| 
 Internships:
We accept interns in the fields of art therapy, counseling and psychology. Interns must be at least in their second year of a master's program, and preferably had previous client contact experience.
(We are currently not accepting applications for social work or doctoral level interns.)
Interns should show maturity and independence. Interns are expected to stay at least 11 months, ideally from the beginning of July through the end of May. Training and supervision is provided by a licensed professional with a master's degree, training in supervision, prior experience in education, and/or a registered art therapist.
Sometimes students dismiss The Awakening Center as a potential site because they mistakenly think that working within an Eating Disorder treatment program would be just about helping women learn how to eat again. As you know, eating disorders are not about eating, food and weight. They signal a lack of a sense of self within the person. These women and men usually present with a number of challenging issues and diagnoses:
- Personality Disorders - BPD and NPD most commonly;
- Distorted Self-Image and Body-Image;
- Self-Injury;
- Family histories of Sexual, Physical, and Emotional Abuse;
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder;
- Anxiety, Panic & Obsessive/Compulsive Disorders;
- Inability to express Anger appropriately;
- Depression;
- Addictions: alcohol, drugs, sex, spending, & other activities.
At The Awakening Center the student intern would get experience in leading therapy groups, and they would also be able to develop long-term therapeutic 1:1 relationships with a number of clients. The student intern would also receive experience in a number of therapeutic skills:
- Initial interview of clients
- Initial evaluation of clients
- Setting treatment goals
- Setting fees
- Collecting fees
- Coordinating treatment goals with psychiatrist, primary and/or adjunctive therapists, and/or nutritionist
- Writing progress notes
- Case Presentations
- Writing newsletter articles
- Weekly individual and group supervision
- Attend bi-weekly staff trainings in various therapy topics.
Students who are interested in The Awakening Center as a possible internship site, please send your resume along with a cover letter highlighting why you would be an ideal candidate for an internship to Amy Grabowski by mail at: The Awakening Center, 3523 N Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60657, by fax to (773) 929-6762 or by email to: awakeningcenter@aol.com. Please! Do NOT send your application by Certified Mail.) We generally begin interviewing intern candidates in February for the following school year.
Employment Opportunities:
We are currently looking for a Psychiatrist to join our staff. Please click here for "Job Description". Send a cover letter and resume via email to awakeningcenter@aol.com.
At this time we are not looking to increase our counseling staff, unless you are fluent in another language or have a unique skill which we do not currently offer. All applicants must have training and experience working with eating disordered clients andbe trained in or familiar with the IFS therapy model.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Please contact us if you have personal Eating Disorder recovery experience and are interested in co-leading one of the Eating Disorder support group meetings. This is not a paid position, but new therapists may get client contact hours needed towards licensure. Send your resume via fax (773) 929-6762 or email it to awakeningcenter@aol.com.
Office and Group Meeting Space Rental:
We rent out office and group meeting space to professionals for workshops or for those who want to rent by the hour to build their practice. We require that all professionals working at our office be fully licensed in the state of Illinois and have valid malpractice insurance. Please contact Amy Grabowski at (773) 929-6262 ext 11 for more information. |
