Practicum Training in Counseling and Clinical Psychology

Thomas E. Cook Counseling Center offers a two semester graduate practicum program. This is an excellent opportunity for clinical experience within a university counseling center and to gain skill in individual and group therapy with a college population.

The primary focus of Practicum I (Group) and Practicum II (Individual) at the Cook Counseling Center (CCC) is on the development of clinical skills, however, there may be opportunity to gain experience in other aspects of college counseling practice such as outreach. Practicum II doctoral students are expected to be on-site for a minimum of 10 hours per week. Practicum I students must complete a minimum of 5 hours per week.

To meet the training objectives, Practicum I students will be involved in a minimum of 1 group per semester. Requirements for Practicum I students include either process-observation or co-leading a group, and recording group therapy case notes. Practicum I students are also required to participate in a 2 hour per week group supervision meeting led by a licensed clinical psychologist, and additional informal supervision from their group co-leader.

Practicum II doctoral trainees will see 5 to 7 clients per week (master’s trainees may have a larger time commitment and caseload expectation as required by their academic departments) and/or co-facilitate a therapy group, and complete progress notes for all cases and groups over the course of one academic year. Optional activities may include opportunities for consultation and outreach with student groups or faculty. If a Practicum II student elects to be involved in groups, participation in Supervision of Groups is required in addition to their minimum hours. Practicum II students receive one hour of individual supervision per week with a Doctoral Psychology Intern, as well as 2 hours per week of group supervision co-led by a licensed clinical psychologist and a licensed professional counselor. Supervision sessions primarily consist of video and case review, as well as relevant discussion of theoretical and professional issues.

 

Application Process

Required materials include: 

  1. Practicum Application Form (click to download PDF)
  2. Current vita
  3. Letter of interest / Personal statement – include professional goals
  4. Practicum Readiness Form (included in above application) - must be completed by a previous clinical supervisor and may be returned in a sealed envelope to the applicant or sent directly to our site

There is no official deadline - applicants will be considered until all positions are filled. However, we would like to have applications by April 15 to allow time for review and interview prior to the end of the Spring semester.

Submit Applications or Inquiries to :

Cathye Griffin Betzel, Psy.D.
Director of Training
Thomas E. Cook Counseling Center
240 McComas Hall
Blacksburg, VA  24061-0108

(540) 231-6557
cbetzel@vt.ed