October 2024 – Mental Health Volunteer Highlight

MHAM's October Volunteer Highlight - Matt Kaczmarek

 

We are pleased to announce

MATT KACZMAREK

as the Mental Health Awareness of Michiana (MHAM)

Volunteer Highlight for October!

 

MHAM’s volunteer highlight for October – Matt Kaczmarekis a master’s in counseling intern with MHAM. His clinical training allows him to work with Pro Bono Counseling Project clients under the supervision of Executive Director, Lisa Kelly, LCSW.

PBCP Coordinator Linda Raven has this to say about Matt:

Having master’s level student interns like Matt volunteer with the Pro Bono Counseling Project is a fantastic win-win for everyone involved. He brings his unique life experiences, openness, and enthusiasm to his counseling sessions while receiving guidance from an experienced clinical supervisor. Interns gain valuable experience and knowledge, and the clients receive counseling they might not otherwise be able to access.

Born and raised in South Bend, Matt graduated from Indiana University – Bloomington with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He is currently working towards his Master of Arts in Counseling via Northwest University and is a Level II Certified Peer Recovery Coach (CAPRC-II) as well as holding a Medication Assisted Treatment Specialist (MATC) credential. He has continually focused on working with underserved adult populations in northern Indiana, and is the Program Director at Dismas House in South Bend, a non-profit organization which provides housing and services to returning citizens.

How does Matt approach his therapeutic work?

“I look at life’s developmental stages while considering how our cultures and identities can be used to understand and bridge aspects of our minds, bodies, and social relationships. I incorporate approaches like person-centered therapy, mindfulness, and multicultural theories into my practice. I want to create a non-judgmental space that promotes pathways to address concerns and achieve client goals through proper assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and effective therapeutic techniques.”

What has he most enjoyed about his training with MHAM so far?

“This internship with MHAM has been an excellent opportunity to continue working with those who need greater access to mental health resources. This opportunity has allowed me to serve individuals from underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds. It has also enabled me to expand and grow the knowledge obtained in my program in various topic areas, such as ethics, multiculturalism, advocacy, outreach, lifespan development, and to learn the proper utilization of evidence-based practices with clients. This has also allowed me to connect and network with other volunteer counselors in the Michiana area.”

Why is volunteering with MHAM’s Pro Bono Counseling Project important to you?

“I believe the PBCP has a mutually beneficial impact on the interns and the MHAM organization. The program allows interns to gain experience working with diverse populations that they might not encounter in traditional office settings. This exposure helps us become better equipped to handle a wide range of situations that may occur in the counseling space as future counselors. As interns, we can also share the latest research and best practices with MHAM staff and engage in collaborative discussions to enhance the quality of care for our clients. Our unique backgrounds and identities enable us to address and bridge gaps in our communities. Additionally, interns play a crucial role in maintaining a balanced client load and reducing wait times for those seeking volunteer counselor services.” 

MHAM Executive Director Lisa Kelly explains the future of intern work:

Our move to One Roof Southeast created a wonderful opportunity to train masters level interns and better serve the increasing number of referrals to the Pro Bono Counseling Project (PBCP). We are delighted to be part of training the next generation of clinicians. To support interns and supervisors who serve PBCP clients, we partnered with experienced clinicians to record a series of important training modules on the basics of clinical practice. These modules are an excellent supplement to clinical supervision. We are utilizing the modules to support Matt’s clinical training and I encourage interested supervisors to find out more about how to access this resource.

 

To learn more about the Pro Bono Counseling Project, click HERE!

 

Are you interested in volunteer opportunities?  Send us an email:

info@mhamichiana.org

→ To make a financial gift to support MHAM, visit:

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