Narrative Report

Duties and Responsibilities

Immersion. Our immersion week was an eye-opening experience that exposed us to

the harsh realities of life. We were immersed in a community that has been marginalized
and stigmatized by society. We witnessed firsthand how substance abuse and addiction
have affected their lives ad the lives of their loved ones. It was a roller coaster ride that
challenged our beliefs and tested our limits. During our immersion week, we met people
who have been through some of the toughest experiences, and it was difficult to
comprehend how one’s life could possibly deteriorate to such a point. But as we talked
to them, we realized that addiction does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone,
regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, or religion.
One of the most impactful experiences during our immersion week was when we
were asked to participate in an activity where we had to use vulgar words that are
commonly used by addicts. At first, it felt uncomfortable and inappropriate, but we soon
realized that this was necessary in order to understand what it’s like to be in their shoes.
We also noticed the positive impact that rehabilitation can have on someone’s life.
Our immersion week felt like a long journey. It was mentally and emotionally
taxing, but it was also an eye-opening experience. It made us reflect on our own lives
and appreciate even the small things that we often take for granted. It also taught us the
importance of empathy and understanding towards others, especially those who are
struggling with addiction.

Group dynamics. Living a challenging environment can take a toll on one’s mental and
emotional health. The residents we worked with faced such difficulties, and as a group,
we felt that we needed to do something to ease their burden. It was evident to us that
providing them with basic necessities such as food and shelter was not enough. We
needed to go extra mile to show them that we care abut their well-being and want to
provide them with something more. As a group, we came up with the idea of providing
them with activities that would give them a chance to open up and speak openly about
themselves. We wanted them to know each other better and for us to know them better
as individuals. We believed that this would not only help ease their burden but also
create a sense of community among them. We started by organizing group discussions
where the residents could share their stories and experiences with each other. It was
amazing to see the residents open up and share their struggles with each other. We
realized that many of them had been holding on to their pain for a long time and had
never had the chance to share it with anyone.

Lectures. The opportunity to share our knowledge and insights with the residents of the
rehabilitation center was a humbling experience for us as psychology students. We
understood that the residents were going through a difficult journey, and we hoped our
lectures would offer them some inspiration and encouragement. One theme that we
focused on in our lectures was the idea of second chances. We talked about how no
matter how many times someone may have stumbled in their life. They always have the
opportunity to pick themselves back up and start again. We discussed how important it is
to never give up on one’s dream and aspirations, no matter how difficult the road may
be.
Another topic that we focused on was the Lenten season, which was particularly
relevant at the time since Easter was just around the corner. We talked about the
significance of this time of year, and how it was a time for reflection and self-
improvement. We also talked about the idea of the 3P’s: Prayer, Patience, and Progress.
We emphasized the importance of prayer and how it can be a source of strength and
comfort. We also discussed the value of patience, and how important it is to trust the
process of life. Finally, we talked about progress, and how it is essential to move forward
in life, no matter how small the steps may be. Finally, we gave a lecture on the 7 deadly
sins, also known as the Cardinal sins. We discussed how these sins can be harmful not
just to oneself, but to those around us. We talked about how recognizing these sins in
oneself can be a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation.

Behavioral Observations and Social Interactions. As an intern, we had the

opportunity to observe the behavior of the residents in the center’s activity area. Our
main focus was on how they interacted with each other and how they responded to the
rules of the center. During our observations, we noticed that they behaved very well and
obeyed the rules of the center without any issues. However, when the actual program of
the center paused, they began to act like free men and women. The first thing that struck
us was the level of enjoyment they displayed while participating in the activities that we
provided. They were not only enthusiastic but also competitive. The residents acted as a
team and even managed to choose one person to lead them. This showed that they
were capable of working together and that they trusted each other to do what was best
for the team. We also found the way they interacted with each other, they had built a
strong connection with each other, and this was evident in the way they communicated
and interacted with each other. It was clear that they enjoyed spending time together
and that they valued their relationship. As an interns, we also noticed that they enjoyed
the rest of the activities that we provided. They were not just interested in the
competition; they also enjoyed the social aspect of the activities. They were willing to
help each other out and were always ready to lend a hand when needed. This showed
that they not only cared about themselves but also cared about the well-being of others.

