Graduate Clinical Training Program Goals
The training at Counseling Services is designed to be a practical, pragmatic training for graduate students in the core functions of a counselor or social worker in a college counseling center. Trainees have the opportunity to participate in a full range of activities engaged in by Counseling Services staff, including individual and group psychotherapy, crisis intervention and risk assessment, outreach program development/presentation, consultation, and case management. The development of the trainee’s identity as a counselor or social worker is an important part of the training experience. Aspects of that identity that are stressed include ethical awareness, appreciation of group and individual differences, multicultural awareness, and development of one's personal style as a professional.
All aspects of the training program are designed to facilitate the goals of the training year. Through in-service trainings, the trainee's knowledge base is broadened in specific topical and theoretical areas relating to brief treatment in a college setting. This may include education about eating disorders, self-injury, LGBTQ theory and practice, DBT, CBT, or other modalities. Through the case conference and clinical team meetings, trainees refine their skills in succinctly presenting complex cases. In group supervision, trainees practice personal reflection, learn to be effective peer supervisors, and develop as group members.
Advanced Practicum
Counseling Services offers a variety of unpaid training opportunities to advanced practicum level students. We typically have two positions available each academic year, beginning in late August and ending in mid-May. Students in psychology must be in their second year or above of a doctoral program in clinical or counseling psychology by Fall 2025. Social work and MA students must be in their second year of their programs. Students may elect to be on site 24 hours/3 days per week (800 hours) or 32 hours/4 days per week (960 hours). Wednesdays are required so that trainees can attend clinical team meetings and other training activities. Applicants must have at least one year of supervised clinical experience conducting individual therapy with an adolescent or adult population.
Application
To apply please email a resume, cover letter, 3 letters of recommendation, and transcript (unofficial is accepted) to counselingtraining [at] emerson.edu (counselingtraining[at]emerson[dot]edu). The last day applications will be accepted is January 6, 2026.