Practicum

  • Students complete supervised counseling practicum experiences that total a minimum of 100 clock hours over a full academic term that is a minimum of 10 weeks.
  • Practicum students complete at least 40 clock hours of direct service with actual clients that contributes to the development of counseling skills.
  • Practicum students have weekly interaction with supervisors that averages one hour per week of individual and/or triadic supervision throughout the practicum by
    • a counselor education program faculty member,
    • a student supervisor who is under the supervision of a counselor education program faculty member, or
    • a site supervisor who is working in consultation on a regular schedule with a counselor education program faculty member in accordance with the supervision agreement.
  • Practicum students participate in an average of 1½ hours per week of group supervision on a regular schedule throughout the practicum. Group supervision must be provided by a counselor education program faculty member or a student supervisor who is under the supervision of a counselor education program faculty member.

Supervised clinical experiences in a rehabilitation and/or counseling/clinical setting are required for all students. Clinical practice provides an opportunity for all Practicum students to develop techniques and skills in connection with the total rehabilitation and counseling process. It gives the Practicum student an opportunity to apply theory to the practice of rehabilitation and mental health counseling.

The following objectives are appropriate for all Practicum students and should be achieved by students enrolled in a Supervised Clinical Experience. Achievement of these objectives is important for the development of rehabilitation and mental health counselors. Through the Practicum you will:

  1. Apply and test academic/theoretical knowledge in a rehabilitation and/or clinical setting
  2. Be evaluated throughout your Practicum experience by both your site and faculty supervisor through formative and summative processes
  3. Experience the realities of the therapeutic relationship and the part that self-understanding plays in this relationship
  4. Develop confidence in your ability (knowledge and skills) in an environment that provides consistent and appropriate feedback necessary for maximum professional growth and development
  5. Demonstrate high standards of professional ethics (e.g., ACA and CRCC), apply appropriate legal principles, and utilize ethical decision-making skills in resolving ethical dilemmas
  6. Develop an appropriate professional identity
  7. Be supervised using audio/visual recordings and/or live supervision modalities throughout your Practicum experience
  8. Acquire an understanding of facility structure, protocol, processes, as well as intra- and interagency working relationships
  9. Demonstrate the satisfactory practice of rehabilitation and mental health counseling with individuals, groups, and/or families by some combination of the following:
    a. Conducting individual counseling sessions
    b. Developing and maintaining a counseling relationship
    c. Establishing individual goals and objectives of counseling
    d. Assisting an individual with crisis resolution
    e. Facilitating an individual's independent decision-making and personal responsibility
    f. Conducting group counseling sessions
    g. Treatment or service planning (including individual employment plans)
    h. Clinical documentation
    i. Assessment
  10. Demonstrate new learning through participation in Practicum (this is applicable to students who are completing Practicum in an already established work position).