From the end of May to mid-June, I spent some time in Silver Spring, Maryland, and in Washington, DC, in the United States, involved in a clinical observation program at Saint Luke Institute.

Saint Luke Institute is a multi-service institute following an interdisciplinary approach that includes licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, socials workers and therapists, neuropsychologists and spiritual directors as well as physical therapists, nurses and behavioral health experts.

The Institute provides mental health treatment, offers education and wellness programs, and conducts research.

During my stay I had the chance to visit the headquarters of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in Washington, DC. Here I met Deacon Bernie Nojadera, the executive director for the Office for Child and Youth Protection, and Drew Dillingham, coordinator for resources and special projects as well as an alumnus of the Diploma Course in Safeguarding of Minors.

I also had the chance to meet with Msgr. Stephen Rossetti, a member of the CCP's Scientific Advisory Board, and to visit the university campuses of the Catholic University of America and of Georgetown University, the oldest Catholic and Jesuit-affiliated institution of higher education in the United States.

It was an enriching and fruitful time, in which I gained many new and positive professional experiences.