Counseling Center

Training Opportunities

The Training Program

The focus if the training is the examination of the nature of the counseling relationship and how the client and counselor's life experiences shape the process of counseling. Particular attention is paid to each intern's life experience, learning style, and professional goals as she/he develops counseling proficiencies. The theoretical orientation of the training program lies in our commitment to the inclusive nature of feminist theory and practice. We offer interdisciplinary perspective from the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and social work.

Intern and Practicum Training and Supervision

The Counseling Center offers internships and practicum training in the practice of psychology, social work, and counseling for graduate students who wish to gain supervised experience in a variety of psychological services typically offered in a college counseling center. Our clients represent a range of stages of psychological development, ethnic diversity, and sexual orientation.

Qualifications
The training is open to graduate students in counseling, social work, or psychology. At least one year of supervised training is highly desirable.

Interns and practicum students are expected to spend twenty-four (24) hours per week at the Counseling Center during the academic year, September through May. A typical intern's training experience will include:

  • A case load of ten (10) clients
  • Responsibility for intake assessment
  • Leadership of a structures support or therapy group
  • One hour of individual supervision with a licensed psychologist or social worker
  • One and a half hours of small group supervision
  • Seminars in feminist theory and practice
  • Outreach programming

Post-doctoral fellowship in psychology or post-MSW in social work

The Counseling Center also offers a post-doctoral fellowship in psychology or a post-MSW in social work to those who have not yet been licensed. The fellow is expected to attend the Counseling Center for twenty-four (24) hours per week during the academic year, September to May. The fellowship provides and opportunity for the following:

  • Individual counseling
  • Intake assessment
  • Consultation
  • Supervision
  • Use of community resources for referral and after care
  • Supervision by a licensed psychologist or social worker
  • Participation in an on-call emergency system
  • Participation in seminars on feminist theory and practice
  • Leadership of a structures support or therapy group
  • Outreach programming
  • No stipends are available for these positions

Qualifications
The post-doctoral fellowship is open to candidates who have completed their doctoral degree in psychology or a master's degree in social work but are not yet licensed. Three years of previously supervised training is highly desirable, as is experience with diverse populations.

Application Process

Interns and post-doctoral fellows interested in applying should contact:

Louise Christian, Ed. D., Director of Training
Counseling Center
Simmons College
300 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115

For further information, call (617) 521-2455. The next application cycle begins in January. If interested, please send a cover letter, a resume, and three letters of recommendation to Dr. Christian.