Psychology major enhances interest in neuroscience through witnessing alternative mental health treatments

Peyton Crook ’26, a psychology major and minor in statistical & data sciences and women’s, gender, & sexuality studies, knew she wanted to gain clinical experience in mental health. A hometown friend encouraged her to intern at Alternative Therapeutics, a mental health clinic in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Through the internship, Crook learned about alternative treatment modalities not commonly found in Northeast Ohio, such as neurofeedback therapy, providing instant feedback on a patient’s brainwave activity through audio and visual signals to modify thinking patterns. As Alternative Therapeutics’ first undergraduate intern, Crook shadowed clinicians during client meetings, connected with clients, and assisted with administrative tasks. Crook said she received helpful reminders from her APEX fellowship mentor Elizabeth Schiltz, professor of philosophy, throughout her fellowship. Crook leaves the internship with the confidence to navigate a new professional environment, inspiring an added interest in neuroscience. 

“The most interesting thing about the work I did was both witnessing and personally experiencing the psychotherapeutic technique of neurofeedback. Before learning about Alternative Therapeutics, I had no clue what that was, but I have gained so much knowledge about it through this experience. It is fascinating!” 

—Peyton Crook ’26 

Q: How did you learn about the internship opportunity for your APEX Fellowship?  

Crook: Alternative Therapeutics was suggested to me by a hometown friend who knew I was looking for opportunities at mental health clinics. I checked out their website, loved what I saw, and reached out to meet with the owner and clinical director Britney Cirullo. After our meeting in October 2023, I knew I wanted to intern there based on the environment and learn about the unique psychotherapeutic techniques they offer. 

Q: What interests you most about the work you did?  

Crook: I would typically shadow clinicians in their client sessions, sit in on clinician meetings weekly, and help with administrative tasks like social media work and connecting clients with a clinician. The most interesting thing about the work I did was both witnessing and personally experiencing the psychotherapeutic technique of neurofeedback. Before learning about Alternative Therapeutics, I had no clue what that was, but I have gained so much knowledge about it through this experience. It is fascinating!  

Q: Who was your fellowship mentor and how did they help you to succeed in this position? 

Crook: My fellowship mentor, Dr. Elizabeth Schiltz, gave thoughtful responses to my reflective reports and consistent reminders about upcoming due dates. She always assured me that I was being supported in all aspects of this journey.  

Q: What are some skills you’ve learned that you see yourself carrying forward in your career? 

Crook: I learned key skills like communication in a professional context, adaptability, and curiosity. Additionally, I had the chance to improve skills like listening and empathy.  

Q: How has the internship helped you to see what’s next for you?  

Crook: This internship helped me develop new interests that I would like to develop into a future career. It broadened my horizons of what is possible in my career field. My initial idea was continuing my education focused solely on psychology. But this internship has made me want to possibly pursue a career that leans more towards the neuroscience route. 

Posted in Experiential Learning, Showcase Stories 2024 on August 11, 2024.