Counseling and Clinical Psychology Doctoral Internship Advising & Coaching
Why pay for advising services for internship applications?
APAGS has shared its view on paying for match services – their answer is it’s “probably not” necessary, which I mostly agree with. There are many resources through APAGS and APPIC to support students in navigating the internship application process. I am also trying to contribute to the resource pool with the free information on the Psych Grad Corner website.
However, I am also aware that not all students have access to hands-on support in their doctoral programs, and some of my former students encouraged me to offer my advising services more broadly (I have extensive experience working with the Palo Alto University Ph.D. program, which offers a unique individual internship advising program). You can think of this along the lines of psychotherapy to a certain extent – sometimes having information is sufficient to help you make change or know how to proceed; other times you may need interpersonal interactions and support to help you reflect, access a stronger sense of self, and address challenges that arise in the process.
I am offering psychology internship advising services for a limited number of students for a fee – keep reading for details. (All students are welcome to use the resources on my website for free.)
What I cover in internship advising and coaching:
- Discussion of program-sanctioned (practicum) hours and competencies.
- Identification of professional goals and professional identity (and how to talk about them)
- Review of the four internship essays – I provide feedback during advising meetings and do not copy edit the essays. Essay discussions will explore personal and professional concerns related to each essay. All essays are important, but I focus on making the theoretical orientation and diversity essays the strongest.
- Discussion of internship site selection.
- Review of CV content and format.
- Support in navigating the APPIC Application for Psychology Internship (AAPI), including responses to professional conduct questions.
Eligibility requirements:
- Currently enrolled in an APA-accredited counseling or clinical psychology Ph.D., Ed.D. or Psy.D. program.
- Approved by doctoral program’s Director of Clinical Training (DCT) to apply to APPIC doctoral internships.
- Has a goal of attending an APA-accredited internship
Expectations:
- Commitment to the advising and coaching process, which includes a minimum of 6 meetings.
- Openness to and engagement with feedback process.
- Proactive communication about challenges (e.g., procrastination, writers’ block, dissertation stress, attendance).
Students who have worked well with me:
- welcome constructive feedback and are generally non-defensive.
- like a straightforward approach (I am direct but kind).
- generally work within my suggested timeline.
- are authentic about who they are and why they are in the field of psychology.
- have a sense of humor.
I have advised students applying to the following types of internship sites (adults and lifespan):
- college and university counseling centers
- VA internships
- forensic settings
- integrated health and hospital settings
- community mental health
I am less of a fit for students applying for primarily child/family programs or neuropsychology-focused programs.
An initial 15-minute consultation (free) is required. There is a minimum of 6 sessions’ (50-60 minutes each via video) commitment.
Contact me for a free 15-minute consultation to see if internship advising and coaching is the next step for you. You will be asked to share your CV and other materials before the consultation.
Grace A. Chen, Ph.D. 