Bettendorf Counseling Center’s Newest Addition
Hi there! I’m Shannon, and I recently started providing counseling services as an intern at Bettendorf Counseling Center. I’m excited to step in and share a bit about what a counseling intern is and how you can benefit from working with someone in this role—like me.
What is a counseling intern?
How would I describe myself in this role? I am a graduate-level student from Northwestern University stepping into the profession for the first time. I am currently completing clinical hours that count toward my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling so that I can graduate and move toward independent practice. This internship allows me to apply everything I have learned—and continue to learn—under supervision while working with real clients. It’s a meaningful bridge between academic training and professional counseling practice.
Why work with an intern?
Biggest reason: I am free!
Working with me means there is no need to bill insurance because I am not yet credentialed or licensed. The services I provide are pro-flippin-bono. This aligns with the ethical commitment I hold as a counselor-in-training to help bridge gaps in mental health accessibility and make support more available to those who may otherwise face barriers to care.
Double the fun.
When you work with an intern, you are also indirectly working with the intern’s supervisor. Interns collaborate closely with supervisors to ensure high-quality care for clients. I regularly consult about treatment progress, assessment considerations, and possible interventions so that services remain thoughtful, personalized, and effective. This collaborative process helps dispel the misconception that interns are too inexperienced or unprepared to support clients.
Fresh off the press.
Working with an intern—especially one as eager as I am—offers the advantage of fresh energy and up-to-date training, along with a smaller caseload that allows for more attentive care. After spending time learning theory, developing skills, and studying best practices, I now have the opportunity to put that knowledge into action. Clients benefit from both strong foundational counseling principles and exposure to the most current approaches and research shaping the field today.
Choosing to work with a counseling intern offers a unique combination of accessibility, collaboration, and enthusiasm for growth. As I continue developing my clinical skills, my priority remains providing a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. If you are considering counseling or are curious about beginning the process, I would be honored to walk alongside you in your journey toward wellbeing.
Until the next post,
Shannon
