Training Activities

The didactic seminar meets for 1.5 hours weekly. It includes didactic (teaching) and discussion-based presentations by CAPS senior staff, doctoral psychology interns, and select guest presenters. The seminar may include such topics as Social Identities & Intersectionality; From Segregation to Antiracism in American Higher Education; Gender Diversity: Managing Privilege and Microaggressions; Diagnosing Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders, and ADHD Pre-Assessment.

The preinternship year begins with a comprehensive, structured orientation to the preinternship program and Counseling & Psychological Services operations. While doctoral psychology interns attend orientation full-time for 3-4 weeks, practicum trainees join the interns 2-3 days per week during the orientation month (September). Orientation trainings are joint or individualized according to each training program’s responsibilities at the center. The orientation is designed to welcome trainees and begin to integrate them into CAPS. Preinterns are provided with an overview of all CAPS services in addition to details about the clinical services they will be offering, use of the electronic record system (Titanium Schedule), digital recording, teletherapy (as relevant), supervision, and other administrative details. During orientation, preinterns and interns participate in Meet the Staff (getting to know each of the CAPS providers), the Campus Partners Tour (visiting numerous Student Affairs and other campus offices to which trainees often refer students), and some community partner visits (e.g., Mobile Outreach Crisis Team, Rebuilding Hope! Sexual Assault Center for Pierce County). Preinterns also complete a self-assessment during orientation which will assist in formulating training goals for the year. The orientation program is developed and coordinated by the Training Director with input and participation from the staff. Orientation is an ongoing process, and trainees are encouraged to consult with their supervisors and/or any senior staff member throughout the orientation period and the training year.

The Training Director meets with each preintern trainee individually and/or as a cohort on a regular basis to informally check in about how the preinternship training is meeting their needs and to solicit feedback about the training program. The Training Director keeps an open door policy and trainees are encouraged to meet informally and/or request additional meetings to focus on any training concerns.

Preinterns are expected to video record their individual therapy sessions in order to enrich the training experience and to allow supervisors to obtain direct knowledge of the clients. Individual therapy recordings are reviewed and discussed during individual supervision. Trainees are encouraged to review their video recorded sessions in advance of supervision in order to identify areas on which to focus during supervision. Preinterns are required to video record every client at every session. Any changes to recording procedures may be made at the discretion of the individual supervisor and Training Director. 

Limited time is provided for other activities such as completing clinical notes and paperwork, reviewing session recordings, case management, and completing any readings assigned for seminars.