The Training Program, Part 1:  Philosophy and Goals . . .

1. Philosophy and Training Model
The Grand Valley State University Internship program reflects the philosophy that the internship year is a pivotal time for a professional psychologist to expand clincial and consulting skills.  The program is developmentally-based and is designed to provide both support and challenge for the interns.  Interns are encouraged and expected to become activiely involved in Center activities, including individual and group counseling, assessment, crisis intervention, outreach and consultation, research, and administrative functions.  The internship program seeks to provide a training environment which will allow the interns to be well prepared for employment in a university counseling center or any setting requiring similar skills.

The Counseling and Career Development Center utilizes the University Community Model:  A Developmental Model of Embeddedness, Interdependence, Independence, and Evolution.  This is a systems approach of being embedded, interdependent, and independent within the university community.  The Center is considered to be an integral part of the University as manifested through the roles assumed and relationships developed by senior staff, interns, and the training program within the university community.  The fourth component of this model, evolution, insures that interns are prepared for the many challenges and changes in the profession of psychology.

2. Goal & Objective I - Embeddedness
    Objectives: 
     1. To integrate into the University community.
     2. To develop skills in consultation and outreach.

3. Goal II - Interdependence
    Objectives: 
    1. To develop appreciation and skills for collaboration with other professionals.    
    2. To develop ability to effectively utilize supervision to enhance professional development.
    3. To develop multicultural/diversity awareness and clinical skills.

4. Goal III - Developmental Independence
    Objectives:
    1. To increase knowledge and application of appropriate professional and ethical standards.
    2. To develop competency in case conceptualization and clinical assessments.
    3. To develop therapy skills and knowledge of clinical theories.
    4. To develop competency in clinical documentation.
    5.  To develop knowledge and skills in the area of career counseling and development.
    6. To develop crisis intervention skills.
    7. To develop supervision and administration skills.
 **8.  To develop skills in group therapy.

5. Goal IV - Evolution
    Objectives:
    1. To develop competency in integrating science and scholarly knowledge into practice.
    2. To develop capacity to do evaluation and research.
    3. To develop capacity for self-reflection and self-evaluation as it relates to professional functioning.
    4. To develop the capacity for self-direction.
    5. To transition from trainee to entry-level practitioner.

(**At present group therapy is not a required competency area.  The Center's group program is fairly new and the consistency of groups filling and continuing throughout the year is not yet established.  Therefore, interns cannot always be assured of having this experience.)


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