Erin Hope Cravens

Hello! I’m Erin and I’m a Clinical Social Work Intern at IYK. I’m currently in my final year of Wayne State University’s Master of Social Work program. I have experience working with adolescents and adults. I am passionate about working with the LGBTQIA2S+ community. My experiences as a non-binary lesbian help guide my knowledge and appreciation of sexuality and gender diversity. I understand firsthand the experience of coming out, having difficult conversations with loved ones, and reaching a place of understanding. I am very familiar with queer culture, and I continue to be a learner about what identity and community means to different people.

In my previous internship, I helped lead a LGBTQIA2S+ youth support group, which involved facilitating discussions with young people between the ages of 13-21. I have witnessed the impact that a safe and supportive environment can have on the development of self-worth, self-advocacy, and self-compassion in this community. Additionally, prior to starting my graduate program, I worked for three years as a Job Coach supporting adults with traumatic brain injuries in gaining work skills at vocational rehabilitation programs. I worked with adult clients who represented a wide range of abilities, backgrounds, and ages.

Some further background about me: I am from a working class family of European descent. I have been interested in helping people with their mental health since I was in high school. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Wayne State University in 2018, with a minor in German. I studied abroad for five months in Germany and gained a deeper understanding of intercultural communication while I worked on improving my language skills.