Goals of the Internship

The goal of the Internship at the Counseling Center is to prepare students in the final stages of their doctoral training to function broadly, competently, and responsibly as professional psychologists. The program is intended to provide the opportunity to establish and refine general skills fundamental to the practice of clinical and counseling psychology and applicable to a wide variety of professional settings.

The training follows a developmental model with extensive and intensive experiences to promote the progression of the Interns psychological skills, perspectives, and professional identity.

There are nine overall training competencies organized across three developmental goals which define the internship. Each competency is assessed by a range of training elements that will be used to evaluate interns at the mid-point and completion of their internships. The goal is the internship is for interns to perform at the intermediate to advanced level of functioning across each of these competencies and aims by the end of internship.

Through a broad range of training activities, the program endeavors to:

Goals

1. Develop the clinical and empirical knowledge and skills required for entry into professional practice in psychology by:

  • Developing competencies in Research: expand theoretical and empirical knowledge base as it relates to addressing diversity; apply research literature to clinical decision-making; critically evaluate and disseminate research.
  • Developing competencies in Assessment:  understand and apply current knowledge in the assessment and diagnostic process, informing case conceptualization, classification and recommendations, with understanding of context.
  • Developing competencies in Intervention: conduct evidence-based clinical interventions across therapeutic modalities including individual and group psychotherapies.
  • Developing competencies in Consultation and Interprofessional/Interdisciplinary Skills: demonstrate knowledge and skills to perform consultation and outreach within the University
  • Developing competencies in the provision of Supervision: demonstrate knowledge and skills through supervision of a psychology trainee

2. Develop awareness, knowledge, sensitivity, and skills in providing culturally competent professional psychological services to diverse individuals and groups by:

  • Developing competencies in Individual and Cultural Diversity:  demonstrate understanding of one’s own personal/cultural history, attitudes and biases and their impact; integrate awareness and knowledge of individual and cultural differences in all professional conduct; work effectively with a range of diverse individuals and groups.

3. Develop a professional identity based on legal, ethical, and professional standards by:

  • Developing competencies in Ethical and Legal Standards: demonstrate ethical decision-making and conduct consistent with ethical and legal standards.
  • Developing competencies in Communication and Interpersonal Skills: communicate effectively in verbal, nonverbal and written communications; develop and maintain effective relationships.
  • Developing competencies in Professional Values, Attitudes, and Behaviors: adhere to professional values with integrity, engage in self reflection and lifelong learning, respond professionally in increasingly complex situations with a greater degree of independence.

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In summary, Interns are expected to deepen their sense of professional commitment by functioning cooperatively and creatively in a multifaceted mental health and student development system within a campus community. The objectives are both to become proficient in the delivery of psychological services and to incorporate the personal and professional qualities necessary to participate effectively as a psychological practitioner in an organizational setting.

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