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My Blast From The Past
Before I jump in and tell you all the good reasons why therapy from a Master-Level Counseling Intern is a great affordable choice, I have to provide you with a personal blast from the past. Here we go.
"If you want to be a good therapist, you must go to therapy too."
I remember those words from my professor as if they were said yesterday. I was told I needed to do my therapy work to be a good therapist. I needed to know what it was like to be in therapy and the outcome. I needed to work through any issues hindering my clients' quality care. Many of my fellow master-level therapist colleagues were ahead of the game in that area. Many told stories of their desire to become therapists being awakened during their therapeutic journey. I'd be lying if I told you I didn't feel inadequate then, knowing I had never been to therapy.
My Dream To Become A Therapist
My dream to become a therapist was birthed from my childhood trauma and never having access to therapy when I needed it the most. Some background; growing up as a Latina, specifically in Mexican- American culture, therapy (or receiving any medical care) was taboo. It was not a family cultural norm to see a doctor, let alone a therapist. You only went to the doctor if you felt like you were dying, and you only went to see a therapist if you were "crazy." Then, of course, there was the financial limitation and generational medical trauma (a whole other blog post) as a barrier to accessing these services. So I grew up and said I wanted to be a therapist and help others because I knew many people could relate to my experience and wanted help.
Fast Forward
Fast forward a little from my blast from the past; I needed to go to therapy while learning to be a therapist. It was vital. My search for affordable mental health care started at my master's program university counseling center.
My Call To Set Up My First Therapy Session
Clinical Care Coordinator Call: "Hi, Ms. Valdez, All of our licensed therapists are full, and we have matched you with one of our current counseling interns. "
Me: "Ok, great…..yes I can do that time… I'll be there…thanks".
My First Therapist: A Masters Level Counselor
Inside my head, not so great. I did not want a counseling intern. I was about to start my counseling internship and was learning. I definitely did not want to be paired with a student counseling intern who was also just learning.
But knowing that my choices were limited, I thought I'd give it a shot anyways. And I was glad that I did. We will call her "Susan," my therapist; she was great. She was about 20 years older than me and had 15 years of experience working in the medical field before changing careers. She was terrific; she was caring, kind, and curious. She was just what I wanted and what I needed.
For the short time I had her, I learned much about myself through her guidance. When she completed her counseling program, I was transferred to another counseling intern close to my age. She was the one who introduced me to Sand Tray therapy which I use today with my clients. She was also great, kind, and down to earth, and challenged me to look at my internal world differently. As I started seeing clients for the first time, going to therapy helped me build the confidence I needed as I learned how to be a therapist in real-time, just like a doctor in training in their residency program.
Seeing a master-level counseling intern is similar to seeing a doctor or nurse in training. They have the counseling tools and are now putting those tools to work with clients. But they are not alone. They have the clinical knowledge and guidance of their professors and university counseling supervisors, who ensure the counseling intern provides the utmost quality mental health care. Additionally, they have their site supervisors and other well-seasoned therapists who provide professional guidance, ensuring the highest quality of mental health care.
Tri-Synergy Counseling Master Level Counseling Interns
Here at Tri-Synergy Counseling, I provide supervision of Master-leveling counseling interns who I specially interviewed, vetted and hand pick to work with people like you.
Utilizing a master-level counseling intern could be likened to having an elite mental health team of well-seasoned therapists working together to provide you with high quality evidence-based, compassionate care at a highly affordable investment to your or your family member's well-being. So imagine having three highly qualified, experienced therapists guiding your Master- Level Therapist Intern who comes with their quality training for an affordable price. Licensed therapist charge anywhere between $135 to $350.
At TSC, your Master Level Intern rate is $90 per clinical hour, which is 45 minutes. We also offer a sliding scale ranging from $50-$90. TSC Master Level Interns have specialized training in the following areas:
Grief and loss
Anxiety treatment
Brainspotting phase 1
Trauma Treatment
And more
Meet TSC Master Level Counseling Intern Julissa HERE
Still, trying to figure it out? Then book a free 15-minute discovery call today to start your therapy journey!
Book Your Free 15-Minute Discover Call Here.