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HARPER THERAPY GROUP | FAIRFAX VIRGINIA THERAPY AND COUNSELING
  • Home
  • What's New?
  • About
    • Heather Harper, LCSW
    • Dezireh Jamshidarsani, LCSW
    • Daniel Pereira, MSW
    • Irene Han, MSW
    • Miriam Kuttikat, MSW
    • Phoebe DeVito MSW
    • Sarah Alonso, MSW
    • BSW/MSW Interns
    • Sharing Our Space
  • Services & Fees
    • Individual Therapy
    • Group Therapy
    • Fees & Insurance >
      • Get started
      • Fees & Insurance
  • For professionals
    • Internships/Field Practicum
    • LCSW Supervision
    • Work with us
    • Rent a space
  • Resources
  • Patient portal

Our Intern Community:
​Learning, Growing, Leading
​

Once an Intern, Always Part of the Team​

From the Harper Therapy Group Team
At Harper Therapy Group, interns aren’t just passing through—they’re a vital part of our team. Each of us has walked the path from early service-learning projects to full internships, balancing three days a week of clinical work alongside classes, jobs, family responsibilities, and the ongoing challenge of self-care. We understand firsthand the dedication, resilience, and heart it takes to reach graduation—and our entire team is cheering you on every step of the way.

We’re proud and excited to introduce our 2025–2026 Intern Cohort, featured below. Over the coming year, they’ll be taking on referrals, intake calls, exploring the Fairfax City community, and discovering how they can make a meaningful impact. This group will also be engaging in social justice work, meeting with clients, running groups, and much more. We’re honored to have them as part of the Harper Therapy Group family.

Beneath this year’s cohort, you’ll also find reflections from our former interns—words of wisdom, encouragement, and real experiences left for future cohorts. These messages speak to their personal and professional growth, the learning process, the team culture, and the moments that brought clarity and confidence. We hope their stories offer you a meaningful glimpse into what it’s like to be part of this community.

Most importantly, we hope these messages remind you:
You’re not alone on this journey.
You belong here.
You’re capable.
And you’re doing important, transformative work—one step at a time.
​
You've got this.

2026 - 2027 Intern Cohort

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Amanda Tran
​MSW, Advanced Standing Specialization Year


Virginia Commonwealth University
​Class of 2026 

​Intern: August 2025 - August 2026


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Mary K Winkler
​MSW, Clinical Specialization Year


Bryn Mawr College 
​Class of 2027

​Intern: August 2026 - May 2027


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Kathleen Dippold
​MSW, Clinical Specialization Year


Virginia Commonwealth University
​Class of 2027 


Intern: August 2026 - May 2027

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Christina Shutes
​MSW, Clinical Specialization Year


Virginia Commonwealth University
​Class of 2027 


Intern: August 2026 - May 2027

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Tabitha Campbell
​MSW, Clinical Specialization Year


Virginia Commonwealth University
​Class of 2027 


Intern: August 2026 - May 2027

Intern Program Graduates

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Phoebe DeVito, MSW
VCU Class of 2026


Virginia Commonwealth University
​Class of 2026

​Intern: 2025-2026
​

Dear Future Interns, 

I am so excited for you! I began my internship in August 2025 and honestly was not sure what to expect. From our initial orientation, I was impressed by how much work the practice and all of the clinicians put into creating a welcoming environment for the interns. 

One of the most impactful parts of my time here was the opportunity to work directly with clients and begin using therapeutic interventions in individual sessions. Being able to translate what I had learned in the classroom into practice helped me grow more confident and flexible in my approach. Shadowing different clinicians allowed me to see a variety of styles and techniques, which broadened my understanding of what effective therapy can look like. 

Harper Therapy Group has such a strong commitment to continued learning, and I am so happy I chose to take advantage of the additional training opportunities. It’s not always fun to sit in a chair for 6 hours on a Sunday outside of regular internship hours, but it was so worth every minute. I am now beginning my career with so much knowledge and practice beyond the classroom curriculum and have a better idea of the populations and topics I want to spend more time exploring. 

My advice is to stay curious! Coming from a different career field, there were times I wanted to “do” and sometimes worried I was wasting time if I was just reading a book or sitting in a training. It’s the total opposite! Take every book off the shelves, ask every question, attend as many trainings as work for your schedule, and remember that this is your time to learn and grow. Take care of yourself - balancing school, work, field placement and life is a lot, but you are in great hands and have a whole team looking out for you! 

