Sunny Duffney

Major: Human Development and Family Studies
Company/Organization: The 5th Judicial District of Iowa
Company/Organization website: http://www.fifthdcs.com/
Destination: Des Moines, Iowa
Timeframe: Spring 2023
Advisor/Coordinator Email: jenvan@iastate.edu

Responsibilities

I helped run therapeutic skill-based classes for domestic abuse offenders. I also had the opportunity to help facilitate parenting classes for men and women trying to regain custody of their children. I got to work to help create a curriculum as well.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment during my internship was creating a handout that will be used in parenting classes for clients. My pamphlet took evidence-based research regarding the harmful effects of too much screen time on a child's brain and made it more understandable for the client to read.

Learning experience

I learned the importance of trauma-informed care when working with clients and how important it is in our work. I also learned so much from clients and hearing their first-hand experiences. The clients taught me so much more than a textbook ever could. Having the privilege of hearing their stories and struggles was very impactful, and I will carry the knowledge throughout my career.

What advice would you give?

This is an excellent option for an internship if you are looking to be a therapist. Finding therapy internships for undergrad students is hard, but the therapeutic classes in a group setting gave me great insight. I highly recommend it!

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