“This opportunity aligned perfectly with my career goals and allowed me to contribute to a meaningful cause while gaining insight into trauma-informed care in a real-world setting.” – Zarah Kasmani
Read on to discover the key takeaways and the inspiring journey of Zarah’s psychology internship in Cape Town, where hands-on experience and personal growth collided, shaping her understanding of the field and her passion for helping others.
KEY FACTS:
- Location: Cape Town
- Academic Focus Area: Social Work, Psychology, Counseling
- Length: 8 to 20 weeks
THE INTERNSHIP
This psychology internship in Cape Town offers a unique opportunity to assist with counseling sessions and shadow experienced professionals in diverse settings, including safe houses, rehab centers, and support facilities for abuse victims. Interns gain hands-on exposure to various aspects of counseling, with mentorship provided throughout the experience. It’s an excellent way to acquire practical work experience, contribute to meaningful mental health programs, and explore the vibrant, culturally rich city of Cape Town.
THE ORGANIZATION
This Organization in Cape Town provides a tailored experience, placing interns in mental health facilities that align with their skills, passions, and academic focus. Interns may find themselves working at safe houses, female empowerment programs, children’s centers, family counseling services, trauma counseling services, or rehab centers, gaining invaluable exposure across a variety of settings. With the guidance of a local mental health professional, each intern receives personalized mentorship, including regular one-on-one sessions for reflection, growth, and assessment, ensuring a truly immersive and enriching experience.
ABOUT ZARAH
From the moment Zarah discovered her passion for mental health advocacy, she knew she wanted to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable communities. Her psychology internship provided the perfect opportunity to turn that passion into action, allowing her to engage with trauma-informed care in a real-world setting. Driven by a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to meaningful change, Zarah embraced the experience as more than just a learning opportunity. It was a chance to contribute, grow, and reaffirm her dedication to making mental health support more accessible.
WORKING FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Zarah’s psychology internship experience was more than just a stepping stone, it was a defining moment in her journey toward specializing in “child and adolescent psychology with a focus on supporting those who have experienced trauma,” she shares. Working in a trauma-informed environment gave her invaluable insight into the complexities of mental health care, reinforcing her passion for the field. Also, witnessing the resilience of those she worked with and the impact of compassionate psychological support solidified her dedication, inspiring her to further develop her expertise in this critical area.
Beyond deepening her commitment, the internship equipped Zarah with essential skills that will serve her throughout her career. “Absolutely, I gained hands-on experience in trauma support/counseling, active listening, and creating safe spaces for vulnerable populations” she explains. “These skills, combined with exposure to case management and teamwork in a high-pressure environment, are incredibly transferable to my future career in psychology” she adds. The experience not only strengthened her ability to support those in crisis but also prepared her for the realities of a field where empathy and adaptability are just as crucial as clinical knowledge.
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HOW WORKING IN CAPE TOWN MADE AN IMPACT
Zarah’s time in Cape Town was a transformative experience, deepening her understanding of cultural diversity and the resilience required to navigate systemic challenges. She found herself immersed in a world where every interaction reinforced the importance of cultural sensitivity in mental health care. “My time in Cape Town deepened my understanding of cultural diversity and resilience in the face of systemic challenges” she explains. The experience strengthened her empathy and refined her ability to approach mental health care with a broader, more inclusive perspective. “Personally, it has been a humbling and enriching experience that strengthened my empathy, while professionally, it has enhanced my ability to approach mental health care with cultural sensitivity.”
Beyond this cultural immersion, Zarah developed key skills essential for a career in psychology. By working in sensitive situations, she required a distinct professionalism, and she quickly learned how to navigate complex conversations with care. “I honed my skills in empathy-driven communication, adaptability, and maintaining professionalism in emotionally charged situations” she shares. “Additionally, I gained experience in building trust with individuals who may be hesitant to open up, which is crucial in any therapeutic setting.” These moments reinforced the power of human connection, solidifying her commitment to trauma-informed care and the importance of meeting people where they are.
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PERSONAL GROWTH
Zarah’s time at the organisation was an eye-opening journey into the true power of resilience, both in others and within herself. “The power of resilience has been one of the most inspiring takeaways from my time” she reflects, having witnessed firsthand the strength of the women and children navigating incredibly challenging circumstances. Their unwavering determination to rebuild their lives in the face of adversity taught her that even in the darkest times, “there is a profound capacity for hope and recovery.” This experience reminded her of the vital importance of perseverance and the inner strength required to overcome hardships. But it wasn’t just the resilience of those she was supporting that left a mark on her “On a personal level, I also learned the value of my own resilience.” Immersed in such an emotionally intense environment, Zarah was forced to confront her own moments of self-doubt and discomfort. Through these challenges, she proved to herself that she could “rise to the occasion and make a meaningful impact.” For Zarah, this experience reinforced that resilience is not just about enduring; it’s about “growing through adversity” and she emerged from it with a deeper appreciation for her own capacity to adapt and thrive.
AFFIRMING CAREER GOALS
Adaptability proved to be one of the most essential skills Zarah strengthened during her psychology internship. She quickly discovered that each individual and situation required a unique approach, forcing her to think on her feet and adjust her methods accordingly. “Every individual and situation required a tailored approach, and I quickly learned that flexibility is key when navigating the complexities of trauma support.” This constant need for adaptability was both challenging and rewarding, and Zarah recognizes how crucial this skill will be in her future career. “This ability to think on my feet and adjust my approach will be invaluable in future roles, where no two cases will ever be the same.” It was a powerful reminder that the dynamic nature of psychological care demands an open mind and a willingness to pivot as circumstances evolve.
Collaboration was another critical lesson that Zarah took away from her time as an intern. Zarah’s collaboration with social workers and support staff underscored the vital role of teamwork in delivering effective care. “Working alongside a social worker, and support staff highlighted the importance of clear communication, mutual respect, and shared goals in delivering effective care.” This experience showed her that working within a multidisciplinary team requires more than just technical expertise; it’s about creating a seamless flow of ideas, supporting each other’s contributions, and uniting around a common purpose. “This experience emphasized that even as a qualified psychologist, I will need to lean on and contribute to a broader network of professionals to achieve meaningful results,” she concludes. Find out more on how to embark on your own wildlife conservation journey abroad.
MAKE AN IMPACT THROUGH AN INTERNSHIP WITH ROOTS
Has Zarah ignited that passion for psychology you have buried deep down? If you’re driven to bring that passion into a real-world setting then check out our internship opportunities. Feel free to contact us anytime as well, should you have any queries or request further information.
