Compilation on

Clinical Setting
Internship
Requirements

Prepared by: Regie Mark E. Mansigue

CSU-Batch 4 Intern
PSYCHOLOGICAL
SERVICES
REQUIREMENTS
 An Online Interview Summary with a Mental Health Counselor

Today is the day where we scheduled our Online Interview with a Mental
Health Counselor in NDRC. Before hand, I was tasked and assigned to become the
mediator of the event, and was tasked to asks the first set of questions regarding on the
methods and techniques. I was preparing and already have entered the room yet suddenly a
block out happened, and our wifi got shut down. So, basically I wasn’t able to attend to the
meeting and my co-interns took over my part. Later the night, the electricity came back and I
watched the recorded video instead.

So, I saw on the recorded video that our speaker is Ms. Molina. I found her
pleasing and really speak substance on her responses. My co-intern named Zyleth, started
to mediate the activity by explain what will happen in the session, my other co-interns
prepared themselves for the interview session.

The interview started with Ate Angela, one of my co-interns, asks about
questions on methods and techniques. Ma’am Molina responded generously that NDRC has
a lot of therapy, and techniques that they use and to name a few are basic counseling, some
therapies such as the 12 steps and among others.

Afterwards, Alliah, one of my co-interns, asks about the types of clients they
have encountered in counseling. Ma’am Molina explained that just as usual pre-occupied
individuals, and some where individuals who cannot properly organize their thoughts, and
individuals who experience various life issues.

Next, Krizza, one of my co-interns, asks about the Motivational Enhancement

Therapy, and it was then followed by Ms. Mino, Garcia, Bello, and Natural asking questions
about Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy. So, it was a good a exchange of thoughts. The
online interview ended more than expected. It was expected that the activity should end after
an hour, but due to a good discourse, the online interview took for almost 2 hours.

After watching the recorded video, I found it really informative and a good
learning experience for all of us. I feel like it is something that we, psychology students have
to see and learn because as helping professionals, it is our tasked to extend help and
become a helping hand to other people. Indeed, I found the online interview satisfying and a
good exchange of knowledge.
Learning Session 1

Different but not less:

Reaction Paper on Disruptive Behavioral Disorder Session

Children are told to be blessings in a family in such a way that they are full of
curiosity, fun and energy. From conceptualizing baby’s name even before birth, up to seeing
this little ones become a curios toddler makes parents excited. But not far enough, some
neurobiological, genetic or even environmental stimuli may pose a threat to their
developmental growth. Neurobiological and genetic impairment is found to be one of the
causes of mental disorders which hamper these little kids from living the normal life which
society considers being.

Today the webinar session was all about Disruptive Behavioral Disorders, and it
made me feel ecstatic whenever topics on clinical psychology are discussed. I really don’t
know what is processing in my brain but every time I hear about clinical topics I feel like my
attention is into it. Way back in my Abnormal Psychology class, I had my first hand learning
experience on behavioral disorders. To an extent, I was assigned to a Special Education
Learning Center where I observe autistic kids in school setting. As I remember, they do listen
to their teacher, gave us warm greetings and attended in to their activities but after a few
minutes they run circling the table, poking their peers, while others are hesitant when they
notice people is around. The session has rekindled my memory; I was very pleased that I
can now have a more in-depth discussion on the life of these kids having disruptive
behaviors.

The first half of the session was all about Autism Spectrum Disorder which has shed
light on children who experienced delay on their developmental growth relevant to their age.
Iowa Department of Education Early Childhood Service Bureau (2010) stated that autism is
a ‚spectrum disorder,‛ which means a child’s symptoms can present in a wide variety of
combinations, from mild to severe. Autism can make it difficult for a child to communicate
and interact with others. Hard facts can tell that Autism has had a big chunk on the rate of
childhood-occuring mental disorders worldwide. The unified estimation of Posserud et al.
(2010), the Autism Society (2010), Autism Speaks (2008) and Wong, (2007) as cited by
Kopetz & Endowed (2012) showed that Australia rises up to 6.25 in every 1000 kids, China
rises up to 1.1 in every 1000 young ones , Denmark reached up to nearly 9 in every 1000
kids, and most importantly, the Philippines has a total of 500,000 autistic children in the year
2012. This study was conducted almost a decade ago. So, how much more reaching up to
this present? Thus, these numbers do not lie that autism has really becoming a gas giant
where it can be found anywhere; hence, there is a need for a collaborative action especially
among the practitioners, families and government. So, to think that there are a lot of
psychology people out there who really puts their heart in this field makes me feel that hope
is still growing everywhere.

Moreover, the second part of the module was about Oppositional Defiant Disorder
and Conduct Disorder among children. I agree on what the speaker has said that during pre-
school days of these young ones, they really have this oppositional behavior as part of
showing assertiveness and autonomy. However, the moment that these behaviors become
persistent as they grew up, is also the moment were parents might consider taking actions
and seeking for professional help. In the session, it was discussed that the OFD can be a
triggering factor for CD when a kid reaches adolescents. Worst case, if this Conduct
Disorder is not treated, Anti-social behavior might occur, at hand. In a study conducted by
Rowe, et al (2002), cross-sectional analyses indicated that CD and ODD largely shared
similar correlates, although some aspects of parenting appeared more related to CD than
ODD. This pattern was broadly similar in boys and girls. Longitudinal analyses confirmed
that ODD was a strong risk factor for CD in boys and there was a suggestion that ODD was
a stronger risk factor for CD than for other common disorders. Atypical family structure was
an important factor in the transition between ODD and CD in boys. In girls ODD provided no
increased risk for later CD but was associated with increased risk for continued ODD,
depression, and anxiety. It was concluded that the results are more consistent with a
developmental relationship between ODD and CD in boys than girls. Despite the difference
on the demographics, this proves that it would be best to really treat, diagnose these kids as
early as possible. Additionally, proper parenting also plays a role in providing ease on their
kids’ disruptive behavior.

Thus, it can be adhered that Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiant

Disorder and Conduct Disorder really are serious matter that needs to be addressed in order
to help and understand the need of these kids for support, care and guidance. Saddening to
note, I observed especially in rural areas, parents and community criticized and invalidated
often kids like this. This might be because the community is need of psychoeducation in
order to light up the conversation in the most respectful and productive way. Now that I know
that these behaviors does not fall short as a sign of a behavioral disorder, and learned that
treatments are a great help, I certainly would love to share and extend my help to families
who have children showing disruptive behaviors. But one might ask can these be treated?
My answer would definitely be, "Yes, it can be". There are already available therapies and to
name a few are behavioral modification, multi-method strategy, the reinforcer and reward
strategy, delayed gratification and more. Also, there are now FDA-approved drugs that are
available to ease and help the conditions of these kids.

