Psychiatric Hospital Internship

Three Months in a Psychiatric Hospital

Three months passed in an instant. Time took on a different meaning inside a psychiatric hospital—at least for me it did. My experience there was profound and illuminating. I had to confront fears, embrace a wide spectrum of feelings, and meet aspects of myself I had never encountered before. I left the hospital changed.

While I can’t share many details of the work I did (due to confidentiality)—and I did quite a lot—I can share how the experience transformed me, and why I now see it as one of the most valuable parts of my training. I’m glad ISAP Zurich includes this practicum in the curriculum. Before starting, I didn’t understand its purpose. Now I do.

So What Happened?

How do I put it into words? The experience was transformative, though difficult to capture fully. It’s more a shift in perspective, a new way of seeing the world that comes when you look after others, care for them, and allow yourself to be vulnerable. When you lower your defenses, face your fears, and keep moving forward.

I met patients with a wide range of diagnoses and symptoms. Since it was my first time in a psychiatric hospital, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Movies don’t prepare you well—my favorite, Twelve Monkeys, paints a very different picture. Still, I carried an unconscious fear that patients might become aggressive or unpredictable. At first, that fear built walls around me. But with time, as I got to know the patients, those walls lowered. The risks didn’t vanish, but my fear softened into understanding.

Inside the Hospital

The hospital was divided into units for different stages of psychiatric rehabilitation. Each unit was tailored to a particular phase of treatment, separating patients according to their needs. I was fortunate to rotate through multiple departments—from acute units with very intense cases to middle-ground rehabilitation.

My first day in the acute unit was especially difficult. The atmosphere was heavy, the psychic field almost overwhelming. I learned quickly how important it is to listen to your body in such situations. If it feels too much, ask for space. There is no shame in admitting you’re overwhelmed. Doctors will likely understand.

I observed clinical assessments, spent more than half my time in direct patient contact, and even led my own activities. I also confronted my own transference reactions—old conditioning from growing up in an environment where mental health was stigmatized. These inner barriers surfaced, but I gradually worked through them.

Fear slowly turned into empathy. Instead of running away, I leaned in. The work became joyful. Watching patients push forward despite incredible odds inspired me. Each day felt meaningful, alive, exciting. My excitement was contagious—it showed in my work, and patients reflected it back to me. Though it was challenging to hold so many people in mind at once, my capacity grew. And with it, I grew too.

I also met amazing people inside the hospital—my colleagues, some whom I call friends now.

Encounters with the Unconscious

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect was witnessing the unconscious at work—sometimes raw and unfiltered. Through artwork, stories, and daily interactions, I saw how unconscious material breaks through into symptoms and expressions. From a Jungian perspective, this was extraordinary to observe.

I became more aware of transference and countertransference, which I explored with supervisors, staff, and my analyst. Having support during such an intense time was essential. (Tip: Make sure you have adequate supervision and personal support—it makes all the difference.)

Work with the unconscious is demanding. It draws on psychic energy in ways unlike any other work I’ve done. I had to stay mindful of my own limits and set boundaries to preserve them. (Tip: Listen to your body. Rest. Spend time in nature. Exercise. Meditate. Eat well. This kind of self-care isn’t optional—it’s essential.)

Lessons Learned

Hospital work can be tough. Not all patients will listen to you. Some will bring chaos. You’ll be triggered. You’ll be scared. I was. Mistakes will happen. (Tip: Be humble, accountable, and treat mistakes as part of your learning. Stay curious, ask questions, and use this unique opportunity to learn directly from psychiatrists and psychologists.)

And yet—there is something beautiful in this work. Helping others, even in small ways, felt amazing, alive, inspiring. Each day brought the chance to spark hope in someone. That, I feel, is why this internship was so transformative.

Who knows—one day I might return to this kind of public work.

Recommendations for Future Interns

If you’re an analyst-in-training considering a psychiatric hospital internship, here are some practical tips:

• Start early. Begin your search well in advance.

• Look for big public hospitals. Apply where you can legally work and speak the local language.

• Follow up. Send emails, check in if they don’t reply, and use your network for connections. Public hospitals are often short-staffed and may welcome extra help.

• Be clear—and offer value. Introduce yourself professionally, explain what you’re seeking, and highlight what you can give in return. (For me, with a tech background and no psychology degree, I offered to lead groups—walks, film discussions, creativity and cognitive sessions, exercise groups—and even did translation work.)

• If abroad, learn the language. If you can’t land an internship at home, start learning the local language as early as possible.

• Handle logistics early. Get medical screenings, documents, and contracts in order before your start date.

• Secure housing quickly. Start looking for accommodation as soon as you’re accepted.

• Brace yourself. It will be challenging, but it will also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your training.