The goal of the practicum externship at the Counseling Center is to acquire and practice the basic skills of psychotherapy. The program uses clinical supervision and didactic and case-based seminars as the primary means for learning to move from conceptual knowledge to planning and implementing treatment interventions, and to appreciate the ethical significance of the work. The objectives are to integrate theory, technique and self-understanding in ways that are conducive to the overall professional growth of the extern. The CAPS practicum is considered an advanced training practicum and would typically follow two years of applied clinical experiences, including a preceding testing or diagnostics practicum, for graduate students in clinical or counseling psychology.
Externs are commonly in the early formative stages of their professional identity.
Close individual supervision is considered essential for their well-being and development, as well as for their clients. The program seeks to foster a learning climate that is both safe and challenging, in which the complexities of the therapeutic engagement can be analyzed to the mutual benefit of trainees and their clients. Cases are assigned that are not only commensurate with the level of training and experience of the extern, but that will also appropriately stretch his or her emerging capabilities. Practicum Program Structure Practicum externs are typically on-site three days a week, for a minimum total of 20 hours a week. On a weekly basis, externs receive 5.5 hours of training and provide 10-11 hours of direct service.