Conducting Psychological Test. We disseminate MMSE, SSCT, Hand Test, and

Purdue Non-Language Test that helped us to measure a client's different abilities, such
as their aptitude in a particular field, and cognitive functions like memory, reasoning, and
spatial recognition. These tests are designed to provide an objective and standardized
way to assess a client's abilities, personality traits, and mental health status. Through
these tests, we are able to identify specific challenges and areas of need, clarify
diagnoses, and illuminate strengths that can be incorporated into the client's treatment
plan and develop more effective points of intervention to help clients thrive even in the
face of adversity.
 Conducting clinical interview. As an Intern, conducting a clinical interview is a crucial
process in understanding a client's condition and personal background. In this case, we
were given two clients to assess and understand better. Through this process, we were
able to gain insight into their experiences, behaviors, characteristics, background
information, their life outside the rehabilitation center and how they function in terms of
cognitive, emotional and social. Conducting a clinical interview with our clients allowed
us to gain a deeper understanding of their conditions and personal backgrounds.
Through this process, we discovered all of the information we needed to fully understand
and assessed their case. Additionally, assessing how they functioned in terms of
cognitive, emotional, and social aspects allowed us to identify the areas that require
intervention to facilitate appropriate treatment and support they need to recover.

Problems Encountered

During my internship at HJTRC, I had high expectations for the program and was excited
to gain valuable experience in my field of study. However, my experience was hindered by a
sudden change of plans with no concrete timeframe for scheduling the activities that needed to
be accomplished each day. This lack of structure and clarity created confusion, missed tasks,
and even frustration. Without a clear schedule, it was difficult to plan my time effectively. I found
myself unsure of what I needed to do each day, which made it challenging to prioritize tasks and
stay on track. This lack of structure led to missed opportunities for me to learn and gain
experience in my field. Furthermore, I experienced a misleading piece of information about the
internship fee, which added to the frustration and confusion. Internships are often unpaid, and
the students are required to pay a fee to participate. However, the information I received about
the fee was misleading, and this created unnecessary financial distress and strain on me. This
situation made me doubt the integrity of the program, and it negatively impacted my overall
experience.

Solutions

We raised our concerns to our program director, we initially expected that they would
provide us with the necessary support and guidance. However, we were disappointed as they
dismissed our concerns and told us to manage on our own. As interns, we felt left out and were
quickly losing confidence in our abilities. We realize that we needed to adapt the situation, and
we started consulting each other on how we could navigate through the internship program. We
also learn to support each other and collaborate to achieve our goals. To address the concern
about the sudden increase of internship fees, we propose that institutions provide a full
breakdown of their interns' fees, which can help to provide a clear and detailed explanation of
the costs involved and ensure that everyone involved is aware of where their money is going.

Insights
 The rehabilitation center is a place where individuals can seek help to overcome
addiction, physical, emotional, or mental trauma. It is a place where individuals are given the
opportunity to recover and start anew. However, the road to recovery is not easy, and it requires
strength and resilience. The culture inside the rehabilitation center is based on the principles of
trust, honesty, and self-discipline. These principles help to create an environment that is
conducive to healing and recovery. In this environment, the residents are encouraged to be
open and honest about their struggles and to work together to overcome their challenges.
Through this process, residents learn to trust themselves and others, building a strong
foundation for their recovery journey. The rehabilitation center culture also promotes physical
strength and wellness. The rehabilitation center provides exercise programs and healthy meals
to help individuals regain their physical health. Moreover, the culture inside the rehabilitation
center fosters spiritual growth and development. This rehabilitation center offers spiritual
programs, such as meditation, yoga, and prayer, to help individuals find inner peace and
connect with their spiritual selves. Spiritual practices can help individuals to develop a sense of
purpose and meaning in their lives, which can be beneficial for their recovery journey.
Additionally, the culture inside the rehabilitation center promotes mental strength and resilience.
Therapy sessions, group counseling, and individual counseling help individuals to identify and
address the underlying causes of their addiction or trauma. Through these sessions, individuals
learn coping mechanisms, problem-solving skills, and other tools that can help them to maintain
their sobriety and avoid relapse. They also learn to develop a positive mindset, which is
essential for their mental health and well-being. In conclusion, the culture inside the
rehabilitation center is essential for individuals' recovery journey. In this regard, adopting the
culture inside the rehabilitation center can help the residents become strong and firm,
physically, spiritually, and mentally, thus, we interns became strong and firm too as we
experienced the culture they have inside the center. The principles of trust, honesty, and self-
discipline helped us to be part and blend in this environment that is conducive to healing and
recovery. Likewise, physical exercise and a balanced diet helped us interns to regain our
physical strength and wellness. Spiritual practices as well helped us interns to find inner peace
and connect with our spiritual selves. We experienced and witnessed the therapy sessions,
group counseling, and individual counseling that help develop coping mechanisms, problem-
solving skills, and a positive mindset. Ultimately, the culture inside the rehabilitation center
provides individuals with the tools and support they need to overcome addiction, trauma, and
other challenges in their lives.

