Personal Experiences during an Internship in Malta - A Firsthand Account
In the heart of Malta, an intern embarked on a journey of personal and professional growth, immersed in a multidisciplinary mental health clinic that combined psychological, medical, educational, and social perspectives. This internship, part of a master's degree in clinical psychology, was more than just an academic exercise; it was a chance to step out of the intern's comfort zone and make a real impact.
The summer programme at Camp our website welcomed children, including those with special needs, providing the intern with an opportunity to develop skills in leading activities, responding to emotional needs, and building trust with young minds. The internship also included administrative tasks and writing blog articles on mental health topics, helping to make complex information accessible to a wider audience.
Part of the internship involved working at music festivals, providing low-threshold mental health support to festival-goers. The team, easily recognisable in their bright orange shirts, were approachable and ready to engage in conversations about emotional well-being.
Examples of such multidisciplinary mental health internships in Malta include programs like those offered by Willingness, Circle of Wellbeing, and All Star Children Foundation (ASCF). At Willingness, interns gain practical experience in diverse mental health areas, from clinical work to outreach and research, within a collaborative multidisciplinary setting. Similar opportunities are available at Circle of Wellbeing, focusing on humanitarian work and mental health, and at ASCF, which partners with universities to provide clinical social work placements and internships for advanced students in mental health fields.
This unique experience offered numerous benefits for professional development. Interns gained a holistic understanding and versatile skills, improved their communication skills, enhanced their cultural awareness, and developed teamwork, collaboration, and flexibility. The internship also provided valuable insights into the Maltese healthcare context and its approach to integrated mental health services, enriching professional insights and intercultural competence.
The final month of the internship pushed the intern to adapt quickly, be patient, and grow more confident in their abilities. The creative aspect, which allowed the intern to research subjects they are passionate about, added a personal touch to the experience. Living in Malta during the internship reminded the intern of the importance of open-mindedness, flexibility, and lifelong learning.
In conclusion, multidisciplinary mental health internships in Malta, such as those at Willingness and partner organisations, offer robust experiential learning across clinical, social, educational, and research domains. These opportunities contribute significantly to professional development by enhancing clinical proficiency, communication, cultural competence, and teamwork skills, while fostering personal growth through exposure to new cultures and international work environments.
- The intern, working at a health clinic in Malta, found a chance to delve into psychology and therapy, grappling with the intricacies of mental health.
- As part of the intern's lifestyle transformation, they learned to integrate mental health awareness into their daily routines, even recommending resources for a healthier mental state in fashion-and-beauty and food-and-drink blogs.
- The intern's professional journey expanded beyond the confines of the health clinic, with forays into home-and-garden and relationships, offering insights into how physical surroundings and personal connections impact mental health.
- Unexpectedly, the intern even encountered cases involving pets during their internship, gaining an understanding of the psychological bond between humans and their animal companions.
- In the midst of this transformative journey, the intern took time off to travel around Malta, marveling at its historic sites and picturesque landscapes, which provided a refreshing respite from the demands of the internship.
- On occasion, the intern marveled at the countless vintage and exotic cars that roamed the Maltese streets, a reminder that professional growth and personal development come not only from pursuing a career in mental health, but also from the myriad experiences of everyday life.
