Graduate Student Clinical Supervision for Practicum & Internship
I provide clinical supervision for graduate counseling students completing practicum or internship and developing their skills as beginning clinicians. Supervision is designed to support the transition from learning counseling concepts in the classroom to applying them thoughtfully and responsibly with clients.
I use the Integrated Developmental Model (IDM) to guide supervision and support your professional growth. This model recognizes that counselors develop over time and that supervision needs change as experience, confidence, clinical judgment, and professional identity develop.
Through reflective dialogue, skill development, case discussion, and supportive feedback, supervision provides space to ask questions, examine clinical decisions, develop greater self-awareness, and gradually take on greater responsibility as a clinician.
Who This Supervision Is For?
Graduate student supervision is intended for students enrolled in a counseling or related clinical graduate program who are preparing to complete or are currently completing practicum or internship. Because university requirements vary, supervision arrangements are reviewed individually to determine whether the placement and supervision structure meet the requirements of your graduate program.
Areas of Focus in Supervision
Supervision may include attention to the following areas, based on your developmental level and practicum/internship requirements:
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Clinical Interventions and Skill Development
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Client Assessment
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Interpersonal Process and Use of Self
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Case Conceptualization
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Diversity and Cultural Responsiveness
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Integration of Counseling Theory
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Treatment Planning, Goals, and Documentation
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Professional Ethics and Professional Development
The balance of structure, guidance, and autonomy will shift over time as your competence and confidence increase.
What to Expect During Practicum or Internship
Graduate students are not expected to enter practicum or internship as fully developed clinicians. Supervision provides a structured setting for learning how to translate counseling theory into clinical practice while gradually developing greater independence and professional responsibility.
Depending on your stage of training and clinical work, supervision may include case conceptualization, review of clinical documentation, discussion of treatment planning, examination of ethical questions, reflection on your responses to clients, and review of counseling skills. When appropriate, recordings or direct examples from clinical work may be used to support skill development and reflective practice.
Questions, uncertainty, and mistakes are expected parts of clinical development. The purpose of supervision is not simply to determine whether you are performing correctly. It is to help you understand your clinical decisions, recognize areas for continued development, and become increasingly intentional in your work with clients.
Opportunities for Play Therapy Development
Graduate students interested in working with children may also have opportunities to develop foundational knowledge and skills in play therapy. Supervision may include discussion of child development, therapeutic play, play themes, the therapeutic relationship, developmentally responsive interventions, and the use of play as a means of communication.
Students interested in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) may receive additional supervision and guidance in developing foundational CCPT skills consistent with their level of training and clinical experience.
For graduate students who are interested in eventually pursuing the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) or School-Based Registered Play Therapist (SB-RPT) credential, practicum or internship can also provide an opportunity to begin developing the knowledge, skills, and clinical foundation that support continued development in play therapy after graduation.
Required Readings and Professional Development
Graduate students complete selected readings throughout practicum and internship to support their clinical and professional development. Readings are chosen to complement supervision and may address counseling skills, case conceptualization, ethical practice, child development, play therapy, the therapeutic relationship, and other areas relevant to the student’s clinical work.
The purpose of these readings is not simply to add academic work to the practicum or internship experience. They provide a foundation for supervision discussions and help students connect research and theory with what they are observing and experiencing in their clinical work.
Required readings may vary based on the student’s stage of development, clinical responsibilities, and areas identified for further growth.
View the Required Supervisee Readings
Supervision Fee
There is no fee for clinical supervision for graduate students completing their practicum or internship with me.
Getting Started
If you are interested in completing your counseling practicum or internship with me, contact me to discuss your graduate program, placement requirements, clinical interests, and current stage of training.
Email: jamie@counselor.hush.com
Phone: 618-631-2683
Prior to your first supervision session, please download and complete the "Supervision Agreement." You may email the completed form to me in advance or bring it with you to your first meeting. The form may also be completed in person at my office.
You are also encouraged to review the following documents:
These materials provide additional information about my background, supervisory approach, and what to expect during your practicum or internship experience.