Elizabeth Blake ’12 Explores Her Future Career as a Psychologist

Elizabeth Blake ’12 (Downingtown, Pa.) managed to land her ideal internship. A double major in French and psychology, Blake spent her summer working at Daemion Counseling Center in Berwyn, Pa.

“I’m very interested in pursuing a career in the counseling field,” says Blake, who plans on earning a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in psychology. “My internship exposed me to a wide variety of clients of different ages, genders, and psychological and emotional issues. My interactions with the clients will help me develop the crucial skills I need to become an effective and compassionate psychologist someday.”

Blake was able to sit in on an intake evaluation of a new client with her supervisor, where a therapist asks questions and diagnoses the client’s reason for seeking counseling treatment. She and her supervisor then discussed the methods used to diagnose clients.

She fulfilled a number of responsibilities over the summer, including two major projects. She updated the center’s information and referral book, which provides callers with locations for services that Daemion does not offer. She also produced the center’s summer newsletter for donors and supporters. As a nonprofit organization that provides mental health services for those who cannot afford it, Daemion relies heavily on donations from individuals and organizations.

“My favorite aspect of my work was interacting with the clients and the therapists in the practice,” she says. “I enjoyed the relationship I developed with my supervisor, Sarah Gifford. She was a wonderful mentor for me and provided me with opportunities to have hands-on experiences in the field that I would like to work in someday.”

Blake is a member of the Chamber Singers ensemble, an admissions tour guide, and alumnae relations coordinator for Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.

Her internship was supported by a grant from the Class of 1974 Internship endowment, started in 2004 by a gift from class members in honor of its 30th reunion.  It allows students to accept unpaid internship opportunities regardless of financial considerations.