I am a counseling intern with a strong interest in working with children and adolescents as they navigate emotional challenges and life transitions. I am committed to creating a supportive, safe, and engaging therapeutic environment where young clients feel comfortable expressing themselves and building trust. I believe that establishing strong rapport is the foundation of effective counseling and meaningful change.

My counseling approach is direct and collaborative, incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and play therapy techniques to meet each client at their developmental level. I enjoy helping clients address concerns such as anxiety, depression, and adjustment to life changes by developing practical coping skills and healthier thought patterns. I have always valued being someone others can rely on, and I bring that same sense of care and consistency into my work with clients. My goal is to support children and adolescents in building confidence, emotional awareness, and tools that promote long-term well-being.

I am a Master of Social Work student at the University of Texas at Arlington and will be completing my internship with Beacon Center, Inc. through August. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and serve with an organization whose mission centers on Servitude in Humility. I am writing to request approval to provide counseling services virtually during my internship. 

To me, serving with humility means being flexible, approachable, and attentive to the needs of others. Virtual counseling offers a way to support clients who may face challenges with transportation, time constraints, or personal circumstances that make in-person sessions difficult. Having this option allows services to remain consistent and accessible while still honoring each client’s comfort and dignity. 

My graduate training has prepared me to practice ethically and responsibly, including maintaining confidentiality, professional boundaries, and strong communication when using virtual platforms. I understand the importance of following agency guidelines and receiving supervision, and I am committed to upholding Beacon Center’s standards in every interaction with clients. 

Providing virtual counseling would not only benefit clients but would also support my development as a future social worker by strengthening my ability to connect, listen, and respond thoughtfully in different settings. I approach this role with humility, a willingness to learn, and a sincere desire to serve others in a meaningful way.

Thank you for considering my request. I am honored to be part of Beacon Center, Inc. and look forward to growing both personally and professionally while supporting its mission. 

I am a Master of Social Work student at the University of Texas at Arlington with a concentration in direct practice in mental health and substance misuse. My professional background includes crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and client-centered counseling across remote crisis services, community-based case management, and early childhood settings.

Through my work as a Crisis Text Line counselor and my practicum with the CARDBoard Project, I have developed strong skills in risk assessment, safety planning, and providing emotional support to clients experiencing acute distress, trauma, and complex life transitions. I am especially interested in how counseling and support groups can foster connection, resilience, and hope for individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use concerns.

In this internship, I hope to deepen my clinical skills in evidence-based counseling approaches, strengthen my ability to conduct thorough assessments, and increase my confidence in working with clients one-on-one. I am committed to practicing from a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive perspective, and to contributing as a reliable, reflective, and ethically grounded member of the team.

Creating meaningful and supportive relationships has always been important to me, and over the years I’ve learned that real support begins with listening, patience, and respect. I am a Master of Social Work student at the University of Texas at Arlington, completing my practicum with Beacon Center, Inc. as part of the Counseling team. I will be working primarily with teenagers through counseling and emotional support.

My background includes working with youth who have experienced trauma and instability, an experience that deeply shaped my passion for this field. Through that work, I saw how meaningful the teenage years can be in shaping identity, confidence, and future direction. It reinforced my belief that when young people are met with consistency, safety, and encouragement, real growth becomes possible.

I believe that building trust is one of the most important parts of this work. I strive to meet clients where they are, support them with dignity and respect, and help them recognize their strengths.

Joining Beacon Center is an important step in my professional journey, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow through this experience.

I am a graduate student intern at the University of Texas at Arlington with hands-on experience providing mental health services to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Through my work in case management and care coordination, I have supported clients in navigating complex systems, accessing essential resources, and working toward stability and self-defined goals.

I am skilled at building meaningful connections, inspiring hope, and collaborating with individuals to create the change they desire. My approach is strengths-based, person-centered, and grounded in respect, empowerment, and advocacy.

Ladan Abdi  is a Master of Social Work student at University of Texas at Arlington in her first year.

Ladan has earned her Bachelors at Portland State University in Child and Family Studies.  She is currently working as an intern at Beacon Center as a counselor.

Ladan has a strong passion for mental health and the arts and is excited to combine both to meaningfully support and uplift her Beacons.

She is a community-centered professional with experience across human services, education, and nonprofit support roles, focused on helping individuals and families navigate complex systems with clarity and compassion.

Ladan has guided clients through enrollment for medical, food, and disability-related programs, coordinated care with community partners, and provided trauma-informed, culturally responsive support. Her background also includes working in schools as a substitute teacher and special education assistant, where she supports diverse learning needs and creates positive classroom environments.

At the core of her work is making systems feel more human by breaking down complicated processes, connecting people to the right resources, and ensuring no one feels lost or overlooked.

I am currently a graduate student in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Texas at Arlington. I previously earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the same institution. Through my undergraduate and graduate studies, I have developed a strong foundation in counseling techniques and psychological principles, preparing me to effectively support adults, children, parents, and groups in therapeutic settings.

Experience:

As an interpreter for refugees, immigrants, and newcomers to the United States, I have gained valuable experience in actively listening to individuals’ personal stories and accurately conveying them from Arabic to English. This role has helped me develop strong listening skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to build rapport across language and cultural barriers. These experiences have deepened my empathy and strengthened my interpersonal skills—qualities that I believe will directly support my ability to provide compassionate and effective therapeutic services.n goes here

Hi! My name is De’Lysa Pardo, and I am currently pursuing my Master of Social Work while gaining hands-on experience in child welfare, behavioral health, education, and crisis intervention. Through my work with Louisiana DCFS, teaching, and mental health services, I have had the opportunity to support individuals and families through challenging situations while advocating for safety, stability, and growth.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology, which helped build my understanding of human behavior, communication, and the importance of empathy in helping professions. My professional background has strengthened my skills in crisis management, documentation, resource coordination, and client advocacy. Working in fast-paced and emotionally demanding environments has shaped my ability to remain calm under pressure while building trust and meaningful connections with others.

My approach is compassionate, people-centered, and strengths-based. I believe in meeting people where they are, creating a safe and supportive environment, and helping individuals recognize their resilience and ability to overcome obstacles. I value professionalism, authenticity, and genuine connection, and I strive to make every person I encounter feel heard, supported, and respected.

I am passionate about helping others navigate difficult moments, access resources, and move toward healthier and more stable futures. Outside of work and school, I enjoy encouraging others, creating meaningful conversations, and finding ways to inspire growth both personally and professionally

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