Prospective Trainees

We offer comprehensive practicum opportunities to students completing master’s degrees leading to registration with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and/or the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).  We also offer internships for clinical psychology students.  Priority is given to those completing their graduate degree in the Psychology Department at Queen’s University.

We provide confidential, professional counselling and psychotherapy to students at Queen’s University. Our services recognize the richness of human diversity and we value cultural, ethnic, gender, and sexual orientation differences.

  • We support a broad client population including undergraduate, graduate, ethnic minorities, international, mature students, etc.
  • Presenting concerns cover the full range of diagnostic disorders and developmental issues (e.g. identity, individuation, career, relationships) with depression and anxiety among the most common.
  • We use various therapeutic interventions to meet the unique needs of individual students and to determine next steps.
  • We collaborate with other healthcare providers and professionals, on and off campus, including physicians, occupational therapists, nurse practitioners, etc.

Skill Development & Training

As a practicum and/or intern student, you will develop competency in providing psychotherapy by building a foundation of necessary core skills.  You will receive guidance in facilitating strong therapeutic relationships and learn within a compassionate, engaged, and vibrant community of professionals.  There is a strong commitment among staff to offer experiences that promote expansion and consolidation of competencies, as well as integration of personal and professional development.

We provide comprehensive training including experience with crisis intervention, suicide risk assessment and management, brief individual, and group counselling. Trainees work as a part of a collaborative and supportive multidisciplinary team of registered psychotherapists, social workers, and a psychologist.

Training and work experience in this service provides opportunities to:

  • Develop effective, culturally competent counselling skills for use with a wide range of presenting problems.
  • Refine therapeutic, diagnostic, and risk-assessment skills.
  • Provide brief and moderate term counselling treatment from first point of contact through to termination.
  • Acquire consultation experience, build relationships with colleagues, and learn collaboratively with professional staff and other practicum students.
  • Shadow experienced professionals in their work with students.
  • Acquire experience facilitating groups (in some cases).

Supervision & Feedback

In this role, taking initiative, engaging in reflective practice, and considering intersectionality, will be valued.  We will provide opportunities for learning and ongoing supervision while recognizing your unique needs as a beginner therapist. You will receive direct client contact hours under consistent support and supervision.  Throughout your experience, you will receive meaningful feedback and evaluation.  You will also participate in evaluations as required by your educational institutions, and receive ongoing constructive feedback from your clinical supervisor.

Clinical supervision is available through weekly sessions as well as on-going guidance.  You and your individual supervisor will discuss a supervisory approach intended to enhance your growth and development.  Weekly peer support meetings will also help you foster clinical knowledge and skills.

Basic Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in a Ph.D. or Master’s Program in Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, or Social Work leading to a title of psychologist, counsellor, psychotherapist, or social worker.
  • Completion of courses in assessment and psychopathology (considered an asset for RP and MSW practicum students).
  • Completion of course work or experience in crisis intervention considered an asset.

Procedure

Please provide the following within your application:

  • Cover letter outlining your interest in a placement here, your qualifications, and previous clinical training/experience.
  • Your CV or resume, including a list of courses taken.
  • Names and contact information of two referees who can attest to your academic/clinical skills and personal attributes.

We review all applications received and consider potential supervisors; decisions may be subject to suitability.  Once your application has been reviewed, we will reach out regarding an interview and offer an opportunity for a site visit.  Students will be notified in writing about the outcome of their application.

Deadlines

We accept applications year-round for students to start in September, January and May. We encourage students to apply as early as possible.  Most typically apply 6 months in advance of placement start dates.

Please email all applications to our Manager, Internship Programs.  For more information or inquiries, please contact:

Shannon Bovey, M.Ed., RP, CCC                                                                                         
Manager, Internship Programs
s.bovey@queensu.ca
613-533-6000, ext. 78034