We offer Clinical Supervision and are Practicum Field Instructors for Graduate and Undergraduate students in Counselling, Psychology and Social Work.
We are an agency where our counsellors and clients are based across Canada, allowing for schedule flexibility. Many of our students have jobs outside their practicum and can work during evenings and weekends.
Our students experience group supervision and peer support through various disciplines like Counselling, Psychology and Social Work, obtaining a diverse range of learning in the mental health field.
We offer weekly Individual, Dyad and Group supervision. Due to our agency having multiple supervisors / field instructors approved by the universities, there is always someone available If there is a need for ad hoc consultation or supervision.
Supervision meetings are structured based on the student's learning plan while allowing for flexibility to accommodate the needs of students and clients. With our extensive experience, we recognize that bridging the gap between theory and practice is a must during the practicum. By connecting the application of the theories in practice to classroom learning, students can feel more confident in their abilities.
Our practicum students have opportunities to shadow sessions, offer adjunct therapy and co-facilitate groups.
Most students and experienced practitioners agree that practicum is stressful. We offer a weekly peer support group which our students take turns to facilitate. The group is designed by the practicum students for the students, and offers a safe non-judgmental space where practicum students throughout Canada support one another to reduce the stress during practicum.
All our students have the opportunity to meet non-clinical hours requirements through group supervision, case consultation, team meetings, file review, case management, training, program design and mentorship.
We offer biweekly group mentorship meetings to all our students who are interested. In mentorship meetings we work as a group on career exploration and invite mental health practitioners guest speakers to share their career journey.
Based on client reviews, performance and organization needs, employment opportunities with the group practice may also be available upon graduation.
All our students get a reference letter if they choose to. We act as a reliable reference to practicum graduates, no matter the amount of time that has passed since their practicum completion.
We treat our students the same way as we would our employees. Students have a choice of when they want to work and how much they want to work based on their university requirements. All students have an email address, telephone extension and technology platform for video conferencing and charting.
I was new to Canada and did not understand mental health and social work education. My graduate degree in social work not only opened up opportunities but also brought focus to lot of my own traumas. Triggers further emerged during practicum which led to me nearly dropping out of my second placement two months prior to graduation.
I would not be where I am today without the support and mentors that allowed me to complete my educational journey in a new field and country. I am grateful to my practicum supervisors and field instructors for all their dedication and compassion.
Now that I am in a place to offer opportunities to other students, Reshma and I carefully designed our practicum field program to not only fulfill the students' university requirements, but also their personal needs.
I have had a mix of both experiences: being left alone to figure it out and swim alone in one practicum experience, and the total opposite compared to the other. I came out learning some important life lessons from my supervisor who was knowledgeable, supportive and truly cared for my development, not just as a professional, but as a whole person. I look forward to passing this on and keeping the legacy alive.
No, we do not have any supervision fees. The ideology of our organisation is to offer quality mental health to all. Our board and staff commit to education and training mental health graduates new to the field, allowing professionals continue to deliver exceptional services throughout their career.
Yes, we do charge clients based on what they are able to pay.
If clients are not able to pay in cash, we find other creative ways of exchange. Some of our clients volunteer in the community or support social justice and advocacy projects. In the past, our clients have demonstrated and committed to change in society as a way to pay for our mental health services. Many of our clients have also started peer support groups in their communities as a way to pay it forward.
Our admin team works from 8 am to 6 pm, Pacific time. Our counsellors and students have the flexibility to design their own work hours.
All our students have access to the personal contact information of their supervisors, field instructors and admin team. You will never be alone, even while you work outside normal business hours.
Yes, we only offer virtual practicum.
Every environment provides a unique experience. Due to the benefits and challenges of a virtual placement, we have systems in place to support our students. For example, all our students are accompanied by the supervisor team in a group chat. We are also accustomed to both structured or impromptu video meetings. There may not be chats by the water cooler, but communication occurs throughout the day.
©2024 Counselling for All is a service name of Chisti and Hasan Foundation.