As interns at a rehabilitation center, we understand the importance of adopting the

culture and following the system in place. The culture and system within a rehabilitation center
are designed to provide individuals with the necessary tools and support to overcome addiction,
trauma, and other challenges in their lives. One of the key aspects of the culture within the
rehabilitation center is the importance of honesty and trust. As interns, we have learned to be
open and honest with ourselves and others. We understand that admitting our weaknesses and
vulnerabilities is the first step towards recovery. We have also learned the value of trust and
how it is essential for building relationships with our colleagues and clients. By adopting these
principles, we have created an environment that is conducive to healing and recovery. Another
aspect of the culture within the rehabilitation center is the emphasis on self-discipline. As
interns, we have learned to be disciplined in our work and personal lives. We understand the
importance of setting goals, following through on commitments, and being accountable for our
actions. By adopting this culture of self-discipline, we have been able to provide our clients with
the structure and support they need to achieve their own goals. In addition to adopting the
culture, we have also tried to follow the system in place within the rehabilitation center. This
system is designed to ensure that each client receives the appropriate level of care and
attention. As interns, we understand that following the system is essential for maintaining
consistency and quality of care. We have learned the importance of following protocols,
documenting our work, and communicating effectively with our colleagues. Furthermore, we
have also learned the value of collaboration and teamwork within the rehabilitation center. As
interns, we have had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of colleagues from different
disciplines. We understand that each team member has their own unique perspective and
expertise. By working together, we can provide our clients with a comprehensive and holistic
approach to their care. Lastly, we have also tried to embody the values of compassion and
empathy within the rehabilitation center. As interns, we understand that our clients are going
through a difficult time in their lives. We have learned to approach each client with kindness and
understanding, and to provide them with the support and encouragement they need to achieve
their goals. adopting the culture and following the system within a rehabilitation center is
essential for providing clients with the necessary tools and support to overcome addiction,
trauma, and other challenges in their lives. As interns, we have learned to embody the values of
honesty, trust, self-discipline, collaboration, and compassion. We understand the importance of
following protocols, documenting our work, and communicating effectively with our colleagues
and clients. By adopting these principles, we have created an environment that is conducive to
healing and recovery.