So, there always is hope and there is still so many things we can do to make these
kids live the way we experienced life to be. It would be a happy place where parents and
children who have this situation see the calmness of life and appreciate how beautiful they
can be if they can live a life with peace, and care for and from others. As much as the
treatments can help, parents, professionals and those who are around these kids should be
the one who should first understand that though they are different, they are and will never be
less than anyone of us. They just need some time to figure out themselves and our duty is to
protect, support and be there as they have this journey.

Links to the references:

https://ikefoundationforautism.org/e-library/Autism%20Worldwide.pdf

https://doi.org/10.1111/1469-7610.00027

https://educateiowa.gov/sites/files/ed/documents/Parent-
Factsheets_April2010_Autism.pdf
Learning Session 2

Of Discipline, Teens and Depression:

Reaction Paper on Dealing with Teens Session

As what the first speaker said, teens, nowadays, are called the "iGeneration". The teens
today are born in a generation where social media and technology is at hand. Teens can surf
on the internet to seek for entertainment and fun. Teens no longer flip the pages of an
encyclopedia to get the answer they need. Teens nowadays find satisfaction in the lens of
techno-interaction. However, as young, and as curious as they are, they involve themselves
into unraveling the curious questions they have been holding on despite not knowing what’s
ahead of them. Some might benefit them, and some led them to become the new kind of
teenagers the millenials weren’t used to be.

Today’s session was in titled Dealing with Teens. I, myself, can say that I was pretty
blessed, to say the least to be born in the year 2000 because I still had the moments in my
life where I used to play on the streets and have my bones stretched with the traditional
outdoor Filipino play. Compared to me, I can say that most of the teens, as I observed, really
are flaming with assertiveness, grit and strong belief. I certainly love seeing them like that;
however, the barrier is that there philosophy and language is not a catch for the millenials
which usually are their parents.

The first half of the session was all about How to discipline the Teens. The speaker
categorically stated that teenage starts at the age of 13 up to 19, and these ages are their
developmental age. Teenagers feel the energy inside to speak and live with their own truth.
It may come differently, but truth be told teenagers, nowadays are as stressed as adults.
According to the speaker, teenage issues today involves coping with stress, school or study
problem, body image, family conflict or brokenness, and worst of all depression. I personally
have a fair share on this issue. I was also raised in somehow a really dysfunctional family,
and a bit of being academically pressured which comes from only myself and none other.
Being in that situation is really deteriorating. It deteriorates my health, and sometimes, my
perspectives. But, lucky for me, I am able to balance when to peak and when to rest. So, I
am able to bounce back. Going back, there have been studies that would help understand
that teens, even those good ones, as we say it, really have wearies. In a study conducted by
Vialle (2008), the research demonstrated that, the gifted students, however, reported feeling
sadder and less satisfied with their social support than their non-gifted counterparts. There
were no significant differences in terms of self-esteem, trait hope, problem orientation, or
attitudes towards education. Within the gifted sample, the research found that the students
who were most likely to get poor grades were those who scored high in psychoticism and
low in conscientiousness, trait hope, joviality, and in attitudes towards schools. Interestingly,
self-esteem was entirely unrelated to gifted performance. So, just like what mentioned
earlier, that teens, even though gifted, really are feeling some sense of sadness and
isolation. So, it is best for parents to really be empathic, not just hear but to listen to their
teens. I remembered what the speaker said that parents should teach their teens how to
show love, support and care, so that this will serve as their source when they will deal on
their own social relationship outside the family. Social media is not a total safe place to be,
and I firmly agree with the speaker that the mother’s voice should be the one heard by their
teens not the influencers.

The second speaker focused his discussion on Teen depression. Sometimes, I have
this notion in me that these teens really are just bandwagon because social media has
shown them that posting about their depressive state is a trend. I was right and wrong in
certain points. I was right in a way that social media really have been one of the channels of
how they became so emotional. On the other hand, I was wrong in a way that it was all just a
bandwagon because truth be told, it was all real. Depression is common among
adolescents, and suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15- to 19-year-olds
(Hallfors, et al, 2004). As the speaker said, teenagers nowadays have been seeing sites on
the internet which defiantly molds their thinking on their self. Some of these teenagers does
not have good parental relationships, and felt that they are isolated. So, the speaker states
that these factors might take a toll on the lives of these teenagers. With this saddening
situation, teenagers resort to have suicidal ideation, having vices and become depressed.
The speaker also stated that some of these teens show "parasucide" which simply means
that they wanted to cut themselves, to hurt themselves but they do not have the wish and will
to die. In a study conducted by Hallfor, et al (2004), compared to youth who abstain from risk
behaviors, involvement in any drinking, smoking, and/or sexual activity was associated with
significantly increased odds of depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Odds
ratios were highest among youth who engaged in illegal drug use. There were few
differences between boys and girls who abstain from sex and drug behaviors. Girls were
less likely than boys to engage in high-risk behaviors, but those who did tended to be more
vulnerable to depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt. It was concluded that teens
engaging in risk behaviors are at increased odds for depression, suicidal ideation, and
suicide attempts. Although causal direction has not been established, involvement in any sex
or drug use is cause for concern, and should be a clinical indication for mental health
screening for girls; both boys and girls should be screened if engaging in any marijuana or
illegal drug use. So, I certainly believe that these teenagers really should be seen from the
inside by their parents. Teenagers really are prone to depression and suicide and the
speaker firmly believe that social media has a role on it. So, should parents take that away
from their teens? I think with the eagerness and spirit of the teens, parents cannot hold their
teens away from social media. I think that the best thing parents can do is to really feel and
have a healthy communication with their sons/daughter. Let their teens find safety in their
arms, in order for these teens not to feel alone and depressed.

Now, there are therapies and anti-depressants that are available that can help ease and
provide little progress for these teens that are experiencing depression, and isolation.
Families also have a huge part to make this situation at ease and in an extent, reduce the
prevalence of this depressive stage to their teens.

I simply believe that teenagers nowadays really are different. This difference has
somehow led them to be misunderstood by their parents. So, in order to help these teens
grow up with a light baggage, they should be nurtured with adequate love, support and
guidance. Parents should also remember to let their teens have their own phase, let them
make choices of their own, and when the time is right, parents should make all their senses
available to their teens’ wearies. I believe that it so 80s or 90s to be the authoritative parents
that suppressed teens’ ability to become the best version of them. I certainly agree with the
idea that parents should think of becoming the parent they wish they had when they were
just like them.

