Work Experience in Malta: A Firsthand Account
A summer internship in Malta at Willingness Malta, a multidisciplinary mental health clinic, proved to be a life-changing experience for one individual pursuing a master's degree in clinical psychology. The internship offered a diverse range of experiences, including clinical work, outreach, and personal challenges that mirror the future career as a psychologist.
Clinical Work and Administrative Tasks
The internship included a component working at Camp our website, a summer program for children, including those with special needs. This provided an opportunity to develop skills in leading activities, responding to emotional needs, and building trust with children. Additionally, administrative tasks and writing blog articles on mental health topics were part of the intern's responsibilities.
Multidisciplinary Perspectives
The intern gained insight into the operations of a multidisciplinary clinic, working with people from various backgrounds. The clinic combines psychological, medical, educational, and social perspectives, offering a unique and valuable learning experience.
Pushing Boundaries and Embracing Growth
Stepping out of their comfort zone was a significant part of the intern's experience. The internship pushed the intern to adapt quickly, be patient, and grow more confident in their abilities while working with children.
Broadening Perspectives and Enhancing Skills
The internship provided an opportunity to broaden international and cross-cultural perspectives, fostering open-mindedness and flexibility. It also enhanced communication skills, including professional writing and translating complex mental health concepts into accessible content for wider audiences.
Making a Difference in the Community
The internship included a component where mental health support was taken to music festivals, with team members wearing bright orange shirts to be visible. This initiative created safe spaces for conversations about emotional well-being, making a positive impact on the community.
In summary, multidisciplinary mental health internships in Malta, exemplified by programs at Willingness Malta, offer rich, diverse experiences that contribute significantly to both personal growth and professional competence in clinical psychology and allied mental health fields. Such internships provide hands-on opportunities to engage in various mental health services—from direct clinic work and administrative support to writing and community outreach—exposing interns to the daily operations of mental health clinics combining diverse professional roles and perspectives.
- The intern's work at Willingness Malta's summer program, Camp our website, allowed them to enhance their skills in leading activities, addressing emotional needs, and building trust, all essential skills for a future psychologist.
- Besides clinical work, the intern was responsible for writing blog articles on mental health topics, showcasing the clinic's commitment to sustainable-living by sharing knowledge about mental health in home-and-garden contexts.
- Engaging with the community was a crucial aspect of the internship as they were involved in taking mental health support to music festivals, promoting discussions about mental health and creating safe spaces for people, ultimately contributing to improving mental health in the community.
