Description
This practicum provides opportunities for observing and conducting individual therapy. The treatment approach is cognitive behavioural (CBT) while using motivational interviewing (MI) techniques, as relevant. There is an emphasis on assessment, case conceptualization and treatment planning as well as on progress monitoring. Depending on client needs, you will learn a variety of specific CBT interventions including functional analysis, psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, graduated exposure, behavioural experiments, behavioral activation, problem solving, skills practice, and goal-setting.
Types of Cases
Substance use concerns (mild severity), panic disorder, specific phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression.
Caseload
First year students start with one individual case and are expected to add a second individual in the Spring term.
Supervision Approach
For both group and individual supervision we will collaboratively set an agenda at the start of each session to ensure all essential supervision matters are settled by the end of the session. We will have, at minimum, a 1-hour group supervision meeting and a 1-hour individual supervision meeting each week.
In the group supervision meeting, each student will show a 5minute video of your “worst” or “most challenging” moment. You will also share your supervision questions with the group regarding the case (i.e., what question[s] do you most want answered by the end of our time together). We will then spend the following time in supervision where we discuss and collaboratively problem solve together about the case (e.g. asking questions, giving feedback, suggestions for case conceptualization and further treatment plans). In group supervision there will also be brief didactic lessons (e.g. role plays of certain skills, discussion of readings/video demonstrations and how to apply in session. role plays of certain skills or situations).
In individual supervision, we will focus on more detail on each of your cases, although the format is much the same as group supervision. As mentioned above, we will collaboratively set the agenda together at the start. This agenda may include reviewing and clarifying any remaining questions from your case shown in group supervision. If you have a second and/or third case I expect you to share a video of a similar ‘challenging’ moment for discussion. In individual sessions we may focus on more personal reflections regarding your own emotions and reactions that may be influencing your clinical work (in more or less helpful ways).