Internships at The Maple Counseling Center

One of the primary missions of the Center is the training of pre- and postdoctoral Psychology, Marriage and Family Counseling, and Social Work interns. All are trained in brief and long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy. The program offers a diverse client and clinical experience. There is intensive and extensive supervision and training to prepare interns for their profession. Internships are available for Social Work (MSW), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), and pre- and postdoctoral candidates.

Requirements

There is a minimum requirement of a one-year commitment to the program. In addition, participation in individual and group supervision is provided along with ongoing training.

MSW and MFT intern applications are accepted yearly in January through March, doctoral application deadlines are in early December. Prospective interns may contact (310) 271-9999 x1700 to be connected to the voicemail extension that provides the appropriate information. All applications are reviewed and students are then invited to be interviewed.

Internships begin annually in September and finish at the end of August (except for MSWs). MSW and MFT internships are 18 to 20 hours per week; predoctoral internships are full or half-time. All interns are required to see clients one evening per week and to commit some hours on Friday and/or Saturday.

Training Program

The training program is designed to evaluate and enhance competency levels in clinical knowledge, skills, and judgment. Interns receive weekly supervision by highly qualified clinical staff, as well as opportunities to further refine existing ideas and skills. Structurally, the internships are designed to provide a comprehensive, organized sequence of training and direct clinical experience. Interns who are interested in working with children and adolescents will have the opportunity to work in the local school district. Interns are required to master the administrative aspects of the Center.

The core program consists of:

  • Individual and Group Supervision
  • Counseling Individuals
  • Counseling Couples and Families
  • Co-facilitating Group Psychotherapy
  • Crisis Intervention and Hotline Rotation
  • Weekly Educational Seminars

The Center offers seminars and training in theory, techniques, and applied interventions, including:

  • Diagnostic Assessment
  • Psychotropic Medication
  • Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
  • Object Relations and Self Psychology
  • Family and Couple Therapy
  • Group Psychotherapy
  • Ethical and Legal Issues

Interns are required to attend weekly training seminars on Mondays. These seminars are designed to educate interns about theoretical and practical information relevant to various areas of intervention. Seminars are also an opportunity for interns to discuss topics of interest for their professional development. Examples of topics include: basics of psychodynamic therapy, crisis intervention, transference and counter transference, interpretation in psychotherapy, legal and ethical issues, multicultural issues, self-disclosure, the mental status examination, short-term therapy, couples and family therapy, and the memory in therapy. The Family, Adolescent and Child Training Program offers a weekly, ten-month training on theoretical and clinical applications when working with children and adolescents. These seminars and workshops are open to all interns. The presenters are seasoned professionals from local universities, psychoanalytic institutes, and TMCC staff.

Theoretical Orientation

The theoretical orientation of TMCC encompasses contemporary psychodynamic, existential, family systems, and crisis intervention. A wide range of psychodynamic models guides the clinical practice at the Center. The Center's educative program includes the core of psychodynamic theory and technique that has evolved over the years. Recent developments, which have expanded the theory of object relations, self- and intersubjective psychologies, and crisis intervention, are presented to enlarge the range of clinical techniques. Interns are taught and encouraged to think of alternative approaches to formulating treatment plans and interventions for each case.

Supervision

Interns will participate in weekly individual and group supervision in a variety of treatment settings. The minimum amount of supervision that the intern receives is based upon licensing requirements. For each modality in which the intern participates, there is required additional training and supervision. Interns present their cases verbally, and are required to video and/or audiotape selected clients for supervisory purposes. It is understood that growth occurs in the context of close effective supervision, coupled with the intern's freedom to experiment and develop a sense of independence and competence. The Center supports ongoing exchange between supervisee and supervisor, and is open to examination and modification of clinical programs and procedures to meet changing needs.

The Maple Counseling Center Staff
The Center is a highly respected and sought after training facility for mental health interns. The Center is staffed by licensed professionals and a highly dedicated administrative staff. Supervision and training are presented by the Center's multidisciplinary staff of licensed professionals from the fields of Psychology, Social Work, and Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling. Like those at a fine teaching hospital, the clinical staff keeps abreast of the latest developments in their fields and strives to be excellent instructors. They are known for their accessibility to interns and the individual care they give. Supervisors have a great deal of clinical experience from their own private practices and training as supervisors.

Qualifications and Application

Predoctoral Psychology students are eligible for application after completion of a
one-year practicum experience and if enrolled in an accredited program. Applications are accepted through APPIC. If all positions are not filled through APPIC, CAPIC applications will be accepted.

MFT and MSW intern applicants must be enrolled in an accredited program and applications must include:

  • A letter stating current goals and professional aspirations.
  • A current curriculum vitae.
  • Two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the candidate’s academic or clinical background.
  • A letter that you are in “good standing” if you are still in graduate school or a transcript from graduate school if you have completed your M.A. and are applying for an internship.

For all intern candidates, an interview with a TMCC staff member will be part of the selection process. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance or rejection in accordance with the standard practices of "internship offers and acceptance." The Center adheres to the time, dates, and procedures required by those policies.