Student Ambassador: Caroline Lerner

My name is Caroline Lerner, and I grew up in coastal Maine. Growing up in a rural community shaped my interest in psychology—particularly in anxiety and OCD treatment—because I saw firsthand how limited specialized mental health resources are for families outside major cities. My long-term goal is to return to Maine and help expand access to evidence-based anxiety and OCD care in rural, underserved regions.

I completed my undergraduate degree in psychology at Brandeis University, with minors in English and film. My early clinical roles—including crisis counseling and admissions coordination—strengthened my interest in fear-based disorders and helped clarify my desire to pursue doctoral training in clinical psychology.

I chose William James College because of its commitment to experiential learning, early practicum opportunities, and the genuinely warm, community-centered environment I felt from the start. Beginning clinical work in my first year allowed me to grow quickly and shape a clear clinical identity.

My training has focused primarily on specialized OCD and anxiety treatment, including placements at the McLean OCD Institute, the McLean OCD Institute for Children and Adolescents, and CBTeam. Across these settings, I’ve provided exposure-based, CBT, and acceptance-based interventions to children, adolescents, and adults with severe OCD and anxiety disorders. My dissertation builds on this specialization by examining values integration and willingness in exposure and response prevention (ERP) treatment to improve engagement and outcomes.

Alongside this specialty track, I am currently completing an advanced practicum at Babson College Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Working with college students has been a meaningful deviation from specialized OCD settings, giving me the chance to engage in integrative, short-term therapy grounded in developmental, relational, and psychodynamic approaches. I have deeply enjoyed the shift and the breadth it adds to my training.

I will be applying for internship soon and am always happy to talk with prospective students about the process. If you’re looking for a mentor or simply someone who has been through the ups and downs and can walk you through what to expect, I’m always happy to offer guidance and perspective.

My advice for incoming students is to stay open, stay curious, and find the things that bring you joy outside of graduate school. This work is meaningful but demanding, and having small worlds you can escape into—whether that’s horror movies, trashy romance books, or Dungeons & Dragons sessions with friends—can keep you grounded, energized, and connected to yourself. These pockets of joy make the journey sustainable.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions and welcome to WJC!