Links to the references:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2004.06.001

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13803610701786046
 Psychological Report

Examinee : Mon

Gender : Male

Age : 30 Years Old

Educational Attainment: College Graduate

I. Purpose of Evaluation:

This evaluation is for educational purposes only.

II. Test Results:

Intellectual Functioning:

1. Ravens Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM)

Based on the result of Raven Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM) Test, Mon got a raw
score of 58 which means that Mon is at the 95th percentile rank of the total scores. Moreover,
this also means that Mon is higher than or equal to 95 percent of test takers. Since Mon
receives a percentile score of 95%, he is considered to have a superior intellectual
functioning. On that note, Mon can be described to have a superior non-verbal mental ability
which consists of superior observation skills, clear thinking ability, superior intellectual
efficiency, and superior intellectual capacity.

Personality Adjustment and Functioning:

1. SACHS Sentence Completion Test (SSCT):

Using the SACHS Sentence Completion Test (SSCT), Mon was found to be aloof, and
distant towards his father, and was found to have a difficult relationship with his mother. With his
distant relationship from his father, he was found to be longing for his father’s presence and
comfort. Likewise, knowing that Mon have a difficult and distant relationship with his parents, he
was found to perceive his family as broken and complicated.

Moreover, Mon viewed his family as broken and complicated, thus, he was found to perceive
his family as his weakness. He was found to find difficulty trusting others because he thinks that
people who work for him don’t like him. Also, he finds it hard to trust others because he is afraid
of people who will betray him and people who are deceptive and selfish. Despite having difficulty
to trust others, Mon was found to have difficulty in saying "no" to others.
 Furthermore, his difficult relationship with his mother made him to think that most
women are manipulative. Since Mon never had a good parental relationship, he was found to
have a negative perception towards romantic relationship.

With all the fears and trust issues, Mon couldn’t see his future clearly which made him
want to forget his tragedies in his life.

2. Basic Personality Inventory (BPI):

According to Basic Personality Inventory, Mon got a raw score of 13 in Hypochondriasis

which has a percentile equivalence of 99 percent. This shows that Mon has a very high
severity on this clinical scale. With Mon having a very high hypochondriasis, Mon has the
tendency of frequent thought of being sick, complains of regular peculiar pains and body
dysfunction, and frequently, discusses these topics and reveals pre-occupation with bodily
complaints. Moreover, Mon got a raw score of 11 in Persecutory Ideas and just like
hypochondriasis, has a percentile prevalence of 99 percent. This means that Mon has very
high persecutory ideas which indicates that Mon have the tendency of believing that other
people are against him and are trying to make his life unpleasant.

Furthermore, Mon got a raw score of 9 in Deviation which has a percentile of 99

percent expressing that Mon has, again, a very high deviation scale. This high severity on
deviation made Mon to have the tendency of displaying behavior different from others, and
admitting to pathological and unusual characteristics. Additionally, Mon got a raw score of 8
in Thinking Disorder which equates to a percentile equivalence of 99 percent. With Mon
scoring very high in thinking disorder, Mon may have the tendency of becoming mostly
confuse, gets easily distracted, and is disorganized. Also, Mon may have the tendency of
having difficulty remembering even simple things every day, and having the thought of him
living in a dream-like world, that people appears different and he feels different from them.

In the middle scores yet belonging to the category of high in severity level are
depression, alienation, and anxiety. On the other hand, Mon got the lowest score in two
clinical scales which are denial, and interpersonal problem. In both, denial, and interpersonal
problems Mon got a raw score of 8. For denial, Mon has a percentile equivalence of 54
percent while interpersonal problems equate a percentile equivalence of 50 percent. This
means that Mon being average in denial scale may have the tendency of accepting his
feelings as part of himself, and not afraid to discuss unpleasant topics. Mon also may have
the tendency of answering frankly, avoids impression management and shows normal affect.
With Mon being average on interpersonal problems, Mon may have the tendency of
experiencing less than average irritation from noise, changes in routine, disappointment and
mistakes of others; respects authority, and prefers clearly defined rules and regulations. Mon
also may have the tendency of fully cooperating with leaders and readily accepts other’s
criticism.

Needless to say, Mon got a high score in four of the following clinical scales:
hypochondriasis, persecutory ideas, deviation, and thinking disorder, which indicates that
Mon has a very high severity level among these four scale. In contrast, Mon got low scores
in two of the following scale: denial and interpersonal problems, which, however, still
indicates of having an average severity on these two scale.

III. Overall Test Result and Interpretation:

With Mon, having a very high persecutory idea on Basic Personality Inventory
Test, there is a tendency of a great connection with SACH Test result of founding Mon
having difficulty trusting others, thinking that others would betray him, thinking that other
people don’t like him and hating people who are deceptive and selfish. Additionally, Mon
having a very high deviation would relate to Mon’s behaviour of being aloof, and distant to
his father yet still Mon longs for his father’s presence and comfort. Also, his thought of
women being manipulative and having negative perception towards romantic relationship
speaks relevance to his very high deviation score. Moreover, his SACH Test result on
founding Mon of being unable to see his future clearly and his want of ending his life
tragedies may have a connection on the very high thinking disorder of Mon.

On the other hand, Mon got the lowest scores in denial and interpersonal
problem which may indicate a good relevance to Mon’s frankness, and vocal perception on
unpleasant issue of his family dynamics. Despite Mon having trust issues, fear, defiant
thinking behaviour, Mon has a superior intellectual functioning which make Mon having the
tendency of superior non-verbal ability.

Indeed, Mon scored average to very high in BPI Test which means that scores
were not that low. This means that Mon may have the tendency of having average to high
scores of psychopathology containing 11 bipolar personality scales, and one critical item
scale. For SACHS Completion Test, Mon have the tendency of showing lack of personality
adjustment and functioning. However, Ravens Standard Progressive Matrices showed that
Mon have a superior intellectual functioning.

REGIE MARK E. MANSIGUE

Name of Intern
 PSYCHIATRIC
DEPARTMENT
REQUIREMENTS
 An Online Interview Summary with a Case Manager in Psychiatric Department

The online interview that I had today was actually a recorded interview from the
University of Mindanao Interns. I watched the recorded video and keenly listened to the
knowledge shared by the speaker. The whole gist of the online interview was all about the
role of case manager in the treatment journey of the clients. I basically do not have enough
information about what is a case manager all about, and what is its role in the journey of the
residents to recovery. Yet, as I watched the interview session, I found it really informative
and significant.

