Clinical Internship
Program
The Internship Program at Family Service Thames Valley is an opportunity
for clinicians at a Master's level to advance their skills in systemic
therapy. In exchange for providing a minimum of five client interviews
per week interns receive weekly skill-oriented seminars, weekly
one-to-one supervision as well as review of session notes and audio/video tapes of sessions. Internship positions become available in September
and May but resumes may be submitted at any time.
The Couple and Family Therapy Internship Program at Family Service Thames Valley offers advanced clinical training in couple and family therapy to mental health professionals. The Internship Program, a post-degree program, introduces interns to the field of couple and family therapy and offers focused clinical training.
The Internship Program provides an opportunity for clinicians at the Master’s level to advance their skills in working with couples, families and individuals in an environment that promotes innovative and client-centered practices and allows interns to take a ‘hands-on’ approach. An immersion based approach to learning is ideal for adult learners seeking to further their skills.
The Internship Program at Family Service Thames Valley has established a solid reputation for its training program in Couple and Family Therapy and has been a valuable agency and community asset for more than 10 years.
Internship Program Philosophy
Family Service Thames Valley has established a reputation for clinical excellence and community service. The Internship Program at Family Service Thames Valley is committed to the principles of Family Service Thames Valley in preparing couple and family therapists for professional practice in diverse practice settings.
The Family Service Thames Valley Internship Program supports the vision of “self-determined people growing in meaningful, supportive relationships within safe and just communities”. The program promotes professionalism with an emphasis on collaboration and cooperation with other mental health providers and community partners.
The Internship Program is committed to uphold the standards of excellence identified by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. The program uses the Marriage and Family Therapy Core Competencies as guidelines for training. The MFT Core Competencies “define the domains of knowledge and requisite skills in each domain that comprise the practice of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT Core Competencies, December 2004, AAMFT).
Purpose of Internship Program
The purpose of the Internship Program is to provide interns with advanced clinical training in couple, family and individual therapy. The program operates from a systemic perspective. The program aims to provide interns with therapeutic skills, an understanding of relevant therapeutic approaches, increased personal self-awareness, and the capacity to consider individual and systemic barriers to health and well being. Although clinical training is the major emphasis the Internship Program is situated within a philosophical framework dedicated to the principles of collaborative supervision and therapeutic practice.
The Internship Program prides itself on it commitment to excellence in the training of therapists and on its dedication to serving the community. As an integral part of Family Service Thames Valley the Internship Program and its clinical interns assist by providing accessible mental health services as an alternative to the overwhelmed resources in the community sector.
Internship Objectives
The Internship Program at FSTV provides an opportunity for Master Level clinicians:
- To advance clinical training with couples, families and individuals;
- To work towards achieving clinical hours for membership in AAMFT;
- To develop the knowledge and skills necessary to work with couples and families in diverse practice settings;
- To work in a community based agency setting;
- To receive weekly one-to-one supervision with an AAMFT Approved Supervisor or AAMFT Approved Supervisor Candidate; and
- To collaborate with other mental health care providers and community partners.
The Internship Program aims to ensure: (1) that interns comprehend a range of couple, family and individual treatment approaches and their interventions; (2) that interns have knowledge of the AAMFT Core Competency guidelines; (3) that interns demonstrate an understanding and appreciation for the individual needs of clients (gender, age, socioeconomic status, culture/race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, personal history, larger systems issues) and the diverse needs of practice settings; (4) that interns engage with and participate in the resources available at FSTV; (5) that interns develop an approach to professional practice that encourages ongoing self-reflection and consultation; and (6) that interns develop collegial relationships with multiple disciplinary health care providers..
Structure of Internship Program
There are four main vehicles for learning: clinical practice; supervision, seminar participation; and participation in agency life.
Internships
Internships usually start in mid September and last approximately one year (12 months). The time frame has some flexibility and can be negotiated to meet the needs of applicants.
There are 10 Internship positions available in the Internship Program.
Internship Requirements
Interns participating in the Internship Program at FSTV are asked to provide: (1) a minimum of five client interviews per week and; (2) a twelve month commitment to the program.
In addition, interns are expected to attend weekly 2 hour theory and skill oriented seminars, weekly one-to-one clinical supervision, and to provide any additional time required to complete case documentation to agency standards.
Applicant Requirements
Internship positions are offered to individuals who have completed: (1) a Master’s degree in a related discipline; (2) a clinical practicum; (3) graduate level courses in the areas and/or (4) substantiated professional experience in the identified areas.
Academic background, relevant clinical experience and fit between an applicant’s professional goals and interests are also factors which are considered in the selection process.
Application Process
Applications to the Internship Program are accepted throughout the course of the year. Interviews can be scheduled throughout the year. An applicant wait list is maintained.
All applicants are required to submit a letter of interest to the Internship Director. Supporting documents should include: (1) short essay stating applicant’s professional plans and particular interest in the FSTV Internship Program: (2) a current curriculum vitae; (3) copy of graduate degree; and (4) letters of reference from two professionals who can attest to the applicant’s educational background.
An interview with the Director of the Internship Program is part of the Application Process. Other Internship Program faculty and agency staff may participate in the interview and selection process.
Applicants should be aware that a Vulnerable Person’s Check is required. Acceptance into the Internship Program is dependent upon this being secured. Reimbursement for this will be provided contingent upon the intern maintaining status in the program for at least 6 months.
Applications should be forwarded to:
Rhea Lajoie, M.Sc., RMFT
Approved Supervisor, Internship Program Supervisor
Family Service Thames Valley
125 Woodward Avenue, London, Ontario N6H 2H1
*American Association for Marital and Family Therapy |
