Advanced Practicum

Practicum 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 four hours/week
• Monthly in-service training

How to Apply

Applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program in clinical or counseling psychology (PhD or PsyD) and have a master's degree or be in their second year of a master's of social work program by Fall 2012. Applicants must have at least one year of supervised clinical experience.

Application Procedures for Psychology Students

Application Deadline: Priority deadline is January 4, 2013. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis after that date until all three practicum spots are filled.

Applicants should submit:

1. Letter of interest
2. Current curriculum vitae
3. Graduate transcripts(s) (unofficial or official)
4. Two letters of recommendation (at least one, if not both, from clinical supervisors)

Send application materials to:
Patricia A. Challan, PsyD
Director of Training
Attn: Practicum Program
Emerson College Counseling Center
120 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116-1596

Application Procedures for MSW Students

Application Deadline: Follow procedures of your MSW Field Education office.

Applicants should submit:

1. Letter of interest
2. Current curriculum vitae
3. Graduate transcripts(s) (unofficial or official)
4. Two letters of recommendation (at least one, if not both, from clinical supervisors)

Send application materials to:
Patricia A. Challan, PsyD
Director of Training
Attn: Practicum Program
Emerson College Counseling Center
120 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116-1596