How I integrated knowledge into practice with an amazing Psychology internship mentor

Mahomud, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Psychopathology and Psychoanalysis, completed a remote Clinical Psychology internship to ensure a high level of career preparedness. This remote internship provided him a unique opportunity to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical experience by working with real-life case studies and observing different clinical practices.

Hi Mahmoud! What motivated you to do this remote Psychology internship?

This internship holds special value for several reasons. In my home country, most clinical psychology internship opportunities are private and require prior practical experience. Key clinical competencies, such as writing psychological reports, conducting assessments, or designing treatment plans, are rarely taught at the undergraduate level. However, by completing this remote internship, I can gain some clinical exposure and insights for both professional and academic advancement.

For me, this internship also served a way to earn academic credits and use my time strategically. Rather than repeating coursework at the university level, I can acquire practical knowledge and skills through Intern Abroad HQ, which will allow me to focus more deeply on advanced studies in my future Master’s program.

What was it like getting started with this remote internship experience?

The first week of the internship was very fruitful and much less stressful than I anticipated. At the beginning, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but with time and context, I felt more grounded and confident.

It was really nice meeting my supervisor and talking with her - she has such an amazing personality, and we actually have a lot in common. I really enjoyed the interesting topics she brings up in her cases, her way of thinking, and how smooth and thoughtful she is in her treatment.

I found myself truly admiring my supervisor, both professionally and personally. She has a unique way of teaching that makes complex ideas feel simple, engaging, and even therapeutic. Her sessions felt like therapy themselves - calming yet exciting. She has an amazing ability to combine learning with genuine human connection, and she truly left a lasting impact on me.

The remote internship learning environment was open and respectful, and I felt comfortable learning and adapting naturally. I was confident I could approach my supervisor or mentor openly to discuss them and find better ways to move forward if I faced any challenges.

The communication style with my supervisor was clear and respectful, the behaviour of supervisors and team members were professional, and the tasks assigned were engaging and appropriate to my skill level.

Additionally, the timing and deadlines were well-structured, and the content and materials provided were informative and rich. Overall, the experience was well-organised.

What were your overall highlights of the remote internship?

What I enjoyed most about the remote Clinical Psychology internship was how it became a meaningful part of my weekly routine.

Every Saturday morning, watching the sunrise and joining the sessions provided both mental stimulation and a sense of purpose. The structure - from introductions to ongoing check-ins and the final review - made learning feel natural and engaging.

The content was extremely useful, generously shared, and covered updated and practical topics applicable to future work in psychology. I learned to integrate knowledge into practice, consider multiple perspectives, respect cultural differences, and work effectively with patients as well as their families or support systems.

The internship strengthened my professionalism, empathy, confidentiality, organisational skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability, contributing significantly to my personal and professional growth.

What made this experience truly exceptional was my supervisor. She is not only incredibly knowledgeable and detail-oriented but also genuinely passionate about teaching and supporting her students.

Her positive attitude, warmth, and encouragement created a judgment-free environment where I always felt comfortable asking questions and exploring new ideas. My supervisor challenged my inner blockages, inspired me to push beyond my limits, and made learning enjoyable even during intense or serious work.

Over time, I came to see her as both a mentor and a friend, whose guidance and energy profoundly shaped my growth and deepened my passion for psychology.

What were the most significant learning points of your remote internship?

There were several, with the main ones being:

1. Understanding the importance of professionalism and ethical responsibility in counselling psychology.
2. Respecting patient privacy and maintaining confidentiality as a foundation for trust.
3. Appreciating how cultural differences, traditions, and backgrounds influence coping mechanisms, problem interpretation, and solutions.
4. Developing skills to apply psychological knowledge practically, adapting techniques to each client’s unique context.
5. Gaining problem-solving abilities by identifying challenges and proposing effective, context-sensitive solutions.
6. Understanding how to work with patients while also managing dynamics with family members, partners, or other support systems.
7. Emphasising continuous learning to remain updated with new psychological concepts, approaches, and research.
8. Developing a judgment-free and supportive environment in professional interactions.
9. Recognising the value of empathy, positive attitude, and effective communication in building strong professional relationships.
10. Learning to analyse cases from multiple perspectives without rigid expectations.

How did the online internship experience develop your cultural intelligence?

In my country of origin, there are very limited internship opportunities specifically in clinical psychology. That was one of the main reasons I was interested in this internship - it gave me a chance to expand my knowledge and skills by working within a different cultural context.

I’ve always been interested in working across cultures. I was previously exploring internship opportunities in New Zealand for my master’s thesis, but instead, I found myself doing this remote internship with an Indian psychoanalyst!

By experiencing how mental health is approached in another culture, and by learning directly from my supervisor, I gained insights that I wouldn’t be able to get locally. I gained insight into Indian views on therapy and social dynamics, and I also brought in my own Lebanese background to contribute equally. This, along with my previous work on community-based environmental projects in my country of origin, shows that I can communicate across cultural lines, respect diverse perspectives, and work with people from different backgrounds.

Overall, this internship helped me develop cultural sensitivity, deepened my understanding of diverse therapeutic practices, tested my knowledge and improved my ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds. Working with diverse people showed me that differences in personality or style are natural, but mutual respect and reliability always leave a lasting positive impression. It strengthened my belief that being genuine, while adapting to different contexts, leads to stronger collaboration and better results.

I see this as a reflection of my genuine interest in cultural exchange and my ability to adapt to different cultural norms. In a professional or academic context, I want to be perceived as someone who is authentic, respectful, and committed to delivering high-quality work. I make an effort to show my true self, because I believe honesty and transparency build genuine trust - even if not everyone’s energy aligns perfectly with mine. What matters most to me is maintaining professionalism, treating others with respect, and upholding strong work ethics.

What were the most significant accomplishments of your remote internship?

The remote Clinical Psychology internship gave me the chance to gain valuable experience while opening up to different cultures and professional perspectives.

My proudest accomplishment was proving to myself that I can handle the unknown with confidence. I challenged myself in a new environment, adapted quickly, and succeeded. I also integrated theoretical concepts into case discussions, offering insights that were both academically sound and practical.

I also feel more empowered to be successful in the field of counselling psychology by being professional and respecting patient’s privacy to build trust and a strong reputation.

This experience taught me how to navigate uncertainty, think critically under pressure, and communicate complex ideas clearly. It strengthened my cultural sensitivity and adaptability - skills I can now bring to any academic or professional setting.

What advice would you give to future Psychology interns?

If I could give one piece of advice to others starting a similar experience, it would be: be natural and authentic. Reflect how you truly feel and think, and don’t be afraid to exchange ideas openly. Stay curious, stay honest, and always follow what genuinely interests you.

If you’re starting an internship in a culturally diverse online setting, my biggest advice is to stay open, curious, and respectful. Take time to learn about the cultures you’ll be working with - but don’t just stick to stereotypes or quick facts. Go beyond that. Follow people from that culture on social media, read a bit about their history, religion, or how they think. Try to get a feel for real life there.

One of the best ways to connect is through music, dances, and folklore. These things go beyond language - they’re universal, and they bring people together. It’s a beautiful way to understand others on a deeper level.

Also, be open about what you don’t know. Ask questions, communicate a lot, and don’t hesitate just because you’re afraid of making a mistake. Not knowing something isn’t shameful - it’s part of learning.

And don’t forget to share your own culture too. Talk about your background, how you were raised, and what matters to you. Cultural exchange works both ways, and the differences between us can actually lead to the most meaningful connections.

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