MSW student serves veterans at New Orleans residential community

For online Master of Social Work (MSW) student Breyana Robinson, a practicum placement at Bastion – a residential community housing veterans and their families in New Orleans’ Gentilly neighborhood – just felt right. Robinson, who grew up in a military family, spent her days at Bastion checking in on residents, providing onsite mental health services, and co-facilitating their mind-body Wellness Intensive program.

Robinson also held weekly or bi-weekly individual therapy sessions with four clients. At Bastion, clients can opt to have sessions in their homes, at the office, or while taking a walk around the neighborhood. Robinson says this unique approach gave clients the control and flexibility they needed to make consistent progress in their mental health journeys.

Robinson says that her practicum placement brought the theory she learned in the classroom to life. Her supervisor, Lovella Calica, often encouraged her to reflect on how lessons learned in class applied to her clients. “Every modality that I learned has been added to my toolbox. For example, I’ve used breathing techniques with my adult clients that I learned in a class focused on children.”

Because of the people that I learned from and the ones rooting for me, I will cherish the experience that I had in Tulane’s Master of Social Work program.

Breyana Robinson

“Throughout my time at Bastion, I was given the opportunity to be creative and take the lead in some situations which made me step out of my student comfort zone,” Robinson said. “Each individual that I worked with added to my perspective as a professional and a person in general.”

One such individual was Crystal Merrill, PhD, LCSW-C (MD), LCSW (LA), LICSW (MN). “Dr. M created a safe space for my peers and I to vent, ask questions, and support one another. The impact that Dr. M’s class had on us even through computer screens is unmatched.”

In addition to Dr. Merrill, Robinson credits her supervisor Lovella and coworker EJ for keeping her grounded throughout her practicum placement. “When I was completely nervous, they were there to encourage me and remind me that I absolutely could complete the task. Because of the people that I learned from and the ones rooting for me, I will cherish the experience that I had in Tulane’s Master of Social Work program.”

The key to staying balanced, nourished, and fulfilled, even when the work was daunting? For Robinson, it was taking care of herself, giving herself a break when she needed one, and – most of all – taking her network’s support and encouragement to heart.

“My biggest piece of advice for anyone pursuing an internship like mine is to believe in yourself as much as the people around you do. Every day is a learning experience, so take the opportunity to lead, ask the question, and open your mind to what the day brings.”