About the Training Program

A valued activity at CTS is supervising and training student clinicians, as they develop and refine clinical skills and form as they professional identities. We currently accept 3rd year students from the University of North Texas Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program.  Students in this program can also apply for 4th year+ general or specialized rotation practicum experiences.  We also accept internship applicants through an application process from the University of North Texas Counseling Master's Program and Rehabilitation Counseling Master's Program. 

NOTE - IF YOU HAVE BEEN A CLIENT AT COUNSELING AND TESTING SERVICES IN THE PAST, YOU MAY NOT ELIGIBLE TO COMPLETE A PRACTICUM OR INTERNSHIP.

 

Deliberate Practice

Our training program is influenced by the principals of “deliberate practice” (Love, Davis, & Callahan 2016) as well as the Integrated Developmental, Discrimination Model, and Systems approach to supervision in which the role of supervisor, the role of the supervisee, training tasks, and contextual factors are flexible to the needs of the student clinician. Supervision is a mutually valued and growth-fostering experience; a crucial component to our training program.
 
Clients are matched with trainee's level of experience; increase in client load or case severity will be made incrementally with the guidance of supervision. In order to be more deliberate and intentional, both supervisor and trainee will be allotted “protected time” to tend to administrative and supervision needs. This time may include reviewing video recordings, reviewing clinical notes, live supervision, case review, and research or consultation to achieve multicultural competency. 
 
 

Areas of Focus

Training areas of focus will include: Clinical and case conceptualization skills, Professional Documentation, Multidisciplinary collaboration, Professional identity development, & Multicultural Competency. We also strive to be intentional regarding issues of diversity and multicultural competencies.  As part of our dedication to competent multicultural counseling, we attempt to help trainees develop an understanding of their own personal diversity and how this may impact therapy when working with diverse populations.  We encourage trainees to develop an openness and “curiosity” toward learning about cultural differences and be able to comfortably address cultural issues with their clients and supervisors. 
 

Advanced Externship Information

  

Training Mission Statement

At UNT Counseling & Testing Services we strive for intentionality; to be deliberate in our training and clinical practice. We are here to help and serve the UNT community, which includes our practicum interns. Our deliberate practice includes observation of clinical practice, goal-setting, skills training, feedback, continuous assessment, experiential learning, and reflection.  We are dedicated to offering a positive training experience in which the student leaves the program with a broader range of clinical skills, a greater understanding of their professional identity, and with a readiness for the next phase in their training development. 
 
 

Training Activities for General Practicums and Internships (Examples)

 

Direct service activities
Indirect service activities
 - Individual therapy
 - Outreach programming
 - Initial consultation sessions
 - Group therapy / weekly workshops (if available)
 - Individual supervision
 - Didactic seminars
 - Consultation with staff and colleagues
 - Supervision of group therapy (if available)
 - Administration (e.g., note writing)

 

Application Process for External Applicants -  (We are no longer taking applications for 2023-2024)

Please email the following information and forms to Dr. Arlene Rivero (Arlene.rivero@unt.edu).

  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. Cover letter describing your fit with our training model and program, reasons for applying, and your goals for the training year
    • If applying for a rotation/s, please include in the cover letter or as an additional attachment a detailed description of past/current experiences working with the topic or population
  4. Readiness for Training Program Form, to be completed by your training director, advisor, or professor who has supervised your clinical work
 
Upon acceptance, trainees will undergo a background check and the following must be submitted:
  2. Proof of clinical liability insurance