Training

About Azusa Pacific University

APU is a comprehensive Christian university of liberal arts and professional programs, with a diverse student body. Student affairs services, including the University Counseling Center, are primarily oriented toward undergraduate students. However, the university also offers services to graduate, adult degree completion programs, satellite campuses, and offsite programs. More information about the university may be found at apu.edu/about/.

About the University Counseling Center

The mission of the University Counseling Center is to empower students to realize their personal and academic potential by promoting psychological, social, and spiritual wellness through Christian counseling and outreach services.

UCC services are available to APU students at no cost. Psychotherapy is primarily time-limited, and students receive an average of 4 sessions per academic year. Occasional exceptions are made to extend treatment to those who have significant need and limited resources.

Practicum Program

Training opportunities for doctoral students have been offered at the Azusa Pacific University Counseling Center since 1999, with the Practicum Training Program being formalized in 2001. Our staff is a culturally and theoretically diverse group of professionals committed to providing excellent training and supervision.

Practicum training at the University Counseling Center focuses on gaining experience in providing time-limited therapy to a diverse student population who present with a wide range of developmental issues and psychological disorders.

Our training program emphasizes three areas:

1. Brief Psychotherapy Experience
2. Supervision and Training
3. Supplementary Professional Experience

Learning Outcomes

View our Practicum Learning Outcomes (PDF).

Psychotherapy Experience

Practicum students receive experience and training in the provision of brief psychotherapy, which comprises approximately 50 percent of their time at the UCC. In addition, students have the opportunity to gain clinical experience in a range of activities (based on client availability and need) including:

• Intake Assessment: Weekly intake interviews and written reports with new clients
• Individual Psychotherapy: Primarily time-limited therapy, with one to two long-term cases
• Couples Counseling: Premarital and traditional counseling/assessment
• Group Therapy: Co Facilitation of process-oriented and skills-based groups
• Crisis Management: Crisis intervention and consultation for APU community members as needed.

Supervision and Training

The UCC utilizes a supervisory team model, in which each trainee has a primary supervisor, and also receives secondary supervision from group co-leaders and other staff. Group supervision is provided twice a month, and alternates with didactic training seminars on Friday morning. Supervisory issues are handled as a team.

• Individual Supervision: Practicum students receive 1 hour of individual supervision each week from a licensed psychologist or postdoctoral counselor. Other staff are available for additional consultation as needed. Practicum students are required to videotape their clinical work, and it is reviewed in supervision.
• Group Supervision and Didactic Training: Practicum students are required to attend a weekly seminar, which provides 1 hour of group supervision and/or didactic training each week. Seminars include material on a range of clinical and diversity issues. Seminars are provided by various staff members, offering exposure to a range of theoretical orientations and expertise.
• Case Presentations: Each practicum student is required to do two formal case presentations over the training year. One presentation at the end of each semester..
• Evaluation: Ongoing feedback and communication is highly valued at the UCC. Goals are developed with each practicum student at the beginning of the year. Practicum students are formally evaluated at the end of each semester, and given the opportunity to provide feedback to their supervisor and the training director throughout the year.

Supplementary Professional Experience

• Outreach: Practicum students are expected to gain experience in providing creative outreach efforts to the university community. Opportunities may arise to provide psychoeducational presentations in undergraduate and graduate classes. Practicum students can also get involved alongside UCC staff during campus events such as Healthy Living Week and the Clothesline Project.

 

Application Process

The University Counseling Center accepts applications in December for the upcoming academic year. All applicants must be currently enrolled in a clinical psychology PhD or PsyD program, and must receive approval from their graduate program’s Director of Clinical Training before applying to practicum. APU’s UCC is a member of SCAPTP (Southern California Association of Practicum Training Programs) and participates in the electronic match to select final candidates.

Desired Qualifications

To be considered for the Practicum Program, applicants should:

• Demonstrate a strong interest in providing clinical services and outreach to APU’s student body.
• Completed at least two years of doctoral level coursework.
• Have excellent clinical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong interest in exploring faith integration/spirituality with clients.
• Previous clinical experience working with older adolescents/young adults.
• Agree and abide by APU's Statement of Faith and What We Believe documents (see below)

Commitment

The contract commitment consists of one academic year (late August to May), 16 hours per week, which equals approximately 600 total hours. Students are encouraged to spend two full days per week at the UCC, with Friday being a required day. Practicum students are also required to attend orientation, which is typically in mid to late August.

How to Apply

All applicants must submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and two letters of recommendation, as well as agree with and sign APU’s Statement of Faith (MS Word). Applicants must read and abide by APU's beliefs and values outlined in What We Believe (PDF). An interview will be scheduled with all final candidates.

Email applications to training director Grace Kim, PhD, at gjkim@apu.edu. For more information, please call the UCC at (626) 815-2109.