Internal Reflections
By Couch of Hope’s Counselling Therapist Interns
August 2025
At Couch of HOPE, we’re passionate about nurturing not only the healing journeys of our clients—but also the growth of the next generation of counselling therapists. Every year, we welcome interns into our practice who bring heart, curiosity, and a willingness to learn in real, meaningful ways.
Our internship program is more than a placement. It’s a space to practice being present with others, to explore clinical instincts, and to grow within a supportive team. As one of our 2025 interns shared:
“I felt incredibly supported by the team at Couch of HOPE. Supervision helped me trust my instincts, and receiving feedback alongside another intern made learning collaborative, not competitive.”
We know that learning in the field can feel vulnerable. That’s why we prioritize relational supervision, cultural humility, and spaces for reflection. We want our interns to feel safe enough to ask hard questions, make mistakes, and keep showing up.
This blog series, Intern Reflections, will share pieces of what our interns are learning along the way—what surprised them, what challenged them, and what gave them hope.
Whether you’re a fellow clinician, a prospective intern, or simply someone interested in the heart of this work, we invite you to follow along. There’s beauty in the learning—and we’re honoured to be part of it.
Some Reflections from Our 2025 Intern Cohort
“I’ve seen how removing barriers—like transportation, scheduling, and cost—can open doors for people who may never have accessed therapy otherwise. Couch of HOPE meets people where they are, and that makes all the difference.” — Shared by one of our 2025 interns
“Many individuals came in believing their emotional reactions meant they were broken. Helping them understand their nervous systems reframed their experiences and gave them hope—it’s been incredible to witness that shift.” — Shared by one of our 2025 interns
“One individual told me they were $400 short for rent that month. That moment reminded me that counselling can’t just address emotions—we have to understand the real-life challenges shaping someone’s mental health.” — Shared by one of our 2025 interns
“Healing isn’t about fixing something broken. It’s about reconnecting people to their capacity to grow and adapt, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.” — Shared by one of our 2025 interns
“When a client became severely dysregulated, I relied on what I’d learned—using grounding strategies and consulting afterward in supervision. It was a turning point that affirmed my clinical instincts and deepened the therapeutic relationship.” — Shared by one of our 2025 interns
“I’ve learned that ethical practice isn’t about always having the right answer—it’s about slowing down, staying curious, and consulting when needed. I’m more comfortable navigating the grey areas now.” — Shared by one of our 2025 interns
“Some clients didn’t know therapy could be skills-based. It was meaningful to show them that it’s not about being in therapy forever, but about learning tools and building confidence to navigate life on their own.” — Shared by one of our 2025 interns
“I’ve come to understand that boundaries actually enhance connection. They create the safety and clarity needed for deep, trusting relationships.” — Shared by one of our 2025 interns
“Couch of HOPE makes counselling accessible and equips clients with tools, not just coping strategies. It helps people reconnect with their values, build resilience, and believe that healing is possible.”— Shared by one of our 2025 interns