Internships:
We accept interns in the fields of art therapy, social work and psychology. Interns must be at least in their second year of a master's or doctorate program, and have had previous client contact experience. 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. Weekly supervision is provided by a licensed professional with a master's degree or above.

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
  
• Attendance of staff trainings and supervision meetings
  
• Writing newsletter articles
  
• Weekly supervision with licensed experienced professionals with master's or doctorate degrees.

Students who are interested in The Awakening Center as a possible internship site, please fax your resume along with a cover letter detailing your school's requirements for internship sites and your experience highlighting why you would be an ideal candidate for an internship at The Awakening Center to Amy Grabowski at (773) 929-6762.  We generally begin interviewing intern candidates in February for the following school year.  Please also call Amy Grabowski, (773) 929-6262 ext 11 to verify that your fax was received. 

Employment Opportunities:
If you are interested in joining our practice, send your resume via fax (773) 929-6762 or mail it to the attention of Amy Grabowski at the office mailing address.  Please also call Amy Grabowski, (773) 929-6262 ext 11 to verify that your fax was received. 

Volunteer Opportunities:
Because of the confidential nature of a private practice, we do not have volunteers. If you would like to volunteer in the Chicago area you may contact www.chicagovolunteer.net. To volunteer in the field of eating disorders contact www.anad.org.

Office and Group Meeting Space Rental:
We rent out office and group meeting space to professionals who are building 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.