Saving Grace recruiting counseling interns

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Across the country, internship offers have been rescinded amid the pandemic restrictions. But for Bend-based nonprofit organization Saving Grace, internships are available and crucial to fulfill their mission.

Saving Grace provides services and programs to survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault and intimate partner stalking, including support groups and counseling.

Internships with Saving Grace are available to graduate students completing master’s level programs in counseling and social work. By providing confidential, trauma-informed, therapeutic services, Central Oregonians have an important resource to help them through the pandemic and beyond.

“Interning counselors have expressed that Saving Grace provides a nurturing supportive environment where they gain confidence in working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault,” said Saving Grace Counseling Center manager, Barb Lehman. “Our intern counselors learn so much about trauma and the impact it has on mental health. Additionally, our counselors are inspired by witnessing clients take courageous steps towards post-traumatic growth and healing.”

These graduate student interns come to Saving Grace from Portland State University and Oregon State University.

“Saving Grace provides a learning experience for our students that isn’t readily available elsewhere,” commented Gary Smith, Assistant Professor of Practice with Portland State University. “These students go on to social work careers possessing valuable knowledge and skills that many others don’t have which is so important given the prevalence of domestic violence in our society.”

“Our students learn to meet clients where they are and get to work with a dedicated team of professionals providing multi-faceted support, “ said Erika Myers, clinic director and internship coordinator at OSU Cascades. “Our students develop not only their counseling skills, but advocacy and awareness as well, and they become better prepared to enter their roles as licensed professional counselors.”

As a result of counseling at Saving Grace, interns share that their experience has changed them in a way where they want to continue to work with survivors and leave with a belief in Saving Grace and the work this agency does.

Janet Farrens is completing her internship with Saving Grace at the end of the summer. “Before my internship, my perception was very similar to the general public, as I’d wonder why someone in an abusive relationship wouldn’t just leave,” Janet reflects. “Now, I know they would if they could. I have come to realize that domestic violence survivors are such warriors. Saving Grace provided a safe learning environment, where I was able to learn how to counsel through a trauma-informed lens and from a strength-based foundation.”

Saving Grace services are in high-demand and are available at no cost. “Counseling interns are crucial to helping us provide services to meet those needs,” Lehman added.

To learn more about interning with Saving Grace, visit saving-grace.org/employment or contact Barb Lehman, Counseling Center Manager: barb@saving-grace.org, (541) 390-6138.