The interview started with an UM intern asks about several questions regarding on
how to cater residents especially in doing the first basic steps of communicating with the
client. The speaker shared that it is best to really build a rapport and make sure to help the
client find ease in conversing with you. Also, the speaker emphasized that before making
any therapy or treatment activity, the case manager should also make the client feel secure
and find stability. The reason behind it, as the speaker shared, is that there are residents
who are experiencing extreme hallucinations, delusion, and extreme emotion. Given this
situation it is really best to help the client find safety in the case manager’s outlook.

Moreover, another UM intern asks about certain therapies and how does some client
deal with it. The speaker shared that same as the usual things, some of the clients
embraced the therapy and really are open about it. However, in some other cases, some
psychiatric patients don’t embrace and accept the treatment and therapy because they find it
as another burden for them and in a more blatant expression, is not helpful, at all. This can
be anticipated and totally understandable even in other Departments because psychiatric
patients are the ones who are most likely to be mentally challenged.

Furthermore, the speaker shared that despite the idea that some psychiatric patients
refuse the given treatments to them; the case manager should not tolerate this behavior. The
speaker also shared that tough love is used in this situation to teach these psychiatric
patients to have discipline, and understand the idea of order for their betterment.

There were other questions that were asked by other UM interns and one of which
asked about the things that a case manager beyond their job description to help their
psychiatric patients. The speaker shared that, though it is not part of a case managers job to
give these patients their urgent necessities such as snacks and toiletries, it is somehow an
unwritten role of anyone working in the field of psychology to give and extend more extra
effort in order to truly and fully realize the help one needs to give and to really assist the
clients under the light of generosity, care, love, and empathy.

Lastly, the online interview ended with a good exchange of thoughts and truly, I can
say that every has a good take away from it.
Learning Session 3

Psychology is Evidence-Based:

Reaction Paper on Psychological Assessment and Test Session

Psychological Assessment and Testing is one of the vital parts in understanding the
condition of the client, and also, good bases for finding appropriate treatment and therapy.
For me, I do see its significance in the journey of psych professional and its client because it
guides both in their journey, and makes them aware of their responsibilities. Psychological
Assessment and Testing is truly evidence-based because this part makes the raw, objective,
rational and scientifically studied tools that are built in reliability, validity, utility and norms.

Today the learning session was all about understanding Psychological Assessment
and Testing. I personally already have my learning on this discussion because as Psych
student, it is one of my subjects in our program. I do agree on the inputs that were
expressed and discussed by the speaker, Ms. Valerio. I do think that there is really a fine line
between assessment and testing. According to her, she stated that Psychological
Assessment is the integrated part in gathering psychological data which consists test
batteries, behavioral interviews, comparative case analysis and among others. On the other
hand, Psychological testing is all about the conduct of various psychological tests necessary
to fulfill the need for assessing the client. Though they have difference, the goal of the two is
to really provide results that are accurate and consistent which will serve as an evidence for
finding appropriate and effective treatment modality for the clients.

ATP Global (2021) stated psychological tests enable mental health professionals to
make diagnoses more reliably, validly, and quickly than they can from personal observation
alone. Tests can uncover problems that a mental health professional may not detect until
much later. This allows the clinician to focus on the appropriate treatment more quickly,
thereby saving time and money for the patient or client. Once a course of treatment has
begun, tests can help the clinician monitor the effectiveness of the treatment as it proceeds.
This signifies that psych testing, just like assessment really helps the clinician’s works easy,
appropriate and verifiable.

Furthermore, Ms. Valerio added that as psychology practitioners it is advisable to really

look in to the reliability, validity and the norms of a test before conducting it. Assessment
may come in handy but it is not. I agree with the idea of the speaker that reliability, validity,
norms and utility should be also considered. I see its importance because the test or
assessment should be scientific based in order to build a verifiable result that is founded in
true and soundly process. When it comes to conducting the assessment and test, I do agree
with the steps shared by the speaker. First building rapport in order to make a connection
with the client and would help the client feel that he/she is in a safe place. Next is to have
coordination with the psychologist or the referring person on the referral, and followed by
providing appropriate test batteries. Afterwards, conduct scoring, then, makes a report that
will be reviewed by the designate psychologist. Lastly, the psychometrician should endorse
the result to the doctor or the designated psychologist. I do certainly affirm with this process
because this is by far the appropriate and systematic process that a psychometrician should
follow.

Moreover, the speaker shared some available personality test, and projective test which
I already have learned from our subject. The speaker also shared the difference on the
numbers of test that is given between the patients in Psychiatric Department and the SUDT-
BMP. For the SUDT-BMP patients, there are eight test and to name a few are the Raven’s
Standard Progressive Matrices, the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-3, DAP/HTP, and
among others. For the Psychiatric Department, there are only three tests and those are the
Ravens Standard Progressive Matrices, Sacks Sentence Completion Test, and Rorschach
Ink Blot Test. I also, adhere to what she explained why there is difference on the two
departments. She said that those in SUDT-BMP patients may have the tendency to become
manipulative in their answers that is why test batteries is best to validate and to connect the
dots of their responses, while it is appropriate to give three tests for the patients in
Psychiatric Department because these patients may also have the tendency to have
difficulty or even may not be capable of answering the test due to their psychoses.

Indeed, it is really vital to consider the power of assessment and testing in psychology
under the light of scientifically studied testing and assessment tools. It is really prone to
errors when we only use one test alone. It is really essential to backed it up with other tests
in order to make it verifiable and useful. Most of all, these test and assessments really
speaks that psychology is indeed, evidence-based.

Link to the reference:

https://www.testpublishers.org/testing-in-clinical-
settings#:~:text=Psychological%20tests%20enable%20mental%20health,can%20from%20p
ersonal%20observation%20alone.&text=Once%20a%20course%20of%20treatment,the%20t
reatment%20as%20it%20proceeds.
Learning Session 4

Power of Collaborative Work:

Reaction Paper on the Case Conference Session

I already have heard about the process on how to conduct the testing and assessment,
and I found it really appropriate and useful. However, I haven’t yet seen any case
conference, and I am excited how to do it. Though, I haven’t had an experience doing case
analysis as a group, I have already done doing case analysis on my own as part of my
requirements in my program. On that note, I am really happy to really have the experience of
seeing how NDRC conduct their case conference even in online setting.

Today I was given the opportunity to view how NDRC conduct case conference. Case
conference is basically doing case analysis; however, this time it is done in groups. Now, the
case that the NDRC personnel are dealing is the case of Mr. R. In the context of the
discussion for Mr. R’s case, he was confined to the NDRC, then had recovered, and then
went back to his old depressive, self-defeating habit, and was again enrolled to NDRC. In
the discussion of the case, I noticed that there were parts of the case conference which I do
not know especially the one about the one that speaks about the nurses assessment.
However, while learning I get to know about it and its perspective. I do agree on considering
the client’s mental status exam, having a note on his family/medical background, past
medical history, personal and social history. I do find it really necessary and significant in
making the case more clearer and understanding some co-occurrence and comorbidity that
might affect the treatment or can be considered a priority above anything else.

