Advanced Practicum

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The University Counseling Center (CC) offers Advanced Psychology practicum placements for doctoral students in regional training institutions.  These placements are designed for graduate students who are beyond the beginning stages of training and clinical experience, and who are interested in attaining more advanced training within a university counseling center setting.

We seek students who can competently provide initial intake assessment (following in-depth training and supervision) and psychotherapy with a college student client population.  Opportunities for outreach within the university are also available, and trainees are encouraged to attend various trainings and seminars throughout the year. 

There is flexibility in terms of the weekly time commitment for an Advanced Practicum student, but we ask for a minimum of 12 hours per week and usually set a maximum of 20 hours per week.  We ask students to commit to a two-semester experience in order to grasp the full experience of training in a university setting.  Individual supervision with a pre-doctoral intern (who is in-turn supervised by a licensed psychologist) will be provided. 

We view our trainees as a vital part of our counseling center team and we are passionate about the training process.   The training of clinically competent, ethical, self-aware, and culturally sensitive mental health professionals is one of the central missions of the CC.  While members of the training staff represent several theoretical orientations (i.e., humanistic/existential, interpersonal, CBT, feminist, etc.), there is general consensus about the training model and learning atmosphere that we believe is conducive for optimal acquisition and integration of skills and competencies.  We strive to create a challenging, intellectually stimulating, open environment where new ideas can be explored and nurtured.  The staff encourages trainees to assess their professional strengths and deficits and assists them in developing appropriate learning experiences within the parameters of the opportunities offered here. An assumption of the staff is that optimal professional growth occurs when challenge is balanced with support.  The model of training that we have adopted at the UNC Counseling Center is best described as a “developmental apprenticeship” approach.  We aim to meet each trainee where he or she is at, and challenge them appropriately with varying clinical experiences and degrees of autonomy.

The Counseling Center bases all its programs and services, including training, on a philosophy that affirms the dignity of all people.  The Center values pluralism and the opportunity for cross-cultural interactions within the campus community in order to enhance the educational environment for all students, staff, and faculty.  We recognize that no individual is free from all forms of bias and prejudice.  We expect staff and trainees to be committed to the social values of respect for diversity, inclusion and equality.  Both trainers and trainees should demonstrate a willingness to examine their own assumptions, behaviors, and values so that they may work effectively with “cultural, individual, and role differences, including those based on age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, and socioeconomic status” (APA Ethics Code, 2002, Principle E).

Requirements

  • Demonstrate desire to work with college population.
  • Ability to commit at least 12 hours a week.
  • Commitment of 2 semesters (fall and spring).
  • Commitment to attending weekly clinical staff meeting (Tuesdays 8:15-10:00 am)
  • Weekly activities include:
  1. Individual, couples therapy (6 hours)
  2. Individual supervision ( 1 hour)
  3. Weekly clinical meeting (1.75 hours)
  4. Paperwork (2-3 hours)
  5. Intakes (1-2 per week - 1-2 hours)
  • Practicum students may attend optional training's and seminar opportunities throughout the year and may choose to participate in campus outreach opportunities.
  • Practicum students may be called upon to participate in various campus-wide mental health screenings through out the year (i.e., EDAW, National Depression Screening Week, Alcohol Awareness Week, etc.)

How to Apply:

  • Please submit a letter of interest
  • Vita
  • List of 3 references ( At least 1 of whom is familiar with your clinical work)

If selected for an interview, you will join us for a 1/2 hour in person interview.

Please send application to:

University of Northern Colorado, Counseling Center
Attn: Meredith Cohn Shefferman, Ph.D., Training Director
Cassidy Hall, Campus Box 17
Greeley, Colorado 80639

or email to: meredith.Shefferman@unco.edu

If you have questions about our training opportunities, please email or call Dr. Cohn Shefferman. ( 970-351-2496)