“The FSW training program has been one of the most life changing experiences, in terms of self-growth”
Trained Students
Throughout my experience as a student intern with the internship program, Andrea created at Family Services of Westchester, I got to not only learn and practice clinical skills but also grow as a professional and individual. The program was well organized and facilitated. From the start of the program, we were allowed the tools necessary to begin our journey as interns. Aside from one on weekly supervision sessions, interns had weekly group guidance. Each session provided us with knowledge, feedback, and an opportunity to practice skills together guiding the interns through the entire experience. Sessions were facilitated by clinicians with different areas of expertise who provided us with their skills and guidance. As well, these sessions allowed interns to share their experiences with clients and also find some assistance on, particularly complex cases. Personally, this experience allowed me to discover my strengths and weaknesses. I also discovered my passion for working with the Spanish speaking community and doing family therapy which the program focuses on. Part of the program was to assist interns on how to work with the Spanish speaking community which entailed learning about cultural sensitivity and immigration. Overall, what I found extremely helpful about this internship program was always feeling supported which I am extremely grateful for. I finished the intern program feeling more confident in myself and my skills.
— amy esquivel, msw, fordham university
The FSW Training Program, LLC has been one of the most life-changing experiences in terms of self-growth. I had the pleasure of working with Andrea during my last year in the School of Social Service Master Program at Fordham University. Going into the program, Andrea explained that although it would be an arduous process, it would be very rewarding in the end. Andrea was quick to set a safe environment in which we were able to discuss and debrief our experiences in our assigned internships. The program integrated a variety of components. One that sticks out for me in particular, were the guest speakers. These guests taught and shared their knowledge on specific specializations, including; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Grounding Techniques, Clinical Bilingualism, and many more. Andrea did a wonderful job of including a diverse group of speakers from different backgrounds that we were each able to identify with. The program also encouraged us all to step out of our comfort zones. We role played in order to be in the position of both the clinician and the client. By the end, we knew very well what it was like to be either party. This aided in putting our newly learned techniques into effect. The program also put a much-needed emphasis on minorities, which schools and other programs do not focus on or prioritize. These aspects of the program prepared and provided all of us with tools we would apply to our future professions. The program pushed us past our limits but Andrea made it so comfortable and inviting that everyone enjoyed participating and wanted to continue to grow. At the start of the program, I was very quiet and shy, however, Andrea and the program lead me to allow myself to grow and feel confident in my skills. Andrea’s passion and love for her profession can be seen throughout the program and I am very grateful that it helped me bloom into the Social Worker I am today.
— vIVIEN VALLEJO, MSw
The FSW training program allowed me to flourish as a professional in ways that I did not expect. With an interdisciplinary curriculum, I was able to explore aspects of myself as a professional that I was not aware of and develop a strong sense of self as a therapist. With a multitude of trainings provided, I have been able to determine both my strengths and weaknesses as a clinician. The strong emphasis on the development and improvement of bilingual clinical services enabled me to cherish a skill that I had yet to use in my career. Since the training program, I have been able to connect with a predominantly Latino population that I was and will continue to serve. Additionally, the hands-on experience in a therapeutic setting enhanced my skills toward family therapy specifically. With a strong foundation provided via varying therapeutic modalities, I feel very well prepared to enter the workforce as a social worker. The emphasis on Trauma Systems Therapy enabled me to develop the skills needed for the current events that we find ourselves in and helped me approach therapy using a respectable theory. The FSW training program incorporates theory, hands-on experience, and a look into the business aspect of careers in the mental health field often not provided by larger institutions. As a recent graduate, I am very grateful for the experiences I have had via the FSW training program and will forever cherish the memories and relationships I have developed as a result. The FSW training program changed me.