College of Education and Behavioral Sciences News

“An internship is the best way to get hands-on experience before entering the workforce, and I know that my experience at the Talley Family Counseling Center will be vital to my future professional success,” said Natalie Kelley, a WKU graduate student from Somerset.

Kelley earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychological Sciences with Concentrations in Clinical Psychology and Developmental Science and is now pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. To gain experience in the field, Kelley works at the Talley Family Counseling Center, which provides mental health services free of charge to couples, families, individuals, and groups.

“At my internship, I act as a therapist for individuals of all ages in the Bowling Green community. I am gaining firsthand experience in the counseling field in order to prepare me for licensure following my graduation from the program this upcoming spring,” Kelley explained. “I am responsible for my own caseload of clients, and I love being able to form genuine connections with them as well as continue learning from my supervisor and fellow interns.”

“The knowledge I have gained in such a short amount of time has already proved to be extremely beneficial to me as an intern, and I am confident that I will carry it with me into the next chapter of my career journey.”

In preparation for entering the clinical mental health field, Kelley learns how to put the techniques and theories from her classes into practice during her time with the Talley Family Counseling Center. This experience, and specifically having an internship, is something Kelley recommends to other students.

“Be proactive in finding an internship site that will be a good fit for you,” Kelley shared. “The earlier that you start the process of finding an internship, the more likely you are to find one that will allow you to excel professionally. If there is an internship opportunity that you are interested in, don’t hesitate to reach out and form connections.”

To learn more about the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program visit, www.wku.edu/csa. To learn more about the Talley Family Counseling Center, visit www.wku.edu/talleycounseling/.