Why Working with a Therapist Intern Could Be Your Best Decision | Affordable Counselling in Abbotsford
- Cecilia Mannella
- Sep 26
- 4 min read
You've been thinking about counselling for months, maybe even years. The stress is building, relationships feel strained, and you know you need support. But then you see the cost of therapy sessions and your heart sinks. Sound familiar? If you're in Abbotsford or the Fraser Valley, there's an affordable counselling option you might not have considered...
What Exactly Is a Therapist Intern?
A therapist intern is a graduate student completing their final practical training under expert supervision -think of it like a medical resident who's finished all their coursework and is gaining hands-on experience. At Eterna, our interns aren't fresh graduates with no experience. They come to us as seasoned professionals -clinical social workers, nurses, child and youth care workers, or other healthcare professionals, who are making the transition to counselling.
These dedicated individuals have already spent years helping people in healthcare, community services, or other therapeutic fields. Now they're adding specialized counselling training to their existing expertise, all under the direct supervision of our Clinical Director, Cecilia Mannella, who brings over 25 years of experience to guide their work.
The Hidden Benefits You Didn't Know About
1. Affordable Counselling in Abbotsford actually Exists
Let's be honest, finding affordable mental health support in British Columbia can feel impossible sometimes. With the cost of living rising and therapy fees often out of reach, many people simply go without the help they need. Working with our therapist interns changes that equation entirely.
Our intern sessions are offered at a fraction of typical counselling costs, and in some cases, we provide pro bono services to ensure everyone in our community can access mental health care. This isn't about cutting corners; it's about our commitment to making therapy accessible to our community.
2. Two Therapists for the Price of One (Sort Of)
Here's something most people don't realize: when you work with a therapist intern at Eterna, you're getting insights from both your intern and our clinical director. Every session is enhanced by Cecilia's 25+ years of expertise as she guides your intern's approach.
It's like having a therapeutic dream team working on your case - your intern provides the direct, personal connection while drawing on the wisdom and experience of a seasoned professional. This collaborative approach often leads to faster results and more comprehensive support.
3. Fresh Perspective Meets Proven Methods
Therapist interns bring something unique to the table: they're learning the most current, evidence-based approaches without any "that's how we've always done it" baggage. They're connected to what's happening in the world right now and eager to meet you exactly where you are.
This means you get someone who's genuinely excited about your progress, open to different approaches, and willing to adapt their methods to work best for your unique situation.
4. Flexibility That Fits Your Life
Our interns work varied schedules - mornings, evenings, and weekends - making it easier to find appointment times that actually work with your job, family, or other commitments. They understand that life is busy and therapy shouldn't add stress to your schedule.
The Eterna Difference: Why Our Interns Stay
Here's something that speaks volumes about the quality of our intern program: 90% of our therapist interns join our permanent team after graduation. When you look at our current team of 18 clinicians, about 80% started as interns here.
This isn't just about finding good people—it's about creating a supportive environment where both therapists and clients thrive. Our team is known for its collaborative approach, where clinicians regularly consult with each other to provide the best possible support for families and individuals.
What This Means for You
When you work with one of our interns, you're not just getting individual therapy - you're accessing our entire team's collective expertise. We have therapists with backgrounds in law, healthcare, corrections, first response, and more. While maintaining complete confidentiality, we draw on this diverse knowledge to provide comprehensive, wraparound support.
What to Expect when you work with an Intern
Over 17 years, we've received nothing but positive feedback from clients who've worked with our interns. They consistently report feeling heard, understood, and supported throughout their journey. Many clients specifically choose to work with interns because they appreciate the fresh energy and collaborative approach.
If you're worried about receiving "lesser" care because you're working with an intern, let us reassure you: these are skilled professionals completing the final step of their training under expert guidance. The level of care is exceptional, the supervision is intensive, and the results speak for themselves.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If cost has been keeping you from getting the mental health support you deserve, working with one of our skilled therapist interns might be exactly what you're looking for.
Meet Natasha Schlein and Annie Fausto – two compassionate Registered Social Workers offering evidence-based care at an affordable price while completing their advanced training.
Interested in learning more about our therapist intern program? Contact us today to discuss how this option might work for your specific needs. Mental health support shouldn't be a luxury, and at Eterna, we're committed to making sure it isn't.
About Eterna Counselling: Located in Abbotsford, BC, Eterna has been providing accessible mental health services to the Fraser Valley community for 17 years. Our team specializes in narrative therapy approaches with a focus on social justice and inclusive care for all identities and backgrounds.
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