My name is Lily Richards, and I’m an In-Home Therapist (IHT) intern.
I began working with Sevita in 2023 and now I’ve been with the company throughout my MSW practicum.
What led you to choose Sevita for your internship? After working with Sevita roughly a year and a half before deciding to get my MSW, the company felt like a place where I could grow as a clinician while doing work that genuinely matters.
How would you describe the company’s culture for employees?
The culture at Sevita feels very genuine and collaborative. I feel like there’s an understanding that this work can be emotionally demanding, and people genuinely check in on each other. One thing that stands out is how supervisors and team members are always willing to talk things through whether it’s a clinical question, a tough session, or just processing something heavy. I definitely feel like that openness and support really defines the culture for me.
When/how did you know you made the right decision to do your internship here?
For me, it was during a challenging situation early on involving a transition with a coworker that led to some confusion for families as well as myself. What really stood out to me was how supported I felt by my supervisors during that time. I felt like I was also able to open up and my supervisors were really there for me in recovering my confidence. That experience showed me that this is a place where supervision can be protective and integrity matters. It also helped me grow in confidence, accountability, and communication skills, and that’s when I knew I had made the right decision!
What are you most proud of from your work here so far?
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with families. Seeing caregivers feel more confident, kids learn new ways to regulate themselves, and families feel less alone has been so meaningful. Being trusted by families during vulnerable moments is something I don’t take lightly.
What do you look forward to most about coming to work?
I look forward to the connection. No two days are the same, and every session brings something new. I also really value seeing small changes over time with moments of growth that might seem small but are huge for the families I work with.
Is there a client who has left a lasting impression?
I genuinely think they all have. I started working at Sevita as a Therapeutic Mentor, and during the one-on-one time spent with the persons served it was really amazing to see their growth, and my own at the same time. I really think each family I work with has left a lasting impression on me with all their openness and resilience. Watching a caregiver begin to understand their child and themselves in a new way has stayed with me.
How is your work meaningful or rewarding?
My work is meaningful because it allows me to be present with people during moments that really matter and maybe what feels like their hardest times. There’s something powerful about helping a family feel more understood, less alone, or more confident in themselves even in small ways.
Can you share an example of how Sevita has helped you grow personally and professionally?
Professionally, Sevita has helped me strengthen my clinical voice/confidence. Personally, I’ve learned how to sit with and slow down much more now during uncertainty and emotions (both my persons served and my own) without needing to “fix” everything right away.
How is your internship role helping set you up for success long-term?
This role has given me real-world clinical experience working with complex family systems, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams, and applying theory in practice. It’s preparing me for long-term clinical work and has solidified my desire to continue in this field.
Describe the support and programs you’ve experienced as an intern at the company.
I’ve felt consistently supported through supervision, team meetings, and open communication. There’s a clear investment here in interns’ learning and well-being, which makes a big difference, and I don’t hear too many students in my classes having such a positive experience/ work environment. I’ve never felt like “just an intern” if that makes sense.
What advice would you give someone considering an internship at Sevita?
Don’t be afraid to ask question because this is a place where you can grow a lot if you’re willing to lean into the work.
How would you describe the company’s culture for employees?
The culture at Sevita feels very genuine and collaborative. I feel like there’s an understanding that this work can be emotionally demanding, and people genuinely check in on each other. One thing that stands out is how supervisors and team members are always willing to talk things through whether it’s a clinical question, a tough session, or just processing something heavy. I definitely feel like that openness and support really defines the culture for me.
When/how did you know you made the right decision to do your internship here?
For me, it was during a challenging situation early on involving a transition with a coworker that led to some confusion for families as well as myself. What really stood out to me was how supported I felt by my supervisors during that time. I felt like I was also able to open up and my supervisors were really there for me in recovering my confidence. That experience showed me that this is a place where supervision can be protective and integrity matters. It also helped me grow in confidence, accountability, and communication skills, and that’s when I knew I had made the right decision!
What are you most proud of from your work here so far?
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with families. Seeing caregivers feel more confident, kids learn new ways to regulate themselves, and families feel less alone has been so meaningful. Being trusted by families during vulnerable moments is something I don’t take lightly.
What do you look forward to most about coming to work?
I look forward to the connection. No two days are the same, and every session brings something new. I also really value seeing small changes over time with moments of growth that might seem small but are huge for the families I work with.
Is there a client who has left a lasting impression?
I genuinely think they all have. I started working at Sevita as a Therapeutic Mentor, and during the one-on-one time spent with the persons served it was really amazing to see their growth, and my own at the same time. I really think each family I work with has left a lasting impression on me with all their openness and resilience. Watching a caregiver begin to understand their child and themselves in a new way has stayed with me.
How is your work meaningful or rewarding?
My work is meaningful because it allows me to be present with people during moments that really matter and maybe what feels like their hardest times. There’s something powerful about helping a family feel more understood, less alone, or more confident in themselves even in small ways.
Can you share an example of how Sevita has helped you grow personally and professionally?
Professionally, Sevita has helped me strengthen my clinical voice/confidence. Personally, I’ve learned how to sit with and slow down much more now during uncertainty and emotions (both my persons served and my own) without needing to “fix” everything right away.
How is your internship role helping set you up for success long-term?
This role has given me real-world clinical experience working with complex family systems, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams, and applying theory in practice. It’s preparing me for long-term clinical work and has solidified my desire to continue in this field.
Describe the support and programs you’ve experienced as an intern at the company.
I’ve felt consistently supported through supervision, team meetings, and open communication. There’s a clear investment here in interns’ learning and well-being, which makes a big difference, and I don’t hear too many students in my classes having such a positive experience/ work environment. I’ve never felt like “just an intern” if that makes sense.
What advice would you give someone considering an internship at Sevita?
Don’t be afraid to ask question because this is a place where you can grow a lot if you’re willing to lean into the work.