As a graduating psychology student, I first became acquainted with the MURMO Clinical Psychology and Art Therapy Center approximately one year ago, and I was delighted to discover that volunteer opportunities were available through the Pro Juventa Foundation. This is a rare opportunity, as I believe that today there are relatively few places where students can gain practical experience during their studies.

The volunteer system within the institution is being developed gradually, which means that volunteers initially perform smaller tasks and are then entrusted with increasingly responsible and meaningful assignments. I began by taking minutes during online professional team meetings, which proved to be an exceptionally valuable experience. The entire MURMO team of professionals (e.g., psychologists and psychiatrists) participated in these discussions and examined the issues presented. It was fascinating to observe how many different perspectives could emerge regarding the same case and how these perspectives ultimately contributed to the formulation of a professional conclusion.

Following this experience, I spent two weeks volunteering at MURMO during the intensive therapy weeks held this summer. One week was spent with adolescents (aged 14–18) in an art therapy-focused group, while the second week was spent with younger children (aged 9–12) in a psychodrama group. Here, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the transformative potential of therapeutic interventions, as well as the considerable amount of work and preparation required from therapists in designing the structure and content of each day and week. I am now fortunate to participate in MURMO’s work as a group facilitator, allowing me to observe the children’s development week by week through their creative expressions.

Joining the Center as a volunteer has provided me with a wealth of professional and personal learning experiences. What I would emphasize most is the systemic perspective that characterizes work with children and families. Supporting children and addressing their difficulties is only possible through the active involvement of the family system. This approach is strongly reflected in the Lotilko Program, MURMO’s flagship program, where professionals place considerable emphasis on family consultations, parent groups, and parent support and psychoeducation services. This perspective has had such a profound impact on me that I began training in family therapy this year. I consider myself fortunate to have encountered the importance of systemic perspective in clinical practice at such an early stage of my professional development, an opportunity that would not have been possible without MURMO.

Finally, I would like to highlight that, alongside the high level of professional expertise and preparedness, I have had the opportunity to experience genuine human compassion, unconditional positive regard, and care toward clients on a daily basis. In my view, these qualities represent one of the most essential foundations of the helping professions.