The Perks of Seeing an Intern
I’ve always been drawn to stories that flip the script—where what first appears to be a weakness turns out to be a hidden strength. One of my favorite examples comes from the 2012 coming-of-age film The Perks of Being a Wallflower. The main character, Charlie, is a “wallflower”—someone who tends to observe life from the sidelines rather than dive in headfirst. The film doesn’t shy away from the challenges of this trait—feelings of isolation, passivity, and difficulty expressing emotions—but it also reveals its quiet advantages: empathy, creativity, and deep reflection.
In a similar way, clinical interns have unique strengths and opportunities that can make working with an intern an especially great choice, such as:
Focused Attention. Interns often work with smaller caseloads—usually 5–10 clients—allowing them to devote more time, energy, and reflection to each person. They also consult regularly with experienced supervisors, meaning your care benefits from multiple perspectives. I still remember how deeply invested I felt in my early clients, determined to give them my very best. Would you rather be one of ten people your counselor sees each week, or one of forty?
Fresh Perspective. Many interns bring years of prior life or career experience to the counseling room. These diverse backgrounds—whether in teaching, business, healthcare, the arts, or other fields—add richness and relatability. My own therapist once owned a local newspaper, and his insight helped me navigate career anxiety with wisdom and clarity. During my own internship, I found myself drawing lessons from a seemingly unrelated job at an ice cream shop—lessons about caring for people well, paying attention to the details, and making each interaction matter.
Affordability. Intern sessions often cost around $50—significantly less than the $120–$225 that many licensed therapists charge. That difference can make therapy more accessible and sustainable over time. And if your intern happens to be particularly skilled and compassionate (which we believe that ours are!), you’ve received high-quality care at a fraction of the cost. Think of it as discovering an up-and-coming star before the rest of the world catches on.
Beginning therapy may feel like a leap, though fresh eyes, focused care, and genuine dedication from a clinical intern may be the right place to start in your journey toward hope and healing. Consider reaching out to one of our interns, or another trusted practice, and see for yourself how fresh eyes, focused care, and genuine dedication can help you grow.