Behind the Scenes at the CBT/DBT Center

When I started my internship at The CBT/DBT Center six months ago, I thought I had things figured out. I'd read the textbooks, done well in my psychology classes, and felt confident about what a clinical internship would entail.

I was completely wrong. And I'm so grateful for that.

When Theory Meets Reality

You know that feeling when something you thought you understood suddenly makes real sense? That happened to me pretty early on when I started observing how The CBT/DBT Center operates. I'd learned about "cultural competency" and "human centered approach" in school, but watching it in action here was completely different.

I remember sitting in on one of my first team meetings, watching clinicians seamlessly weave Torah concepts and evidence-based treatments together, and thinking, "This isn't just about checking a box—this is about living your values." It struck me that you can't truly help someone heal if you're asking them to leave parts of themselves at the door.

The Center's approach to serving the Jewish community isn't just culturally sensitive—it's revolutionary. They've proven that you don't have to choose between staying true to your values and getting world-class mental health care. That realization is going to stick with me.

The Real Talk About Being a Therapist

Let me talk about team meetings for a moment, because they completely transformed my understanding of what it means to be a therapist. I used to think successful clinicians had it all figured out—that they never doubted themselves or struggled with difficult cases.

Then I witnessed these incredibly skilled professionals openly discussing their challenges, asking for collaboration, and supporting each other through complex situations. The DBT team agreement that "all team members are fallible" isn't just a nice saying—it's a foundation for growth.

These sessions taught me that the best therapists aren't the ones who never make mistakes; they're the ones who create systems to learn from those mistakes and support each other in the process. It's messy and human and inspiring, and it deepened my desire to be part of this field.

The People Who Made It Possible

Dr. Chaya Lieba Kobernick, Dr. Sarah Green, and the entire team at The CBT/DBT Center deserve recognition for creating an environment where learning thrives. They didn't just allow me to observe, they welcomed me as a genuine member of the team. In addition to being clinicians they are teachers and educators, sharing their knowledge and experience to less seasoned professionals and even little ol' grad students like myself.

There's something remarkable about being mentored by people who are not only brilliant at what they do but genuinely invested in helping the next generation grow. They demonstrated what it looks like to be both professional and human, knowledgeable and humble, confident and always learning.

Their patience, their willingness to include students in meaningful projects and stimulating work has been great. They've shown me that good mentorship isn't just about sharing knowledge—it's about modeling the kind of professional I want to become.

What I'm Taking With Me

As I close this incredible chapter, I'm not just leaving with a certificate or resume additions. I'm leaving with a fundamentally different understanding of what healing looks like, both for clients and for the people who help them.

I've learned that the most effective therapy happens at the intersection of rigorous science and deep human connection. I've seen that cultural sensitivity isn't optional, it's essential for authentic healing. I've discovered that acknowledging what you don't know is actually a strength, not a weakness.

Most importantly, I've embraced the team's philosophy that we're all imperfect people trying our best in an imperfect world. This perspective has given me greater compassion, for others and for myself, and I know it will shape how I approach relationships and challenges moving forward.

To Anyone Considering The CBT/DBT Center

If you're thinking about The CBT/DBT Center, whether for treatment or professional development, know that you're not just choosing a practice. You're choosing a community that believes in both the capacity for change and the inherent worth of every person.

They've shown me that therapy isn't just about fixing what's broken, it's about helping people discover their own strength, resilience, and potential for growth. This understanding has clarified the kind of work I want to dedicate my life to.