VITAL SOURCES: A TEACHING PRACTICE SERVING THE FREDERICK COMMUNITY
Vital Sources is a teaching practice that started accepting interns in 2007, supporting 18 students over the past 11 years. Licensed clinicians within our practice give of their time and expertise to supervise interns who come from a variety of psychology and counseling programs at both the master’s and doctoral levels. This fall, two more interns will begin their experience.
The intern program is essential to our practice as they serve the marginalized – those who otherwise could not afford therapy. For a reasonable charge, many have found great help and support through our interns. Our mission statement highlights our value of equipping others to excel in the field of psychology and counseling. It is our desire to share our knowledge and skills with the next generation, helping Christian students integrate the science of psychology with faith.
Back in 2010, I was accepted as Vital Sources’ 2nd intern. (Many thanks to Mary-Eileen Hahn who pursued Vital Sources as a new clinical site for counseling students in 2007.) I was a pastoral counseling student from Loyola University in Baltimore. I had been keeping an eye on Vital Sources throughout my master’s program, hoping that this would be the place to accept me for my 2nd year of clinical experience. Having looked at their website (several times), I found myself drawn to their vision and mission. It fit my own personal and faith-based values. To practice my new counseling skills within the secure environment of caring, Christian professionals was an excellent addition to my experience.
During my 10-month internship, I had the great honor of serving clients who otherwise could not afford therapy. The marginalized, the poor, the uninsured found their way to my door. It was my deep privilege to help the “least, lost and lowly” during their time of great need. I could feel no greater purpose than to be a conduit of God’s mercy and help during times of great pain and suffering. With the help of my supervisor, Margie Brubaker, LCPC, I grew into a more competent clinician as she guided me through complex and difficult cases. Even though I was new in my skills, I felt like my clients received an excellence of care as a seasoned clinician was behind me throughout my internship. I also give thanks for Jeeyoung Ahn, PsyD. a child psychologist, who also supervised me in my work with children, youth, and families.
After my experience at Vital Sources, it was with great joy that I joined the staff as a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor. The practice continued supporting me in my efforts to reach full licensure as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Now into my 8th year with Vital Sources, I find myself guiding and helping interns as Vital Sources’ Internship Coordinator. It is with great joy that I embrace this leadership role, helping students along the road to fulfilling their call to this sacred work.
Pamela Richardson Shepp, LCPC and Internship Coordinator
Vital Sources is accepting clients who can be seen by our newest interns: Victor Lohmann, III from IPS/ Divine Mercy and Samuel Lee from Loyola University. To inquire about current openings, please call us at 301-620-8700 and ask to speak with the Intake Coordinator.