I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to attach at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders at Boston University (BU CARD) in my final clinical placement (June-August 2019). The center is an internationally known clinic specializing in treating individuals with anxiety disorders and related problems, and one of the leading centers in conducting research in treatments for anxiety disorders.

    I found the placement very useful and inspiring. I was able to learn how Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders was applied to treat different anxiety disorders based on the same protocol. In addition, I was involved in a group treatment (“selective mutism camp”) for children with selective mutism disorder. It was a rewarding experience to see that the children gradually improved in their speech ability within the 5-day group treatment. I was also invited to participate as a confederate in exposure sessions for patients with social anxiety disorder. I was once asked to act as a dating partner for a patient. It was an interesting experience as I needed to talk to the patient in a “dating” context. A visit was also arranged to the Veteran Affairs Hospital which was an eye-opening experience. The hospital was one of the leading centers in treating and conducting research on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The visit widened my understanding on the conceptualization and treatment for PTSD.

　The fellow students and professors in the center were very nice and helpful, and I learnt a lot from them (including from the supervision sessions of students with their supervisors). Time flew and before I realized it, the placement already came to its end. The valuable experience gained in this placement equipped me with valuable skills to serve my clients in the role of a clinical psychologist in my job.​​