Fall 2009/Spring 2010 Practicum or Internship

The Counseling Center at Valparaiso University is soliciting inquiries and applications from eligible master's students interested in a clinical practicum or internship training experience at our center. We are looking for at least two individuals interested in a 20-40 hour a week training experience. Preference will be given to those who have prior counseling experience, those who are interested in providing mental health services to a traditional college-age population, and those who can commit to a 2-semester experience (August - May). However, we strongly encourage everyone who is attracted to the following descriptions to apply.

Description of the Training Experience

The clinical work at the Counseling Center will consist of individual psychotherapy, the possibility of co-facilitating a group with a senior staff, and conducting outreach workshops and presentations. Please note that this is not an appropriate site for a diagnostic practicum, as we offer only limited experience using formal assessments. Trainees will work primarily at our main office, but will have opportunities to also work at either or both of the satellite offices, as time and interest direct.

We require a minimum 20-hour per week commitment. A typical 20-hour week for trainees will include:

• 2 hours of individual supervision utilizing videotape review
• a 1 hour case disposition meeting
• a 1 hour staff meeting
• a 1 hour Professional Development/Case Conference session
• 6-8 hours of clinical service
• varying amounts of outreach and satellite office work
• adequate time for preparation and case management/paperwork
• a lot of exposure to an exceptionally nice and dedicated staff

Previous trainees have said that the setting's combination of individual/group counseling and outreach programming, combined with exposure to administrative and case conferencing, has been extremely valuable to their professional development. Of particular interest has been the growth-oriented supervision utilizing videotape of trainees' psychotherapy sessions.

Requirements

Applicants are expected to have a foundational knowledge of psychological theories, psychopathology, and basic psychotherapy skills. The practicum or intern student must be available for a minimum of twenty hours during the Center's normal hours of operation, i.e., 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Trainees should have Tuesday mornings until 10:00 a.m. and Friday morning 9 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. available for the administrative, supervisory and clinical case conference meetings. You can expect to accumulate 600+ "total" hours in this 2-semester placement (assuming a 20-hour/week contract). The accumulated number of "clinical service" hours obtained will depend on the readiness and focus of the trainee. A typical trainee is likely to accumulate 150 or more hours of direct clinical service provision. Valparaiso University is a small (3900 or so students), academically challenging, professional prep and liberal arts university operated in affiliation with the Lutheran church. The Lutheran tradition is important to the administration, and to many of the students. Because of this, trainees must be amenable to working within this tradition and its values.

Inquiries and Application Process

We invite inquiries at any time. If you have questions, please call 219-464-5002 and ask for Tim Mulligan, or email Tim.Mulligan@valpo.edu. We also encourage your contact with our current trainees, as they are the true experts in what it is like to be a trainee here. Applications will be accepted until Friday, February 20, 2009 for students desiring placement for the 2009-10 academic year. Applications will be reviewed, and interviews will be conducted during the first two weeks of March 2009. We adhere to the dates and guidelines established by the Association of Chicagoland Externship and Practicum Training Sites (ACEPT), which means that our offers are usually made on Practicum Notification Day March 23, 2009.

Application materials should include:

• A cover letter describing your interest in and fit with our center, and your goals for the training experience
• A current vita, especially highlighting clinical experiences and skills
• 3 letters of recommendation, including at least one from a person who can speak directly to your clinical skills

Send Application materials to:

Valparaiso University
Counseling Center
Tim Mulligan, Training Coordinator
826 LaPorte Ave.
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN 46383