PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
2013-2014 Doctoral Practicum Training Program
Welcome! Thank you for your interest in the Doctoral Practicum Training Program at the Counseling Center at the University of Cincinnati! Currently, we offer a graduate-level, intermediate practicum training program for counseling and clinical psychology doctoral students. Trainees will gain experience and training in the various activities of a university counseling center including individual counseling, outreach, and consultation. The training program adheres to a developmental model of training; supervision and training activities are tailored to meet the individual developmental needs of the trainees.
Training Mission Statement of the Counseling Center at the University of Cincinnati
The staff (http://www.uc.edu/counseling/about_us/staff.html) at the Counseling Center is dedicated to providing a high quality of service to the campus community of the University of Cincinnati. We also believe in providing the same high standard and quality of training to those students who participate in the Counseling Center’s Doctoral Practicum Training Program. Consistent with UC’s mission statement, the Counseling Center is committed to providing service and training opportunities that advance the academic and personal growth needs of students. The Counseling Center seeks to encourage self-awareness, personal responsibility and healthy interpersonal relationships within a diverse environment. Our staff is dedicated to the education and training of psychologists-in-training, focusing on experience-based learning. Our goal is to provide trainees with the necessary training and experience to help them develop the skills and professional identity requisite to become competent professionals and effective multicultural therapists. Supervisors and other staff will assess the developmental needs of each trainee and work to tailor training activities to meet these needs.
The staff at the counseling center is committed to issues of diversity. Please note that the CC staff and our trainees adhere to the Council of Counseling Psychology Training Programs (CCPTP) Counseling Psychology Model Training Values Statement Addressing Diversity.
The Counseling Center is a department within Student Affairs and Services at the University of Cincinnati. The 2012-2013 CC staff includes 5 senior staff (3 psychologists and 2 clinical counselors), 4 psychology doctoral practicum students, and 5 support staff. The Center is located on the 12th floor of Crosley Tower (http://www.uc.edu/counseling/directions.html) and in May 2013, we will move to a new state-of-the-art building at U Square on Calhoun Street.
Practicum Training Program Components
Our training program offers trainees a full range of experiences found within a university counseling center which includes individual counseling, group counseling, triage, routine and urgent intakes, case consultation, and outreach. Trainees will work 20 hours per week at the Counseling Center. Ten of these hours will be spent conducting clinical (face-to-face) service with an additional 10 hours per week of training, supervision, and administrative tasks. The majority of clinical time is spent providing intakes and individual therapy although we also provide opportunities for trainees to provide Brief Assessment and Consultations (triage) and to co-lead process or support group each semester but we cannot guarantee these latter experiences. Additionally, due to the nature of the academic school semester, trainees’ caseloads do not completely fill until several weeks into the semester and also may decrease during the winter break. Please note that if you plan to park on UC’s campus, you will need to purchase a parking permit. Information about parking rates can be found at: http://www.uc.edu/parking/rates/parking_rates.html. There are other less expensive options available which we will be happy to discuss with you.
Hours and Orientation
Orientation: Trainees will spend 3-4 days during the first week of the program in orientation activities. Dates will be announced but orientation typically begins the week before the Fall semester. During orientation, trainees will familiarize themselves with the center, procedures, and ethical guidelines of the Counseling Center.
Required Work Hours: The Counseling Center is open Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00. The program requires a two-semester commitment starting in August and ending in May. Students accepted to the program will be required to work 20 hours/week over the course of at least three days per week and all students must be available to work on Wednesdays from 10:00-2:00 in order to attend required administrative meetings and training seminars. The center is closed daily from 12:00-1:00; this hour can be used for administrative duties. Trainees are expected to work over finals week and the winter break but may take time off when approved in advance.
Clients and Services
Clients: Trainees are expected to see approximately 7 therapy clients per week, perform 3 routine intakes (including an urgent intake in the Spring semester) per week, and attend all required meetings. All independent sessions will be videotaped with the written consent of clients. Trainees may have opportunities to co-lead groups and participate in Brief Assessment and Consultation (BACs) but these are not guaranteed training experiences.
Outreach: Trainees will be expected to conduct at least three scheduled outreach presentations per semester (total of 6).
Supervision and Case Consultation
Individual Supervision: Trainees will receive two hours/week of individual supervision by a licensed psychologist.
Supervision of Group: Trainees will receive 30 minutes/week of individual supervision from their co-leader.
Case Consultation: Trainees are expected to attend and participate in a one hour case consultation meeting which meets every other week.
Eligibility
We currently have paid positions available for our Doctoral Practicum Training Program. All potential trainees must meet the following requirements to apply for our training program:
1. Currently enrolled in a doctoral-level counseling or clinical psychology program from a regionally accredited institution.
2. Completed a theories or psychotherapy course which includes diagnosis and basic counseling micro-skills training (e.g., reflective listening, open ended questions, empathy).
3. Completed at least one year of a counseling practicum prior to beginning our training program.
4. Be available to work Wednesdays from 10:00-2:00 when most of the center administrative meetings and training seminars are scheduled.
Applicants should submit a cover letter (briefly describing your interest in our site) and a current vita to the Director of Clinical Training (DCT) in your academic department. Your DCT will then forward your application materials to our Training Coordinator, Jennifer Young, Ph.D. at jennifer.young@uc.edu. Applications will be reviewed and selected applicants will be invited to interview with at least two members of the Selection Committee at our center. Interviews usually last approximately 60 minutes. The application deadline is March 1, 2013. There are a limited number of openings for each year's practicum program. If you have any questions regarding the Intermediate Practicum Training Program, please contact Jennifer Young, Ph.D. via email jennifer.young@uc.edu or by phone (513) 556-0648.
We look forward to receiving your application and wish you success in the application process.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Young, Ph.D., Training Coordinator