Counseling Center

Predoctoral Internship in Professional Psychology

Orientation

For the first month, interns are given an on-going orientation to the University at large as well as the Counseling Center. University orientation activities are designed to familiarize each intern with the overall structure and functioning of the University, its services, and resources. Interns are introduced to faculty and staff members in various administrative positions throughout campus, provided with information about the system and its operation, given a description of various campus offices and departments, and learn how these interrelate with one another and with the Counseling Center.

Within the Counseling Center, interns attend meetings with each program coordinator (e.g. research, outreach and consultation, clinical services) to familiarize themselves with various services and training components of the Center's programming. In addition, several workshops are offered during this period to offer intensive training on special topics including career development, substance abuse counseling, outreach and consultation, and psychotropic medications. Meetings with individual staff members are held to acquaint interns and staff with one another. Interns choose their primary supervisor and begin the supervisory process. Career development supervision also begins at this time. Interns are encouraged to seek out staff and observe intake appointments to become familiar with this procedure. Individual contracts are established with each intern and individual weekly schedules are set. Time during the orientation period can be used to prepare for the impending semester's activities and programs. Whenever possible, a meeting of "intern-to-intern" takes place, during which previous interns share information, perceptions, and historical artifacts with new interns. Finally, interns are oriented to office practices and policies, scheduling of appointments, referrals, and general "housekeeping." All of the above are scheduled to be beneficial for the interns' adaptation to this new environment.