Gabriella Fernandez

What Is A Master’s Level Graduate Student Intern?

Generally speaking, our interns are students at the Master’s level who are earning hours towards their desired graduate degree. They have completed most of all their required coursework or “book knowledge” and they are in the final stages of completing their degree. They are required to obtain 700 practice hours prior to being awarded their graduate degree. They are not employees of the practice; however, they work with us as affiliates. Family Therapy Group of Weston enters into a contract with NSU and offers them a clinical site to gain experience while also offering clinical supervision at no cost to the student or the university. In exchange, Family Therapy Group of Weston is able to set a lower rate for those counseling sessions, which benefits the public and also helps cover the overhead costs of having them on site and providing them with regular, scheduled clinical supervision as well as after hours or emergency supervision.

To be an intern with Family Therapy Group of Weston, they must have had prior experience working in the mental health field, some personal or professional experience with trauma, OR possess a skill set that sets them apart from the average intern. Our interns undergo a fairly rigorous process that includes a preliminary candidate questionnaire that requires some in-depth questions around their experience. If selected, they are required to spend the first 50 hours of their placement in sessions with our seasoned therapists. This allows them to observe a wide array of clients and therapeutic styles. It also helps them begin formulating their professional identity and allows our seasoned therapists to see them in action with clients.

Interns receive weekly supervision from their university supervisor. They are also required to have weekly on-site supervision with a site supervisor for the duration of their placement (4 hours a month). They may participate in several consult groups with our licensed staff and leadership team, depending on their clients and areas of specialty. In addition, several of our interns obtain training in other treatment modalities such as EMDR, Brainspotting, Trauma-Informed Hypnosis, Gottman Couples Counseling, etc. at some point during their internship to prepare them to launch into their role as a Master’s Level Counselor.

We see having interns as the key to keeping costs low without sacrificing the standard of care. It’s also a way to invest in the counseling profession through education and mentoring.

Gabriella (Gabby) is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Adams State University. Her interest in the field began after experiencing family therapy as a teenager and seeing firsthand the meaningful impact counseling can have. That experience sparked a lasting curiosity about mental health and a desire to continue learning, growing, and ultimately supporting others through their own journeys.

Gabby enjoys working with children, teens and adults and looks forward to expanding her work with couples and families. Her clinical interests include anxiety, depression, grief, emotional regulation and neurodiversity-affirming care, as well as helping clients navigate identity, sexuality, communication, and relationships. She is passionate about creating a space where clients can better understand themselves, build meaningful connections and feel supported as they grow.

Gabby approaches therapy from a person-centered and humanistic perspective, integrating elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic Therapy based on each client’s individual needs. She is also continuing to explore approaches such as Emotion-Focused Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method and holistic approaches to care. At the heart of her work is the belief that therapy should provide a supportive and collaborative space where clients feel heard, understood and empowered to explore their experiences without judgment.

Her professional experiences have allowed her to work with individuals across a variety of settings. Before entering the counseling field, Gabby worked as a legal assistant for six years, giving her insight into the legal system and many of the challenges affecting individuals and families within the local community. She also served as a Listener in Broward County schools, supporting children ages 6–14 experiencing behavioral and emotional challenges. Currently, Gabby is also gaining experience at a psychosocial rehabilitation center, where she supports individuals living with severe mental illness as they develop and practice social and daily living skills.

Outside of the therapy room, Gabby loves roller skating and spending time outdoors. Recently, she stepped outside of her comfort zone and joined a local skating club, which has quickly become something she looks forward to. Having lived with Type 1 diabetes since childhood, Gabby also understands personally what it can mean to navigate a lifelong condition and the experiences that can come with it.

One quote that resonates with Gabby is from Ram Dass: “I can do nothing for you but work on myself... you can do nothing for me but work on yourself.” This reflects her belief in the importance of self-awareness, personal growth, and the work each person can do toward creating meaningful change in their own life.