, but about myself. I realized that I loved working directly with patients and that I had a knack for this whole therapy thing. It wasn’t easy, there were definitely some tough days, but I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. It really solidified my desire to pursue a career in psychology and gave me the confidence I needed to keep going.
So, yeah, that’s my story about my time at Denver Health. It was intense, it was challenging, but most of all, it was incredibly valuable. If you’re thinking about a career in psychology, I highly recommend getting some hands-on experience like this. It’s the best way to figure out if it’s really for you. I think that experience helped me to build my network and taught me so much about myself and my future career path. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