As interns, we have learned a lot about the culture and system in place. However, one of
the most significant changes we have experienced is in our views and opinions about
rehabilitation and the people within it. Before starting our internship, many of us held
misconceptions or incorrect ideas about what rehabilitation is and who the people are that seek
help from these centers. During this journey, we have discovered that our preconceived notions
about the word "rehabilitation" and the people within it were far from the truth. One of the most
significant changes we have experienced is the shift in our views and opinions of the people we
work with at the rehabilitation center. Prior to our internship, many of us held misconceptions
and stereotypes about individuals undergoing rehabilitation, including seeing them as wild and
aggressive. However, our experiences have challenged and changed these incorrect views. The
common misconception we held before starting our internship was that individuals undergoing
rehabilitation were wild and aggressive. This stereotype may have arisen due to popular media
portrayal, where individuals undergoing rehabilitation are often portrayed as aggressive or out of
control. We believed that the people we would work with at the rehabilitation center would be
difficult to manage and prone to outbursts of anger or aggression. However, after spending time
with them, we have realized that this is not the case. We discovered that our clients are
individuals who are seeking help, and they are just like any other person we might meet in our
day-to-day lives. Through our internship, we have had the opportunity to work closely with
individuals undergoing rehabilitation, and this has provided us with a better understanding of
their experiences and challenges. We have seen firsthand the difficulties they face in
overcoming their struggles, including addiction, mental health issues, or physical disabilities.
Instead of wild or aggressive, our clients have been resilient, determined, and courageous in
their efforts to overcome their challenges. They have demonstrated patience and persistence in
their pursuit of healing and growth. Through our experiences working with individuals
undergoing rehabilitation, we have discovered that they are some of the most kind and
approachable individuals we have ever met. Our clients are often dealing with difficult issues
such as addiction, mental health concerns, or physical disabilities, yet they remain
compassionate, friendly, and eager to help. They have shown us that no matter what challenges
they are facing, they are still people with kindness and empathy. One of the most striking things
we have learned is how much our clients want to connect with others. They understand that
their journey to recovery requires the support and understanding of those around them, and
they are willing to share their stories and experiences to build connections with others. This
openness and willingness to share have enabled us to develop meaningful relationships with
our clients, creating a supportive environment for everyone involved. Moreover, the culture and
system within the rehabilitation center have contributed to changing our views of the people
undergoing rehabilitation. The center's emphasis on a supportive and compassionate
environment has helped our clients feel valued and empowered. The staff provides personalized
care and guidance, recognizing that each client's situation is unique. This approach has enabled
us to understand our clients' needs and support them on their journey to recovery. We have
learned that the people within rehabilitation centers are individuals who deserve our respect and
support. Through our experiences working with individuals undergoing rehabilitation, we have
discovered that they are some of the most kind and approachable individuals we have ever met.
Our clients are often dealing with difficult issues such as addiction and mental health concerns,
yet they remain compassionate, friendly, and eager to help. They have shown us that no matter
what challenges they are facing, they are still people with kindness and empathy. One of the
most striking things we have learned is how much our clients want to connect with others. They
understand that their journey to recovery requires the support and understanding of those
around them, and they are willing to share their stories and experiences to build connections
with others. This openness and willingness to share have enabled us to develop meaningful
relationships with our clients, creating a supportive environment for everyone involved. Our
internship at the rehabilitation center has challenged and changed our views and opinions of the
people undergoing rehabilitation. Through our experiences, we have come to understand that
the individuals we work with are not wild or aggressive, but rather individuals seeking help to
overcome their challenges. We have learned that the culture and system within the rehabilitation
center play a significant role in supporting our clients and helping them achieve their goals. We
have gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of rehabilitation and the people within it.
By adopting the culture within the center, we have been able to see beyond our misconceptions
and stereotypes and offer our clients the support and compassion they deserve. During our
internship at the rehabilitation center, we have learned about the experiences and reasons why
the people inside the center are undergoing rehabilitation. Each person's story is unique, and
understanding their experiences has helped us to provide better support and care. We have
discovered that some individuals are in rehabilitation due to addiction issues. Addiction can
affect anyone, regardless of their background or social status. Our clients come from a diverse
range of backgrounds and experiences, and their addiction issues can stem from a variety of
factors, such as trauma, social pressure, or genetic predisposition. Understanding the root
causes of addiction has helped us to empathize with our clients and support them more
effectively in their journey towards recovery. Through our interactions with clients, we have also
learned about the impact that family and social support can have on a person's recovery
journey. Many of our clients have shared their experiences of feeling isolated and unsupported
before coming to the rehabilitation center. Our work with them has shown us that providing
emotional support, connecting them with community resources, and fostering social connections
are critical components of their recovery. Our experiences have emphasized the importance of
empathy, compassion, and understanding in providing effective care to our clients.
Understanding our clients' experiences has enabled us to provide better support and care,
creating an environment that is nurturing, supportive, and empowering for everyone involved.

Lastly, The Lenten season is a time of reflection, penance, and renewal for many people
around the world. At the rehabilitation center where we were interning, we had the opportunity to
witness and experience the various activities that took place during this season. One of the
most significant activities during lent was the spiritual retreat. The retreat was designed to help
clients deepen their spiritual connection and reflect on their journey towards recovery. The
retreat consisted of daily masses, meditation sessions, and group discussions. We observed
that many clients found the retreat to be a transformative experience, helping them to find inner
peace and strength during a challenging time. The Lenten season served as a reminder of the
importance of spirituality, service, and community in supporting individuals in their journey
towards recovery.

Recommendations

The interns would like to make the following recommendations:

- Providing accurate and transparent information about the internship fee is essential to
ensure that interns can make informed decisions about their participation. Interns may
have questions or concerns regarding the program, which if left unaddressed, can lead
to misunderstandings and dissatisfaction. Therefore, it is crucial that rehabilitation
centers have open channels of communication where interns can ask questions, provide
feedback, and receive timely responses. Additionally, regular check-ins between the
institution and the interns can help to ensure that everyone is meeting their goals and
objectives.
- Having a clear and concise schedule to avoid conflict in time. Interns often have other
responsibilities, such as attending classes or working part-time, that they must balance
with their internship program. Therefore, a well-structured schedule that outlines the
timing and duration of the internship tasks can help interns plan their time effectively.
Additionally, a clear schedule ensures that the interns are aware of their responsibilities
and can avoid any conflicts in time that may arise. Moreover, a well-planned schedule
can help interns make the most of their time and ensure that they gain the necessary
skills and knowledge required for their professional development.
- Open and transparent communication between the institution and the interns can help to
ensure that everyone is on the same page and that expectations are met. Interns may
have questions or concerns regarding the program, which if left unaddressed, can lead
to misunderstandings and dissatisfaction. Therefore, it is crucial that rehabilitation
centers have open channels of communication where interns can ask questions, provide
feedback, and receive timely responses. Additionally, regular check-ins between the
institution and the interns can help to ensure that everyone is meeting their goals and
objectives.