I find case conference important and a good team strategy because as cliché as it seem
but many heads are better than one. Just like what I have seen, Doc. Conde sometimes
gives his thoughts and shares his perspective on the displayed information made by the
psychometricians. I found it a good work which considers collaborative effort. Beyond case
conference speaks substance because this clarifies some entanglement in the case and
widens the copes that is seen and considered. In a study conducted by Perdomo, et al
(2019) they developed a longitudinal case conference curriculum called Health Equity
Rounds (HER) to discuss and address the impact of structural racism and implicit bias on
patient care. The curriculum engaged participants across training levels and disciplines on
these topics utilizing case-based discussion, evidence-based exercises, and two relevant
conceptual frameworks. The result showed that most survey respondents (88% or more)
indicated that HER promoted personal reflection on implicit bias, and 75% or more indicated
that HER would impact their clinical practice. The study then concluded that HER provided a
unique forum for practitioners across training levels to address structural racism and implicit
bias. So, see with this study, it simply states that doing case conferences really unique forum
strategy which helps better the assessment and most of all, reduces personal bias.

In the end, I found case conference really effective, and speaks substance in the field of
psychology and among others. I agree on the process presented on the case conference
that history and background noting was done in order to really see the situation of the client.
I also love the idea that it is a team effort. Lastly, more than anything, case conference really
speaks care and professionalism of the psych people with one goal of providing right
analysis of the client’s case, and giving him the security of him/her being in the good helping
hands.

Link to the reference:

https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10858
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER
TREATMENT AND BEHAVIOR
MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
REQUIREMENTS
 An Online Interview Summary with a Case Manager in SUDT-BMP

Addiction has been one of the pressing issues throughout time. Addiction
may present in various forms whether on alcoholism, narcotics, substance or even random
things that most patients won’t think as it seem. As psychology interns, it is part of our lined
activities to conduct an online interview with a case manager on the Narcotics and
Substance Abuse department. Leaning on our task, we invited Mr. Jay Mejorado, the Case
Manager of NDRC’s SUDT-BMP, to give us a real-time experience and responses about our
queries in the Narcotics and Substance Abuse through an online interview via zoom. Our
invitation came across due to our immediate supervisor’s guidance. She instructed as to
make a letter to properly invite the speaker and prepare guide questions that we can use for
our interview. Today, January 06, 2022, 10 o’clock in the morning, we started our interview.
We waited for about 30 minutes because our speaker is still doing business in his
department. While waiting, Ms. Gail Valerio, our immediate supervisor, shared a bit of the
background of our speaker as to where he started and how he became the case manager,
today. It was really heart-warming to hear his story even briefly. It really reminded me of how
psych-treatment can make change happen to a person’s life. Later on, Mr. Mejorado arrived
and we started our online interview.

The drill of the interview was to first introduce ourselves, where we are from
and then ask question whenever it is our time to speak. So, I actually am relaxed because I
know that I am third to the last to interview. But, one of my co-interns called my name as the
first interviewer, and I was shocked. I was still preparing for the interview, yet I have to make
it happen. So, I introduced myself and then asked my two questions. I asked the speaker
about the treatments, the therapies and some anti-addiction drugs that are FDA-approved.
He said that NDRC has a lot of it. He stressed that NDRC’s treatment program is a multi-
method strategy, eclectic and client-based. He discussed the 12 steps and the currently
used, occupational therapy which is relevant to what the residents wanted. Now, I asked my
second question which is all about the common and unique reasons as to why the residents
turned to be addicts. He explained that the common reasons were peer-pressure for the
youth, to help them cope from stress, sadness and grief, and some financial crisis.
Afterwards, I extend my thanks to him for his amazing responses.

Next, my other co-interns started asking their questions, too. Someone asked
about if religion has a toll on their 12 steps program, and how does this affect among those
residents who are atheist. He explained that it actually happened and there were residents
who don’t believe in religion at all. Yet, they still managed to consider the idea of spirituality
not the religion as a means of the process. He emphasized that it is not religion that is being
used rather the notion on spirituality. Then, another asked about reckless and chaotic
tendencies of the residents on their treatment. He explained that this situation is inevitable. It
is possible and he himself have witnessed like that. Some were also denial and inhibited.
Still, as a person working in a helping profession, he still consider smiling and calm
conversation as a good means to remedy the situation. Moreover, another asked about the
role of the family and community on the recovery of the residents. He answered that families
are also given therapy on how to address the need of their family member towards recovery.
Likewise, the community has a role on the development and progress of the resident. Also,
one asked what can he advice and share on the newbie psychometrician who will be
working on the same department as his. He said that working in this field is challenging, and
though he is not a psychology graduate he still managed to offer his advice as a former
resident of NDRC and as case manager now. He emphasized that just like him, these
addicts are not bad people rather they are only sick. They need help and guidance in order
to move forward from their lives. Though addiction is a relapsing phenomenon which means
it is a reoccurring behavior, a good guidance and support can help promote the change in
the life of the residents. He believes that psychology professionals have a power on shaping
the lives of this sick but not bad people. It was followed by asking more questions, and the
speaker responded, naturally. He is natural in his perspective because he, himself has
experienced how it feels to be like an addict, and rises up to find the better version of
himself. From becoming the resident of the NDRC into becoming the case manager of the
NDRC’s Narcotics and Substance Abuse Program is something that is testimonial and
inspiring.

The online interview ended after an hour and so. After every one asked their
questions, we bid our goodbye to him. Yet, he asked a moment of our time just to share a bit
of the message he wanted for the people to know about the life and story of these people.
He said that these addicts might have drowned their lives into something that is really
difficult to escape, and sometimes, even reached to a point where it has deteriorated their
own lives and the people around them; still they are not meant to be defined by their
situation. They are capable of changing, and with proper treatment and guidance, all will turn
as beautiful as possible. He reiterated, and ended his message by saying that that these
addicts are people who are just sick but are not bad people, at all.
Learning Session 5

Chronic Pleasure:
Reaction Paper on Nature of Addiction and Intervention Session

Addiction is one of the most difficult mental disorders to escape. It excites a person’s
will to do beyond in order to fulfill the recurring need for dopamine and serotonin through
satisfying their pleasures. Addiction may happen to be as a random, street-wise heard issue
in most situations, but in all sense, this is something that is really a hardcore situation to deal
with. Addiction becomes hard to let go because a person’s mind has already unconsciously
wanting its objects presence to feel happy and feel satisfied in time. To let go from this
situation is not easy, but it is manageable.

