My Internship Experience at Willingness – A Personal Insight
After studying abroad during my bachelor’s, I wanted more international learning opportunities. Therefore, I searched for internships that offered practical work experience abroad. Eventually, I discovered Willingness in Malta and was immediately intrigued by their approach. Moreover, their multidisciplinary team and wide-ranging services in mental health caught my interest. Additionally, I appreciated their focus on clinical work, education, outreach, and research areas. Consequently, the opportunity to gain insight across different fields seemed perfect for me.
Gaining a Holistic View of Mental Health Care
As a master’s student in clinical psychology, I value a holistic view of mental health. Willingness stood out as a place that embraces this integrative perspective fully. Moreover, the team combines psychological, medical, educational, and social approaches in their work. Throughout my internship, I explored many roles within the organisation’s diverse structure. In addition, each area gave me a new perspective and deeper understanding of mental health care. This experience was both challenging and incredibly rewarding for my personal development. Ultimately, I feel more prepared for the future because of what I learned here.
Julia Rosch Summer Internship Involvement in Mental Health Blogging
During my time at Willingness, I explored several different internship roles. Part of my experience took place directly at the clinic. There, I handled administrative tasks and observed everyday clinic operations. Another responsibility involved writing blog articles on mental health. Writing allowed me to explore topics I found genuinely meaningful. Additionally, I enjoyed turning research into practical, relatable content. Each blog helped me strengthen my professional writing and communication skills. Moreover, reflecting on current mental health issues deepened my understanding. Expressing complex ideas clearly became easier with each article. Overall, I found this role both rewarding and inspiring.
Bringing Mental Health Support to Unexpected Places
One of the most exciting internship parts involved supporting mental health at music festivals. Additionally, we wore bright orange shirts to create openness for meaningful conversations. Moreover, this visibility allowed us to promote emotional well-being in nontraditional settings. These unique experiences contrasted greatly with conventional therapeutic environments I previously encountered. Furthermore, I saw how mental health support integrates naturally into everyday spaces and events. It felt meaningful to offer support in such direct and accessible ways. Sometimes, casual conversations were enough to make someone feel seen and understood.
Julia Rosch Summer Internship at Camp Willingness
The final month of my internship took place at Camp Willingness with amazing children. Initially, I felt unsure about my abilities, having had limited experience working with children. However, I quickly learned to adapt and approach each situation with care and patience. Moreover, the days were long and demanding, but each one brought valuable learning opportunities. Over time, I gained confidence in leading activities and responding to emotional needs with empathy. Ultimately, this experience taught me a lot about the children and even more about myself.
Julia Rosch Summer Internship Reflections at Willingness
Looking back, I would describe my internship at Willingness as incredibly diverse and deeply enriching overall. Moreover, the experience was filled with ups, downs, learning opportunities, and countless moments that shaped my personal growth. In addition, I gained valuable insight into the daily workings of a multidisciplinary mental health clinic. Finally, I embraced unfamiliar situations through outreach projects that pushed me to grow professionally and think more critically.
Final Thoughts
Spending the summer months in Malta helped me grow personally and professionally every day. Moreover, living and working in a new country broadened my cultural awareness and independence. Additionally, meeting people from all over the world enhanced my communication skills and confidence. This experience reminded me how important it is to stay open-minded and curious. Furthermore, I learned how to adapt quickly to different settings and unexpected situations. Over time, I gained clarity about my goals as a future psychologist. Ultimately, this journey left a lasting impact that goes far beyond the internship itself.
