Advanced Practicum Training Program
The Counseling Center is an integral part of the Emerson community, providing services to both undergraduate and graduate students. It is accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services.
The Center's clinical staff is composed of three licensed psychologists, two licensed clinical social workers, and two part-time consulting psychiatrists. The Center offers brief individual psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and the option of group therapy. When appropriate, we also provide referrals to outside agencies/clinicians for longer term therapy and/or psychiatric evaluation.
Senior staff members consult regularly with the Residence Life staff and other college personnel regarding their questions and concerns about student behavior. Senior staff and trainees also provide outreach programming for students and staff members on a variety of topics (e.g., stress management, relationships, and computer addiction).
Training Philosophy
The Emerson College Counseling Center is dedicated to the process of training practicum students through the use of a trusting supervisory relationship. We encourage trainees to develop their own individual styles of counseling, with a solid foundation of experience and education to support their own individual professional growth. Supervision is a highly valued and essential component of our training program. Through dialogue and self-reflection, the focus of supervision is not only a trainees's clinical work, but also the professional and personal development of the therapist-in-training.
The training program focuses primarily on clinical assessment and brief treatment with a creative and accomplished student population. We offer a unique balance of exposure to a high volume of client contact and the ability to focus on one's own development as a clinician. Through intensive supervision, the use of process notes and videotaping, and a variety of opportunities to present and discuss one's clinical work, interns leave ECCC with increased experience, competence, and comfort conducting psychotherapy.
Program Components
- 20-24 hours/week at the Counseling Center
- Intakes, individual psychotherapy (10-12 client hours), and record keeping*
- Case management and referrals to outside practitioners as needed
- Opportunities to develop and present outreach programming
- Participation in Center program development, evaluation, and research activities
- Option to create, market and co-lead group psychotherapy and/or support groups
* Trainees must have professional liability coverage.
Supervision and Seminars
- Extensive orientation program
- Two hours of individual supervision per week
- One hour of group supervision per week
- Weekly didactic seminar, intake review meeting, case conference, and peer support group, totaling 4 hours/week
- Monthly in-service training
Application Information
Qualification of Applicants
Applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program in clinical or counseling psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and have a masters degree or be in their second year of a masters of social work program by Fall 2008. Applicants must have at least one year of supervised clinical experience.
Application Procedures for Psychology Students
Application Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2009
Applicants should submit:
- Letter of Interest
- Current curriculum vitae
- Graduate transcripts(s) – (unofficial or official)
- Two letters of recommendation (at least one, if not both, from clinical supervisors)
Application Procedures for MSW Students
Application Deadline: Follow procedures of your MSW Field Education office
Applicants should submit:
- Letter of Interest
- Current curriculum vitae
- Graduate transcripts(s) – (unofficial or official)
- Two letters of recommendation (at least one, if not both, from clinical supervisors)
Send Application Materials to:
Patricia A. Challan, Psy.D.
Director of Training
Attn: Practicum Program
Emerson College Counseling Center
120 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02116-1596