Today’s session is all about the Nature of Addiction and Intervention. This topic hits
hard on me because I for one have witnessed how it affected my family’s life. When I was a
kid, I saw my older brothers become addicted to meth. Sometimes I became fearful when
seeing them because of things; they might do against our family. But on another point, I am
sad and silently feeling hurt because I know that they were not the brothers I used to know.
Moreover, I had my experience in our municipality where men get killed because of selling
drugs. Living in this drug-prone area makes me feel accustomed but should I be used to
that? I think that this should cease because this narrative of killing and drug or alcohol
addiction is nailing fearful stories and feelings to the young ones, and I don’t want that same
feeling to be experienced by others. This is why it is really significant to have sessions and
symposium on this matter in order to address this issue especially when this has already
happened.

The speaker explained that addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease. Addiction
really is not time-bounded because it might occur again and again whenever the resident
remains unguarded and unguided after treatment. There are two types of addicted person:
Mono-drug user and Poly-drug user. Addiction does not only consists narcotics and
alcoholism alone, rather abuse of prescriptions, intoxicating petroleum-based product such
as rugby, and having a clinically diagnosed Substance Use Disorder can be considered as a
form of addiction. The speaker explained several reasons why people become addicted.
They lean on their addiction in order for them to feel good, to feel better, to do better, and
most importantly, for curiosity in the cases of teenagers. In a study conducted by Schulte &
Hser (2014), findings showed that 1) Substance use is often initiated in adolescence, but it
is during adulthood that prevalence rates for SUDs peak; and while substance involvement
is less common among older adults, the risk for health complications associated with use
increases. 2) Alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and, increasingly, prescription medications, are
the most commonly misused substances across age groups; however, the use pattern of
these and other drugs and the salient impact vary depending on life stage. 3) In terms of
health outcomes, all ages are at risk for overdose, accidental injury, and attempted suicide.
Adolescents are more likely to be in vehicular accidents while older adults are at greater risk
for damaging falls. Adulthood has the highest rates of associated medical conditions (e.g.,
cancer, sexually transmitted disease, heart disease) and mental health conditions (e.g.,
bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, antisocial personality disorder). The study concluded that
prolonged heavy use of drugs and/or alcohol results in an array of serious health conditions.
Addressing SUDs from a life stage perspective with assessment and treatment approaches
incorporating co-occurring disorders are necessary to successfully impact overall health.
This findings really showed that cases brought by narcotics and substance use addiction
beginning in adolescent will truly affect the person as he/she reaches adulthood. Worst, this
unguarded, chronic use of narcotics and substance will eventually cause deterioration to
one’s physiology and health.

It is no doubt that addiction on narcotics and substance use truly affects the life of the
user. I can personally have my own testimony because I have seen my brothers drawn by
the effect of these substances. They became the villain in the family; that they were not used
to be. They get angry often, and one of them stopped his schooling. Their life became
dysfunctional during that time. It is really necessary to really have a good treatment and
family support so that changes will occur. In the session, it was discussed that 12 Steps
strategy, REBT, Cognitive behavioral therapy and among others really speaks essentiality
on breaking the cycle of this disorder. Though it is a life long journey after the treatment, it is
really important that family, friends, siblings, spouses or even patients’ own children will
provide them care and support in choosing a new chapter in their lives.

Indeed, a life stage perspective is necessary for development of age-appropriate

strategies to address substance use disorders (SUDs) and related health conditions in order
to produce better overall health and well-being (Schulte & Hser, 2014). I certainly agree on
the presented discussions that these patients only need proper treatment and support so
that they can continue choosing a better and healthier path. It is really fulfilling and heart-
warming to see small steps of change from these patients whose life has been judged by the
society for their chronic pleasure. I think we must all remember that these people are sick
but are not bad, after all.
Link to the reference:

https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/BF03391702.pdf
Learning Session 6
Change is a Journey:
Reaction Paper on the State of Change Session

I certainly believe that people, if given the opportunity and right amount of support can
execute and do change. Change may not come as easy but it can be managed and can
happen to anyone. In the cases of addicts, the society may seem so judgmental on them,
but with the right amount of guidance and treatment these people can make change happen.

Today’s session was all about understanding the State of Change. I, firmly believe that
people regardless if addicted to substance or not really have the ability to change. Change
may come beneficial yet sometimes, if not guided well, may cause harm to the person, and
to the person’s surroundings. I agree on what the speaker said that change is really not a
walk in a park. Sometimes change may come easy, and at some point, relapsing happen.
Also, I agree with what the speaker said that without proper guidance and right amount of
awareness of a person’s support system, relapsing may possibly happen.

In a study conducted by Jack (2017), he stated that Recovery coaches” (RCs), peers
sharing the lived experience of addiction and recovery, are increasingly being integrated into
primary care to help reach and treat people experiencing SUD, yet little is known about how
their role should be defined or about their clinical integration and impact. The result of the
study showed that four core RC activities were identified: system navigation, supporting
behavior change, harm reduction, and relationship building. Across these activities, benefits
of the RC role emerged, including accessibility, shared experiences, motivation of behavior
change, and links to social services. Challenges of the RC model were also evident: patient
discomfort with asking for help, lack of clarity in RC role, and tension within the care team. It
was concluded that hese findings shed light on RCs in primary care. Many patients and
coaches perceived that RCs play a valuable role within primary care, providing both tangible
system navigation and intangible, social support that promote recovery and might not
otherwise be available. Enhanced communication between RCs and health center
leadership in defining the RC role may help resolve ambiguity and related tensions between
RCs and care team members. Indeed, there is really no doubt that this study showed that
rehabilitation care, as a form of right amount of care really helps the residents to realize
change and overcome their issue.
 Moreover, I agree with what the speaker said that treatment and recovery are ultimately
about change. Also, I love to affirm that in order to make the mechanism of change happen,
the resident should find the significance of motivation. The speaker said that motivation can
begin from having the sense of purpose, intention, positive perception and changeability as
needed. I certainly affirm to these because I think that these really best feed one’s mind to
continue striving and embrace taking the steps to recovery. Furthermore, internal influences
can help the client boost his belief on embracing change and those can be traced to
emotional states, life goals, perception about risks and benefit, and cognitive appraisals on
the situation. Also, external influences can help residents to embrace change to name a few
are family and friends, situations and experiences, and community support. Lastly, I do
affirm with what the speaker shared regarding on the stages of change which starts with pre-
contemplation, followed by contemplation, then preparation, action, then maintenance, and
somehow, recurrence /relapsing may happen if not guided well. So, this cycle repeats and
this will truly help the residents see the light of change in their lives.

