Practicum Training

The Training Program

Our training program provides supervised training in individual and group counseling. We also hope to facilitate trainees’ transitions from students to professionals through hands-on clinical experiences and supervision. We believe that it is important to create an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and development through an appropriate balance of support and challenge in order to meet the individual needs of each trainee. Our training program accepts students from Mental Health Counseling Programs, Social Work programs, and doctoral-level Counseling/Clinical Psychology and Health Psychology programs.

Who We Are

The Counseling Center is located in a state of the art, brand new health and wellness building; the Johnson Center for Health and Wellness.  Our new Center is filled with abundant natural light, hard wood floors, spacious offices and a wellness-themed interior design.  With our new facility we have been able to offer an even more comprehensive array of services for our students.  In addition to more traditional individual therapy and crisis intervention services, we offer a variety of group therapy experiences, a peer counseling program, nutrition counseling, psychiatric consultation, biofeedback, and acupuncture.   Our clinicians represent several theoretical orientations; accordingly, trainees have the opportunity to develop their own individual therapy style and to work with multiple supervisors if that is desired. Additionally, we encourage trainees to identify and explore specific areas of interest that coincide with personal and professional development. As a staff, we are an experienced and caring team who values quality clinical care, collaboration, support, self-care and a good sense of humor.  We love the work that we do and thus always enjoy teaching and training new professionals.  

Schedule of Weekly Activities

Trainees typically spend approximately 18-20 hours per week on site, including one hour of supervision by a senior licensed psychologist. Our expectation is that each placement is for both the fall and spring semesters of Hamilton’s academic year. Trainee time will be devoted to a variety of activities, guided by trainee needs and the needs of our office. Typical activities for trainees are as follows:

• Intake Appointments: Following training in our intake assessment procedures, trainees will hold ‘open’ hours to meet with new clients (numbers vary based on caseload).
• Individual therapy: A trainee typically meets with 12-15 clients per week.  Presenting concerns range from developmental issues to more complex situations that may require interventions ranging from solution-focused to a more advanced therapeutic approach.  There are no session limits; therefore, trainees are expected to tailor their therapeutic approach to meet the unique needs of each client.
• Group therapy: We offer a diverse array of groups throughout the year that are focused on personal growth, skill development, and peer support. Trainees will have the opportunity to either process-observe a group or co-lead a group with a staff counselor (1.5 hr/week). For more information about our group listing, please visit our website.   
• Outreach: Trainees are expected to engage in at least one (1) outreach activity within our campus community in an area of their interest.
• Case Presentation: Trainees are expected to present on at least one (1) case during our weekly Case Consultation meeting.
• Individual Supervision: Trainees will meet with their individual supervisor one hour each week.  Crisis intervention and Consultation strategies and techniques are to be discussed during supervision or as needed. 
• Weekly meetings: We take a collaborative team-based approach to our work, and hold weekly Case Conference and staff meetings as well as Group Therapy Supervision (1 hour, if you engage in any group activities).