Doctoral Psychology Practicum in
Contemporary Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
I am offering a unique training experience in the practice of relational psychotherapy. The practicum is a paid position for those with an LPC or other clinical mental health license (or who are eligible to obtain such a license and do so prior to start). My training model focuses on developing foundational psychotherapy skills through three primary methods: (1) experience practicing psychodynamic psychotherapy (including opportunities for group or couple psychotherapy if desired), (2) twice-weekly supervision, and (3) education in contemporary psychodynamic theory and practice. The practicum is two-years with an option of reduced hours in the second year. A two-year commitment offers more time for working on complex psychological problems that are less likely to be adequately addressed in a brief or more time-limited treatment. You will keep a caseload of 6-10 patients. You will have option of seeing patients twice per week if clinically indicated and agreed upon by the patient.
Supervision
Another unique feature of this practicum is having supervision twice weekly. I see supervision as a relationship focused on helping you develop your “psychological mindedness” – that is, your capacity to think about your patient’s and your own mind and the meeting of these minds within the therapeutic encounter. Two hours of supervision per week allows enough time to reflect on clinical material, think about and apply theory, and discuss professional development.
Psychodynamic Training & Study
An important part of working toward mastery as a psychotherapist is continuously learning how to think about and practice psychotherapy. We’ll work together to identify psychoanalytic writings, lectures, podcasts, and clinical videos for you to read/listen/watch during your practicum. We will meet for an additional 1-2 hours monthly for further training in psychodynamic theory and practice and to explore clinical/theoretical topics of interest to you.
Eligibility and Application
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Any counseling or clinical psychology doctoral student (PhD or PsyD) with at least one prior psychotherapy training experience (masters or doctoral level) is eligible to apply.
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No prior experience or training in psychodynamic psychotherapy is necessary; however, curiosity and interest in psychodynamic theory and practice is required.
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Student must be able to attend practicum on Tuesday and Thursdays. Some flexibility on this may be possible on a case-by-case basis.
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In order to be compensated, you must have your LPC (provisional counseling license) in the state of Illinois, another clinical mental health license (e.g., LSW, LCSW, LCPC), or be able to obtain such a license prior to start of the practicum. This allows for you to bill insurance under my license.
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If you do not have a clinical license and are not eligible to obtain one, you are still welcome to apply, but the practicum will be unpaid.
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To apply, please submit the form below and include your CV and a brief statement (1-2 paragraphs) indicating your interest in the practicum.
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Applications due January 1, 2023. Interviews will occur in late January. Practicum will begin in fall of 2023 (specific start date negotiable).