Keerthana Nair

During my bachelor's program, I mainly worked as a psychology observership intern, which is the usual format in India since direct client interaction is limited at that stage. Most of my role involved attending sessions with a licensed psychologist, watching how they interacted with clients, and helping maintain a calm, non-judgmental environment. Even though clients are often told to ignore the observer, I focused on being present, respectful, and attentive throughout. I encountered a variety of clients, including children aged 6 to 12 and adults, especially women in their 30s and 40s. I also had some limited exposure to adolescent cases. This experience helped me understand the needs of different age groups, their concerns, and how therapists adjust their approaches. In addition to this, I worked as a psychology intern in a more outreach-based role, where I conducted mental health awareness workshops. We set up stalls, engaged with the public, answered questions about mental health, and helped reduce stigma in community settings. Most of my experience so far has been observational and focused on awareness, but it has provided me with a solid foundation in understanding client needs, maintaining professional conduct, and the importance of creating a safe and supportive space.