Link to the reference:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08897077.2017.1389802?src=recsys
Learning Session 7
 TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE IT

I. Rationale

SUDT-BMP residents need social support in or out of the facility. Them becoming
abusive to substance have taken a toll in their self-concept, and may become a self-defeating
definition of themselves. Thus, it is imperative to help them find the support they needed in order
to open their minds and recalibrate their steps into becoming individuals who is capable of giving
and receiving support to and from others. Social support and characteristics of one's social
network have been shown to be beneficial for abstinence and substance use disorder recovery
(Stevens, et al, 2015).

In the study conducted by Steven et al (2015), a significant positive relationship was

found between general social support and abstinence-specific self-efficacy. General social
support was also significantly associated with the specific social support measures of sense of
community and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) affiliation. Social network size predicted abstinence-
related factors such as AA affiliation and perceived stress. It was concluded that insight
regarding individual feelings of social support and abstinence-specific self-efficacy by showing
that one's social network-level characteristics are related to one's perceptions of social support..

Moreover, in the study conducted by Unobol, et al (2019), the result stated that in the
alcohol group, the environmental and social subscales of WHOQOL-BREF-TR showed a
significant correlation with perceived social support from the family and private person and total
perceived support. It was then concluded that social support has an important role on the quality
of life. Improving the quality of life seems to be one of the main goals during the addiction
treatment. It is very important to provide psychosocial support with pharmacological treatment by
evaluating the medical, mental and social needs of the dependent patient as a whole. It
is,indeed, really evident that social support is truly necessary in the journey of SUDT-BMP
residents.

In order to attain the practice of social support, residents should be able to know, and
experience the feeling of social interest, and the power of striving for success.

One of Alfred Adler’s Individual Psychology basic tenets is that: The one dynamic
force behind people’s behaviour is the striving for success or superiority (Feist,Feist&
Roberts,2018).SUDT-BMP residents, as for Adler, feels neglected alongside with the belief that
they are born with weak, inferior body. In order to compensate, people tend to run either to
become superior or achieving success for all. Now, it is best to make SUDT-BMP resident to feel
what Alfred Adler called "social interest"- an attitude of relatedness with humanity in general as
well as empathy for each member of the human community, in order to make them bind a
connection with others. Also, striving for success helps the residents to have goals beyond
themselves, have the ability of helping others without demanding, and are able to see others as
people whom they can cooperate for social benefit.

This activity is in titled “Together We Can Make It" is anchored on Alfred Adler’s
social interest and basic tenets of striving for success. The activity is titled with the term "We" in
order to indicate the idea of oneness and to replace the notion of "I". The activity is composed of
two ice breaker, as the starting point, and then followed by two main activities. Lastly, the
purpose of this activity is help the SUDT-BMP residents find, appreciate, and experience social
support such as love, positivity, and trust necessary to better their journey to recovery.

II. Objectives

Cognitive: To be able to develop perception and thoughts of how important it is to have

somebody who gives social support on in their journey to recovery.

Affective: To experience the feeling of oneness and to express giving and receiving social
support to and from others in order to reduce passive behaviour necessary in their journey to
recovery

Psychomotor: To exercise their hands and other senses in doing art, and express their
relatedness through cooperative game as part of their journey to recovery.

III. Icebreaker:

Daily Meditation and a Phrase- Doing daily meditation set the mood of the patients to be calm
before the activity. Also, it helps the patients to make their mind, heart, and soul to be mentally,
spiritually, physical, and psychologically present in the activity.

Duration: 5-10 minutes

Materials: An already written insightful passage, laptop, projector, white screen, speaker,
microphones, and chairs, meditation background music

Instructions:

1. The residents are called to be in the venue 10 minutes before the activity.
2. After a while, the facilitator instructs the residents to find their self comfortable on the
available chairs with a meter distance from each other.
3. The facilitator then, asked the residents how are they doing, and are they ready for
the activity.
4. After asking, when the facilitator notices that the residents are already set, and ready,
the facilitator will give basic instruction before the activity. The facilitator should
instruct the residents to be mentally, spiritually, physically and psychologically present.
 Next, the facilitator should impose that during the activity chit-chatting or poking of
other resident is not allowed. Also, the facilitator should emphasize the flow of the
activity.
5. When done giving the basic instruction pre-activity, the facilitator instructs the
residents to be in their comfortable position, while listening to meditative background
music.
6. After a minute of the music, the already written insightful passage will be read loudly
yet slowly by the residents in unison. This is done in order to make the residents be on
a reflective mood. Still, the background music is used.
7. Lastly, the residents are instructed to take a phrase out from the passage that moves
them, and will be given a minute to do internal speaking and reflect on the phrase they
choose. Still, the background music is used.
8. When the resident is done, they should remain in silent while waiting for others.
9. Now, the facilitator will ask the residents if they are done. When everyone is done,
the facilitator stops the music and appreciates the residents for a job well done.

Singing Our Song of Hope – Art therapy includes music; thus this helps residents to be able to
promote sense of well-being, while spreading a message of hope to everyone in the room.

Duration: 5-10 minutes

Materials: bond paper, pencil, speaker, microphones, and chairs,

Instructions:

1. The facilitator instructs the residents to group themselves into four, and they are free
to choose whomever they wish.
2. After they grouped themselves, every group is given with a piece of bond paper, and
a pencil.
3. The facilitator then instructs the resident to write a four stanza song with its title about
hope. Since it s composed of four stanzas, each of the four members should right
one line. The melody and the rhythm are freely up to them. The facilitator should
instruct the residents that they are only given 5 minutes to make a song.
4. After the allotted time, every group shall sing their song in front of everyone. The
group shall chose one of them to explain the story or meaning behind that song.
5. When everyone is done the facilitator should collect the papers, and appreciates all
of the group’s performance.

IV. Main Activity

Art with You- Art therapy is a means in order for them to expressive themselves. In this activity,
residents are given the opportunity to paint with their partner about any topic they two loves to
do.

Duration: 1 hour and 3 minutes

Materials: Paint of assorted colors, paint brushes, painting palette, white canvas, apron,
speaker, microphone

Instructions:

1. The facilitator instructs the resident to choose a partner of which they are comfortable
with.
2. When each resident found their pair, the facilitator instructs everyone about the
activity. Each pair is given 1 hour to paint anything they wanted alongside with their
partners. Pairs are given 10 minutes to roam around the place and find anything that
will serve as their inspiration.
3. In that given 10 minutes, the pair should get to know each other, briefly
4. After the 10 minutes is over, the residents should be at the venue and the facilitator
will hand them a pair of paint brushes, a pair of apron, and paint of assorted colors,
white canvas and painting palette.
5. Afterwards, all the residents with their pair will be given the remaining time to create
their painting.
6. When the 50 minutes end, each pair will be given 4 minutes to explain what they
painted, and the title of their painting. Also, each pair will share something about
each other in their journey of working out t their painting together.
7. The facilitator then asks residents with three questions regarding on the activity.
8. After asking, the facilitator instructs everyone to return the materials and do CLEGO
(Clean as You Go). The facilitator then ends the activity by appreciating their work.

