Training
2023–2024 Practicum/Internship
The Counseling Center at Valparaiso University is soliciting applications from eligible masters-level students interested in a clinical practicum/internship training experience at our center. We are looking for three individuals interested in a 20-hour-per-week training experience for the academic year beginning in August 2023 and ending in May 2024. Preference will be given to those who have prior clinical experience and are interested in providing mental health services to a traditional college-age population; however, we strongly encourage everyone who is interested to apply.
Description of the Training Experience
The clinical work at the Counseling Center consists of providing brief solution focused therapy, with a focus on functioning. Interns will provide individual psychotherapy, Intake Assessment, single sessions, outreach, and have the possibility of co-facilitating a group with a senior staff member. 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 the Counseling Center, but may have additional opportunities for experience in the OADE office.
We require a 20-hour-per-week commitment at minimum, which allows for the accumulation of 600 hours over the course of the academic year. A typical week for trainees includes:
- two hours of individual supervision utilizing video review
- a one-hour case assignment meeting
- a one-hour staff meeting, professional development session, or case conference
- 10–12 hours of clinical service
- varying amounts of outreach
- adequate time for preparation and case management/paperwork
- access to supportive, dedicated, and multidisciplinary staff
Previous trainees have said that the setting’s combination of 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 visual recordings of trainees’ psychotherapy sessions. An important goal of the training program is to provide a supportive environment in which trainees will learn about who they are as counselors.
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 20 hours during the Center’s normal hours of operation (8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday). Trainees should have Friday morning 9:00 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 two-semester placement. 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 200–300 hours of direct clinical service provision.
Inquiries and Application Process
If you have questions, please call 219.464.5002 and ask for Olivia Gorman, or email counseling.center@valpo.edu. We also encourage you to contact our trainees with questions regarding their training experiences here. As a member of the Association of Chicagoland Externship and Practicum Training (ACEPT), we adhere to their dates and guidelines for selecting trainees. Applications may be sent via email, U.S. mail, or hand-delivered. We are currently working with a rolling deadline until all spots are filled. Interviews will be conducted and offers may be made at any time during the process, but we expect to be making our selections by the end of February.
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
- Three professional references, including at least one from a person who can speak directly to your clinical skills
Send Application materials to:
Olivia Gorman, LMHC
Assistant Director
Counseling Services
Valparaiso University
Counseling Center
Attn: Olivia Gorman
1602 LaPorte Ave.
Valparaiso, IN 46383 or via email at counseling.center@valpo.edu.