our psychology intern

My First Psychology Internship

My first psychology internship was both eye-opening and challenging. Entering a clinical setting made me realize that textbook knowledge and real-life clinical experience are very different, yet equally important. This experience allowed me to understand how theoretical concepts are applied in real-world mental health care.

Hi, I am Dhrishi Adani, a second-year psychology student. I completed my first internship at Harmony Mind Clinic in Charni Road, where I worked alongside experienced psychiatrists and psychologists for 30 days. During this time, I had the opportunity to observe diverse cases, understand various therapeutic approaches, and reflect on my growth as a future mental health professional.

The clinic serves individuals across different age groups and specializes in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, ADHD, OCD, and other psychological concerns. Psychological assessments and diagnostic testing are also conducted to ensure accurate evaluation and treatment planning.

During my internship, I had the opportunity to observe cases within child and adolescent psychiatry. This experience highlighted the unique developmental, emotional, and environmental factors that influence mental health in younger populations. Children often express psychological distress differently than adults, sometimes through behavioral or emotional changes rather than direct communication.

I also observed cases of schizophrenia where families returned for follow-up visits and expressed gratitude for the improvements they could see in their loved ones. Witnessing these changes emphasized how significant proper treatment and support can be for both patients and their families. Mental health conditions often affect not only the individual but also their entire support system, and I saw firsthand the emotional impact these struggles can have on families.

Another important aspect I observed was the strong communication between the psychiatrist and the psychologist. Collaborative discussions helped ensure that each patient received comprehensive care. While psychiatrists focused on diagnosis and medication management, psychologists contributed through assessments and therapeutic interventions. This teamwork played a crucial role in providing effective treatment.

I also observed individuals experiencing severe anxiety and depression. Many of these cases were approached using techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Through these approaches, clients were guided to recognize unhelpful thought patterns and develop healthier emotional regulation strategies.

My role during the internship involved observing therapy sessions, applying my academic knowledge to identify symptoms, participating in discussions, and assisting in various assessments. I also learned about clinical tools such as the PANSS scale used in evaluating schizophrenia, along with assessments related to eating disorders and other psychological conditions. While observing sessions, I also took notes to better understand behavioral patterns, symptoms, and therapeutic techniques, which helped me connect theoretical knowledge with real clinical practice.

The environment at the clinic was professional, supportive, and focused on learning. Observing experienced psychiatrists and psychologists work with empathy, patience, and professionalism allowed me to gain valuable insights into clinical practice. Their approach and guidance acted as an important source of mentorship during my internship.

Initially, I felt intimidated and humbled by the clinical environment. However, as the days progressed, I became more confident in my ability to observe, learn, and understand the complexities of mental health care. This experience helped me develop greater patience, emotional awareness, and an understanding that meaningful therapeutic change requires consistency, empathy, and trust in the clinical process.

This internship strengthened my aspiration to pursue a career in clinical psychology. Being exposed to real cases, therapeutic approaches, and interdisciplinary collaboration reinforced my interest in understanding mental health conditions and supporting individuals through evidence-based psychological care.