Invaluable Experiences and Skills 

With much joy and gratitude, I’d like to share the experience of my one-year internship as an MFT Trainee with Peace-It-Together Counseling Agency, while completing my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University. Peace-It-Together, founded over twenty years ago, has an exceptionally well-developed internship program. This agency facilitates the application of educational, advanced and ongoing agency trainings, along with practical clinical knowledge applied through triadic supervision, group supervision, and learning from a variety of topic-specific expert supervisors from whom I gained wisdom and knowledge that enhanced my natural abilities and comfort with clients in the therapy sessions I conducted. With strong agency scaffolding from the start and throughout the internship, I worked with clients from diverse backgrounds, which allowed me to embrace this phase of education and training, allowing me to provide affordable mental health care services to those who would not or otherwise may not have had access. Over the course of the year, I was there, I trained, practiced, and learned to be a better counselor trainee and intern, and in looking back on my experience with Peace-It-Together I know this was exactly the right choice for me to complete my practicum.

My fieldwork practicum at the Peace-it-Together Counseling agency provided on-the-job, evidence-based training, experiential learning, and growth opportunities in a professional, supportive, flexible, and friendly work environment. Additionally, the highly experienced and competent group and individual supervision and guidance from CAMFT-certified clinical supervisors in my clinical work were influential in enhancing competence within the scope of practice and efficaciously serving diverse client populations on their healing journey as a PCC Trainee Therapist. The rewarding experience and professional development I had at PIT continue to strongly inspire me to serve the mental health needs of our diverse community members as I dedicatedly endeavor to do my part in building healthier communities as a growing helping professional. Rekha Maadugula, M.A in Counseling Psychology, Class of 2024, Santa Clara University PCC Trainee Therapist, Peace-it-Together Counseling Agency, Practicum Year 2023-2024

Peace-It-Together Counseling Agency (PIT) is a wonderful organization that truly shaped my career as a counselor. The leadership at PIT is incredibly supportive, approachable, and knowledgeable, creating an environment where learning and growth are prioritized. The skills I acquired during my time here have profoundly enhanced my effectiveness as a helping professional and prepared me for future work in both private practice and community mental health settings. The care we’re encouraged to provide our clients is also extended to us as clinicians in this organization, and this makes all the difference.

My internship experience as an MFT/PCC Therapist Trainee at Peace-It-Together Counseling Agency was incredibly valuable as it laid a strong foundation for my career in therapy. I developed essential skills for becoming an effective therapist, learned how to manage and support medical clients, and gained insights into running a private practice. As the Peer Mentor Lead, I also grew my community leadership skills, which was both challenging and rewarding. Perhaps most importantly, Peace-It-Together helped me become more confident in my abilities as a practitioner. The supportive environment allowed me to apply my knowledge, learn from experienced professionals, and receive constructive feedback, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world practice. I wholeheartedly recommend this internship program to any aspiring therapist or counselor looking for a comprehensive, hands-on experience that will significantly contribute to their personal and professional growth.

Doing my practicum at Peace it Together was an incredibly rich experience for me. I got the opportunity to work with many varied clients including a wide range of ages and issues. I was able to set my own hours and coordinated with the clients directly. This position gave me the information and experience that I needed to learn what interests me and the issues and people with whom I work well. My supervisors (group and triadic) were friendly and supportive throughout the process. In fact, at this point, I have stayed on for almost an additional year (after graduation) because I felt that I still had more that I could learn at Peace it Together.