Human Pipeline and a Riddle- Cooperative Games is one of the best ways to instill the ideals of
teamwork while providing social support and fun. This activity will help the participants to work
with a team, experience how it feels to be one with others.

Duration: 45 minutes

Materials: 12 inch pipeline, table tennis ball, piece of paper, microphones, speakers, laptop,
projectors

Instructions:

1. The facilitator gathers the residents in convening venue.

 2. Then, the facilitator instructs the participants to count from 1 to 3 each time to make
three groups.
3. When done dividing, the participants are told to gather with their teams, and make
their cheer imitating an animal sound.
4. After doing so, the three groups will then be given a riddle, different in each group,
as a key to proceed in the main activity. The chosen riddle depends on what the
facilitators would comfortably choose.
5. If ever a group has already figured out the riddle, they can automatically proceed to
doing the pipeline activity.
6. Now, each of the participants will pick out a 12 inch pipeline and a table tennis ball.
Everyone shall fall in line in order to make the ball flow directly towards the basket.
7. When one ball reached the basket, the other will continue the same thing until
everyone shoots their tennis ball in the basket.
8. However, when a ball falls, the group will start again on that the same person turns,
and continues until everyone is done.
9. When everyone is done, they will assemble a gibberish word, and then, figure out
what word that is. The word to figure out should be "Together We Can Make It"
10. After figuring out, the group will cheer their animal sound to signify that they are
done.
11. For the remaining group, they are instructed to continue and push through with their
task.
12. When all are done, the facilitator then calms the groups, and afterwards, the
facilitator will then ask how their experience went with their groups and their
thoughts on the assembled gibberish word.
13. Lastly, the facilitator appreciates the resident’s effort and participation.

V. Process Questions

1. What did you learn from working with other people to make the task done?

2. How does it feel to have someone or group of people helping you figure out the task?

3. What certain changes in your body you felt happened while doing the activity?

4. How does team work showed you the value of social support?

5. Can you identify who are the people/ persons whom you can consider as support system in
your journey to recovery?
VI. Lecturette

The lecturette will be all about The Power of Social Support in Their Journey to
Recovery. In this short lecture, the residents will know what is social support, what are the types
of social support, where to get social support, why is it important to have social support, and
pros and cons of having social support and as well as, hearing a testimony from successful
resident who had experienced quality social support.

Reference

Feist,J., Feist,G & Roberts,T. (2018). Theories of Personality Ninth Edition.

Stevens,E., Jason,l.,Ram,D & Light,J. (2015). Investigating Social Support and Network Relationships
in Substance Use Disorder Recovery. Substance Use, 36(24), 396-399.
doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/08897077.2014.965870

Unobol,B., Ates,N., Bestepe,E & Bilici, R. (2019). The effect of perceived social support on quality of
life in Turkish men with alcohol,opiate,cannabis use disorder. Journal of Ethnicity in
Substance Use. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/15332640.2019.1685051
REFLECTION
 Reflection Paper on my Journey as an Intern in NDRC

Emotionally-moving, Worth it, and Honored, these are the three words I have in my
heart, mind and soul after my whole journey as an intern in New Day Recovery Center
ended. It was fulfilling to really have the opportunity of understanding people especially
those who are mentally challenged. I firmly believe in the notion that psych people, as I
prefer to say it, really have the power to show society how to best treat the world. It is with
kindness that all of us, will be able to be see hope, and be showered with safety and
protection regardless of race, color, religion, ethnicity and psychological issue.

I personally can say that the NDRC has given me and my co-interns an internship
that is truly insightful, and a good learning experience. From the organized activities to the
real life applicable teachings and learning, I can certainly say that it is one of the best
memories I have as a psychology major student. Tracing back in the beginning of my
internship, I was challenged by the havoc brought by Bagyong Odette. Though, the
typhoon’s eye is not centered in our province, yet I still had my own share of dark clouds,
heavy rain, and rumbling sound of the furious thunder. I was really afraid because all I see
was dark scheme added with the shut downed electricity and lost internet connectivity. In all
sense, I was worried about our internship, and I had really a difficult time, finding a chance of
connection just to seek for any updates. With good grace, I was able to push through with
my internship despite the challenging situation in our place. After all the situations I had, I
can say that it was all worth it.

I find it a worthy experience because I learned more than just the objective points of
the internship. I can firmly say that I learned to really be that person who pushes through
even if it’s tiring, and draining. I found a new set of energy in me which I don’t have before. I
also find it worth it because the learning where truly what I and my co-interns really needed
to know. More than anything else, it was worth it because we have Ma’am Valerio and
among other NDRC staff who are truly understanding and appreciative. They even motivated
us to be a case manager someday, and empowered us to really be victors of our own
journey towards become a licensed psychometrician.

Moreover, the learning I have gained in NDRC is truly, emotionally-moving. I found it

moving especially when the discussion revolves on these people who are experiencing
addiction, I learned deeply that these people, whom society judged as addicts, really are just
sick people who needs treatment and help, and that they are not bad people as society pre-
conceived them. I feel the responsibility of sharing what I know about these people to
individuals who found these people who are incapable of embracing change. Change may
be not a walk in the park, but that is not impossible. Everyone is capable of change. Change
only takes a good amount of time, and a good amount of social support. Furthermore, I am
also deeply affected by these kids and teens that have disruptive behaviors because other
people might see them as senseless individuals but they are not. These kids and teens only
need proper guidance in order for them to rise from their situation and be able to see how
beautiful life would be if kindness is in their hands.

Nevertheless, I felt that I am honored to have my internship in NDRC because NDRC

has given tons of opportunity to learn various perspectives in the real life clinical setting. It is
an honor for me because NDRC is a recovery center who has well-equipped and well-aware
workers, and I just want to take my steps in my career just like theirs.

Indeed, it was a beautiful journey for me. I couldn’t ask for more because NDRC has
given me an opportunity to learn and to be aware how to properly care and treat people with
mental disorder. I was moved by what Ma’am Valerio said that our country needs more
psych professionals, because our country needs people who are capable of helping and
giving genuine care and assistance to these mentally challenged individuals who are
somehow unfortunately left unseen.