Last week, former interns and fellows of The Council on Recovery gathered at the Hamill Foundation Conference Center to celebrate the impact and legacy of the Behavioral Health Training Institute, which has trained more than 120 Bachelor’s and Master’s level interns, recovery coaches and postgraduate fellows.
We also recognized the 10th anniversary of the Mary Bell Behavioral Health Fellowship, through which The Council provides specialized training to emerging counselors, as well as practical, hands-on experience working with families impacted by substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders.
The Council’s President & CEO, Mary H. Beck, LMSW, CAI, gave opening remarks of welcome and gratitude, saying, “Each of you carry this work into the community, and through your service, compassion, and ambassadorship, you make a difference in the lives of countless individuals and families impacted by substance use.”
The Council’s Clinical Director, Lori Fiester, LCSW-S, ADS, CIP, CDWF, followed, discussing the importance of our teaching and training efforts: “I believe we don’t have enough substance use disorder therapists in the field. The Council’s teaching and training program, and our fellowship program specifically, helps emerging professionals to hone their skills, and offers an array of experience that will enable them to help so many people – no matter what kind of work they go on to do.”
The brief program included lunch and networking. Attendees received limited edition Council mugs and a resource directory, in which former interns and fellows shared their favorite memories of their time with The Council:
“The thing that stands out to me the most is The Council’s ability to treat clients from all socioeconomic backgrounds, doing so with high quality services. My favorite thing about my internship was the atmosphere of learning and teamwork all done so with the client in focus.”
Beth Eversole, LCSW, LCDC, Chief Executive Officer of Palmer Drug Abuse Program – Houston
“I was able to shadow different departments within The Council on Recovery and learn the different components that make each department unique. Furthermore, I was able to fully understand social work and how I could become an asset to all underserved populations.”
Heniecesha Jones, BSW, Lifehouse of Houston
“My internship and fellowship were very rich and foundational experiences for me. Facilitating groups and working with IOP helped me to grow as a therapist tremendously.”
Madeline Vaughn, LCSW, Modern Therapy
