Training

The Training Program:

Interns are involved in a variety of activities designed to:

1. Strengthen basic skills in client assessment and treatment which may include increasing the understanding and application of various theoretical models.

2. Integrate ethical principles and develop professional integrity.

3. Develop a respect for human differences and learn to recognize how these may be manifested in clients.

4. Experience a wide range of role models as examples of how psychologists function in counseling centers and other settings.

The program involves the intern in service activities, training activities, and professional activities. Approximately 75% of the intern's time is spent in professional and service activities with 25% allocated for training activities. Since this program recognizes and honors the individuality of each intern, interns are encouraged to design and develop experiences to meet their individual needs in addition to the core competency requirements. Although we can't guarantee student participation, opportunities exist for the intern to develop outreach programs or therapy groups around such populations and focal issues as substance abuse prevention, LBGT concerns, couples, eating disorders, stress reduction, sexual assault, career development, suicide prevention, intimate relationships, multicultural issues, etc. These are developed through consultation with the Training Director. Interns are required to conduct a minimum of 18 outreach activities during the year.

All interns work a 40 hour week. There is a range of contracted hours for many of the service, training, and professional activities allowing the intern some flexibility (see typical week). The internship is designed as a 2,000 hour training experience to be completed in a full-time, funded capacity over 12 consecutive months.

Interns provide the same variety of clinical and outreach services as permanent staff. They are encouraged to pursue research interests and are allotted four hours for research each week. Additionally, they have two hours each week for professional development which is time allotted for readings in areas that supplement their clinical cases or professional growth. They have access to a computer consultant within the Division and have Dell computers in their offices. Computer accounts give interns access to University Library databases, e-mail, and web access from their offices.

- Intern Seminars

Two hours per week are devoted to professional development training seminars throughout the year. Intern seminar topics vary from year to year, but these core topics are offered every year: professional practice issues, suicide assessment, consultation training, multicultural counseling, LBGT issues, sexual identity, outreach, ethical issues, eating disorders, sexual assault, addictions developmental needs of students, and brief therapy. Other topics may include; psycho-pharmacology, depression, anxiety, couples counseling, EMDR, codependency, men's issues, borderline disorders, hypnosis, relational therapy, sex therapy, and dream work. These presentations are based on the needs and interests of the intern group, and are offered as time allows. Each month one seminar will have a diversity component and one will relate to Holistic Health.

- Assessment

During the fall semester interns will participate in an assessment seminar for 2 hours per week. Interns will receive training in assessment of issues commonly seen in college populations, methodology and instruments used to identify these issues, how to apply DSM IV, and treatment planning. They will be responsible for providing case presentations which incorporate an integrated, culturally appropriate, assessment protocol.

- Supervision of Supervision

Interns will have the opportunity to supervise a doctoral level graduate assistant during the spring semester. The Supervision of Supervision will occur during a two-hour group supervision discussion/case presentation facilitated by the Training Director. Training on models of supervision and preparation for those activities occur during the fall semester.

- Crisis

During the spring semester, the interns will provide crisis coverage for two hours per week. Clients experiencing extreme distress, depression and suicidal ideation may be seen at that time. Direct supervision and support will come from primary supervisors. The interns will also participate in the weekly disposition meeting Clinical Coordination Team (CCT). During the summer sessions, the interns will provide crisis coverage for 4 hours per week, and will participate in the Crisis Assessment Seminar where crisis sessions will be debriefed.

- Holistic Health

This training begins with an overnight retreat where the interns learn a wellness assessment process by using it on themselves, and learn various forms of meditation and self-care. Throughout the year one Intern Seminar per month is devoted to some aspect of Holistic Health Care. Interns will be exposed to evidence-based interventions related to nutrition, exercise, expressive therapies, humor, journaling and rest. During the summer, interns will participate in a seminar where supervision will be provided for selected clients who will be treated with holistic approaches.

- Career Assessment and Counseling

Career work is a very important component in our Center. Interns will be trained in Career Assessment and will provide test interpretation and counseling to clients requesting career services. Interns also teach a career exploration class during spring semester. Supervision for career work is provided through weekly Career Case Review groups.

- Diversity

There are three components to the diversity training provided to the interns. During the Intern Seminars, one session per month is devoted to some area of diversity. The interns are also required to participate in a rotation with the Division of MultiCultural Affairs, where they co-lead a support group for minority students. Finally, each intern is required to develop a diversity portfolio. This will reflect activities the intern engages in during the year to increase their knowledge, skills and personal awareness with two diverse populations of their choosing. The intern will select one racial/ethnic group and one group from another area, such as; religion, physical disabilities, social class, learning disability, gender, sexual identity or sexual orientation. Other areas may be approved by the Training Director. Presentations of the portfolios will occur during Summer I session.

- Health and Wellness Rotation

There are a variety of activities that the intern may choose to participate in including substance abuse screening, health coaching, sexual assault prevention team, or community theater productions that deal with substance abuse, sexual behaviors and diversity issues. All interns plan and provide outreach activities.

- Suicide Prevention Rotation

This rotation provides the opportunity for the intern to participate in suicide prevention training to the campus communities. On-line training and social networking sites compliment face-to-face training activities. Additional social marketing approaches will be developed to reduce the stigma of seeking help.

- Counseling

The University Counseling and Testing Center currently has no fee for counseling services and a session limit based on clinical need. Interns have the opportunity to carry a portion of their caseload as long-term training cases. Interns are encouraged to designate several of their clients for work in a brief therapy framework. Specialized training is provided to assist interns in determining the stage of change that each client presents with and the appropriate methods and lengths of therapy that will be beneficial to the well-being of the client. We operate from a "best practice/evidenced - based" paradigm with a recognition that individual client needs may necessitate creative interventions.

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