​Phoebe


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Sarah Rhem, MSW
LSU Class of 2025 


Louisiana State University
​Class of 2025

​Intern: 2025-2026
​

Dear Future Interns,
During my time at Harper Therapy Group over the past nine months, I have had the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally within a clinical setting. This experience allowed me to gain valuable exposure to the field of therapy while working alongside knowledgeable and supportive professionals. Through observation and hands-on involvement, I developed a deeper understanding of therapeutic practices and client-centered care.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my experience was having the opportunity to work with my own individual clients. This responsibility helped me build confidence in my clinical abilities while strengthening my communication, assessment, and intervention skills. I also had some of the best experiences working alongside my co-interns, where we were able to support one another and grow together. Additionally, I had many opportunities to collaborate with other therapists, which further expanded my knowledge and perspective in clinical work. I truly appreciate the opportunity to intern at Harper Therapy Group, as it has provided me with a strong foundation that I will continue to build upon in my future career.
One piece of advice I would offer to future interns is to take full advantage of the Sunday trainings and ask as many questions as possible. These opportunities are extremely valuable for learning, building confidence, and gaining a deeper understanding of clinical practice.
For future interns, create memories, enjoy your time, and make decisions that are best for you and your future. Best of luck to the future interns at Harper Therapy Group.
-Sarah


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Makayla Wise, MSW
​LSU Class of 2025


Louisiana State University
​Class of 2025

​Intern: 2024-2025


Dear Future Interns, 
Back in August 2024, I began my internship at Harper Therapy Group. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to grow both personally and professionally, thanks to the support and wisdom of the clinicians who welcomed me with open arms.

Though my background in social work gave me experience working with individuals struggling with mental health, this was my first time fully immersed in a therapeutic setting. From day one, I felt included and supported, with a team that encouraged questions—no matter how small—and shared in plenty of light-hearted moments, like joking about Joe’s furniture-building skills or friendly squat competitions.

Professionally, I’ve gained knowledge in therapeutic modalities, assessments, and resource development, and I’ve had the opportunity to apply and share what I’ve learned through my own client work and peer teaching. Balancing the internship with full-time school and work was a challenge, but one that helped me grow—especially in group settings where I continuously pushed myself.
​
For future interns: keep seeking knowledge, ask questions, and take breaks when needed. Embrace every experience—from sessions and staff meetings to casual conversations. The time will fly, and soon you’ll be on to your next chapter.

~Makayla


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Joe Wiley
​MSW, Generalist Year

Virginia Commonwealth University
​Class of 2026

​
Intern: 2024-2025

My message to the interns: 

Over the past six months at Harper Therapy Group, I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with such a supportive, talented team. From day one, they welcomed me like family and created space for me to learn, grow, and contribute.

While I’ve worked in social services for years, this was my first time in a therapy practice. I found the same collaborative spirit I’ve known in other settings, with the bonus of learning from experienced clinicians—and even sharing knowledge of my own, like training new staff on screening procedures.

Internship life wasn’t without its quirks—organizing the office (shoutout to Makayla for rescuing me), creating marketing materials, returning countless calls, and yes, assembling furniture. I may have broken a cabinet, but I redeemed myself with two bookcases that are still standing!

Professionally, I stretched myself: working with teens again after 20 years, leading a small group, and deepening my skills in individual therapy. Seeing those “aha” moments with clients reminded me why I love this work.

I also appreciated the community outreach—like helping with clothing drives—which grounded me in the bigger picture of service. And I’d be remiss not to mention Heather, whose steady support and leadership made a big difference. Whether it was introducing me to Brene Brown or helping when my car broke down, she showed up.
​
To future interns: work hard, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You’ll learn more than you expect and grow in ways you never imagined.

​~Joe


3545 Chain Bridge Road
Suite 201
​Fairfax, VA 22030

​[email protected]
Main Office: (703) 865-5450
​
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​Heather Harper, LCSW
Dezireh Jamshidarsani, LCSW
Daniel Pereira, MSW
Sarah Alonso, MSW
Irene Han, MSW
Internships/Field Practicum
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​Work with us
Rent a space

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  • Home
  • What's New?
  • About
    • Heather Harper, LCSW
    • Dezireh Jamshidarsani, LCSW
    • Daniel Pereira, MSW
    • Irene Han, MSW
    • Miriam Kuttikat, MSW
    • Phoebe DeVito MSW
    • Sarah Alonso, MSW
    • BSW/MSW Interns
    • Sharing Our Space
  • Services & Fees
    • Individual Therapy
    • Group Therapy
    • Fees & Insurance >
      • Get started
      • Fees & Insurance
  • For professionals
    • Internships/Field Practicum
    • LCSW Supervision
    • Work with us
    • Rent a space
  • Resources
  • Patient portal