Training

Advanced Practicum Training for Doctoral Psychology Students

ABOUT PROVIDENCE COLLEGE:

Providence College is Catholic, Dominican, liberal arts institution of higher education located in Providence, Rhode Island (55 miles south of Boston, 70 miles southeast of Hartford).  Committed to fostering academic excellence through the sciences and humanities, the College provides a variety of opportunities for intellectual, social, moral, and spiritual growth in a supportive environment. PC was rated #1 in the 2023 U.S. News Best Colleges (Regional Universities — North)

Approximately 4,000 undergraduate students.  PC aims to work equitably and thoughtfully to strengthen the experiences of students who identify as members of BIPOC communities.  20% of undergraduates are people of color.  Over 500+ are first generation students. 

The Friars compete in 8 men’s and 11 women’s varsity sports, all at the Division I level, with membership in the NCAA, the BIG EAST Conference, and the HOCKEY EAST Association.

ABOUT THE COUNSELING CENTER:

The Personal Counseling Center is a highly utilized department within the Division of Student Affairs. We see 25% of the students on campus, 18% of the Division1 Student-Athletes on campus, and saw 48% of the last graduating class at some point during their four years at the College. We have a staff of: 5 Licensed Psychologists, 4 Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers, 2 Licensed Mental Health Counselors, 1 Board Certified Psychiatrist, and 2 annual Advanced Practicum Trainees.  Clinical Counselors at the PCC have specialized roles in Sport Psychology, Substance use and Multicultural identities.

At The Personal Counseling Center, we seek to foster an environment that affirms diversity, by promoting awareness, safety, and respect for the dignity of all. As clinicians, we serve people of all races, color, size, gender, sexual orientation, SES, nationality, religion, spirituality and ability.

ABOUT THE PRACTICUM:

The overarching goal of the advanced practicum program is to train multiculturally competent, socially just, ethical and compassionate future psychologists.

Pre-Doctoral psychology students are trained in clinical assessment, individual/group therapy, crisis intervention and outreach. Trainees spend approximately 50% of their time in service related activities and receive 2 hours of supervision. In addition, trainees will receive didactic training and participate in a weekly clinical case meeting with the full staff.

Our Counseling Center does not have a waiting list or session limits, giving trainees the opportunity to engage in both short term and long term individual counseling with clients. Practicum trainees have additional opportunities to co-facilitate groups with full-time staff members. Previous practicum trainees have participated in substance use groups, BIPOC support groups, and CBT skills based groups.

UNIQUE COMPONENTS OF THE PROGRAM:

There are two psychology practicum training tracks: General college counseling and Student-Athlete Psychological Services.  Each track includes a variety of clinical experiences including: diversity, gender and sexuality, identity, trauma, sport, substance use, body image and eating disorders, mood/anxiety disorders, spirituality, group, etc.

The Counseling Center has a strong relationship with Athletics. Previous practicum trainees have observed practices, and provided workshops to athletes and consultation to coaches and trainers. Our Psychologist for Student Athletes serves as the primary supervisor for our sports track intern and is also available for consultation for our general track intern.

Further unique opportunities include working with student organizations on campus. Previous trainees have consulted and collaborated for programing with the multicultural center (Center at Moore Hall), Residence Life, Active Minds, and SHEPARD, our LGBTQIA+ student organization.

TIME COMMITMENT:

FUNDING:

The position comes with a $5,000 stipend.

HOW TO APPLY:

Email a CV, Cover Letter, and 3 letters of recommendation to Dr. Susanne Danish, at: sdanish@providence.edu

MESSAGE FROM THE TRAINING DIRECTOR:

 Our first question to an incoming trainee is: “What experiences don’t you have?” We want to make sure someone who comes to train at our Counseling Center can gain knowledge and skills in an area where they feel they are lacking, so they can fully prepare themselves for what’s next (e.g. internship). We also want our advanced practicum trainees to embrace their current skill sets and passions. We view supervision as flexible with part of the time dedicated to clinical case conceptualization and other time dedicated to professional development discussions about topics that can range from internship applications, to dissertation, to the EPPP & licensure, to the job search.

 We take our training program seriously. Advanced Practicum Trainees are viewed as just as important in terms of a time commitment as clients are. That said, we are a very lighthearted staff. We get along well, have a casual atmosphere, and support each other in any and all ways possible.