My Experience at Thamani

My Experience at Thamani Counseling Center

Some professional experiences leave you with more than just skills, they leave you with a awsome experience and great relationships. For me, my time at Thamani Counseling Center in Chicago, IL, was one of those experiences.

During my last academic year, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as a Doctoral Therapy Extern at Thamani, a Christian non-for-profit organization that exists to provide excellent mental health services, training, and research in Chicago and across the globe. Thamani believes in making exceptional mental health care available to all, both within Chicago and internationally. Their mission is to help people accept their inherent, God-given value through increasing access to mental healthcare within our local and global communities.

A Variety of Experiences

I provided therapy and psychological assessment to clients from diverse backgrounds, facilitated a group therapy for Spanish-speaking individuals in a shelter, and led an educational series on the integration of psychology and theology. I also received training in Narrative Exposure Therapy (an evidence-based approach for processing traumatic memories) among other dydactics.

Supervision and Theoretical Growth

One of the most important aspects of it was the outstanding supervision I received from different psychologists, especially from Dr. Hillary Wildt, Founder and CEO of Thamani. What a joy to receive supervision that meets you where you are, guiding you with compassion, rigor, ethics, and even humor. Under this mentorship, I had the opportunity of practicing and refining skills from various theoretical models, particularly psychodynamic therapy, existential therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, my personal favorites ;).

Looking Ahead With Gratitude

While I begin a new academic year at a different practicum site, I carry with me the lessons, relationships, and deep sense of calling. I want to share Thamani’s link with you so you can learn more about their mission, vision, and the amazing work they do: www.thamani.net.