Graduate Training Program

We invite you to review the following information about our graduate training program and application process. If you have questions, please feel free to contact the Counseling Center at 508-286-3905 for additional information.

Program Goals

The Wheaton College Counseling Center offers unpaid clinical training placements for Master’s-level students in Mental Health Counseling and Social Work, as well as first and second-year PsyD students. Training is aimed at developing each trainee’s clinical skills and professional competencies. Specific goals of the graduate training program include:

• gaining experience and skill building therapeutic relationships with a diverse range of clients
• increased skills of completing comprehensive intake assessments
• increased ability to make appropriate treatment recommendations and formulate treatment plans
• gaining skills related to case conceptualization and presentation
• developing the ability to implement a variety of therapeutic interventions
• increased ability to effectively terminate with clients
• increased ability to make treatment referrals, as appropriate, and developing case management skills
• developing the skills to effectively use individual and group clinical supervision

Training and Supervision Components

Individual and group supervision are main components of the training experience at the Wheaton College Counseling Center. Each trainee is assigned an individual clinical supervisor with whom the trainee will meet with weekly.

Trainees also participate in a weekly group supervision meeting, which combines both didactic elements and case review/consultation. Each week trainees will be provided with readings or exercises to complete, which will be the focus of the group supervision. The fall semester focuses on the beginning stages of therapy, while the spring semester focuses more on clinical issues specific to the college-aged population.

Furthermore, to support trainees in achieving the stated clinical and professional goals, supervisors and the Assistant Director of Counseling work closely with a trainee’s academic program, as needed.

Trainee Clinical Duties and Responsibilities

Trainees have the opportunity to work with traditionally aged college students (18-22 years old).  Just under 1800 students attend Wheaton College, and as of Fall 2019, 38 states and 58 countries were represented by students on campus. Wheaton College values and embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and the Counseling Center works from a social justice framework to provide services to students.

As the Wheaton College Counseling Center offers short term, solution focused counseling to currently enrolled students, trainees predominantly provide intake assessments and brief individual counseling. Trainees may also co-facilitate a counseling group with a licensed staff member, depending on the Wheaton student population’s needs and/or the trainee’s interest. Trainees may also shadow or co-facilitate emergency crisis assessments with a licensed staff member. As time permits and opportunities arise, trainees may either offer or participate in outreach and educational opportunities offered through the Counseling Center and Health Services Offices.

Application Process

• Application Deadline: January 3, 2025 (submission of applications prior to this date allows for greater flexibility when scheduling interviews)

• Application Materials: Letter of Interest, Resume, and 3 letters of recommendation (letters of recommendation are requested from individuals who have overseen your academic and practical knowledge and skill related to your program – such as faculty, internship supervisors or possible former employers if within the field of mental health). If obtaining 3 letters of recommendation is a challenge, please reach out to us to discuss your individual situation.

• Application Process: Applications may be sent to the Assistant Director of Counseling & Training Director, Carly Ladd, LMHC at [email protected].

Please note that the Wheaton College Counseling Center does not offer pre-internship practicum. Any pre-internship requirements, (i.e Masters level 100 hour practicum) are the responsibility of the graduate level trainee to complete prior to starting their internship at the Wheaton College Counseling Center. You may contact the Counseling Center at 508-286-3905 with any questions.

Interview Process

All considered applicants will be invited for an interview at the Wheaton College Counseling Center. Interviews will occur during the months of January and February.