ASU Counseling Practicum Training Program

Dear Practicum Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in our advanced training experience for ASU students enrolled in the Master of Counseling, Master of Social Work, and Ph.D. in Psychology graduate programs. Our training program endorses a developmental model of supervision and training, allowing counselor trainees to learn and grow at an optimal pace. To enhance the learning process, the training staff is committed to providing an experience that integrates development of clinical competence and ethical practice with professional growth and development in a safe and caring atmosphere.

We know that the application and decision-making process can be stressful and we would like to provide you with as much information as possible. I will be happy to answer your questions about the training program. I can be contacted by email or by phone at 480.965.6146.

Thank you again for your interest in our Practicum training program!

Sincerely,
Daniel Schulte, Ph.D.
Training Director

Training Philosophy

The staff of C & C is committed to the growth and development of new professionals in the fields of counseling, social work and psychology. As such, we strive to ensure that training is provided in an atmosphere of support and collaboration. Endorsing a developmental model for supervision and training, the Practicum Training Program is designed to allow learning to evolve at an optimal pace. Since practicum students bring with them their own unique competencies, our task is to further refine and build upon these existing skills. We believe that the professional practice of psychotherapy is not simply dependent upon the acquisition of skills; rather, it reflects the synthesis of clinical competence, professional ethics and practice, personal integrity, and compassion. These ideals guide our training and supervision efforts. C&C training staff believe that self-awareness and the ability to continually reflect on one's own personal dynamics are critical to the development of effective professional skills. Towards this aim, trainees may be asked to engage in a process of personal exploration with their supervisors and trainers. In this process, supervisors will encourage trainees to discuss and reflect upon how their experiences, personal qualities, and interpersonal dynamics are related to their professional functioning. Supervisors take care to create a training relationship characterized by trust, safety, and respect. Supervisors also take care to differentiate between therapy and supervision. As such, the focus of the discussion is always directly related to the trainee's professional functioning and development.

Practicum Components

Preliminary orientation and training to introduce students to C & C's mission, programs, operations and procedures.
Weekly practicum seminar that offers support and collegial interaction as well as specific training experiences. In these seminars students also have the opportunity to gain experience in case presentation.
Weekly supervision of clinical work provided by professional staff, including doctoral interns.
Individual and group counseling, intake assessment, and treatment planning.
Brief individual counseling and group counseling.
Provision of outreach presentations.
Monthly attendance and participation in "brown bag" educational presentations for trainees and staff at C&C. Practicum counselors provide one presentation during the year.
Engagement in individualized reading and self-study to supplement professional growth.

Requirements

Counseling and Consultation offers an advanced clinical practicum. A student's readiness for this experience is assessed, in part, based upon the following minimum selection criteria:

Prior supervised practicum experience
Interest in working with a diverse student population

Commitment to providing a minimum of the following for the academic year:

M.C. -- 20 hrs/week
M.S.W. -- 16 hrs/week
Ph.D. -- 16 hrs/week
Commitment to attend and participate in the orientation training, weekly seminar, and monthly "brown bag" educational presentations.

Application Process

The following must be submitted by February 28, 2009.