APA Approved Pre-doctoral Internship in Professional Psychology

2008-2009
APPIC Internship Match Program Code: 122311

General Information
The Pre-doctoral Internship's home is The University Counseling Center (UCC), which is the primary mental health services provider at Florida State University (FSU) and the only provider on campus available to all registered students free of charge for all services. The Center's mission is to enhance the academic experience of students by promoting healthy personal development through brief individual or couples counseling, group counseling, psychiatric consultation, skill enhancement and preventative outreach services. This mission is accomplished within the parameters of a humanistic philosophy that honors and adheres to the individual student's right to be treated with dignity and respect.

The UCC moved into the Askew Student Life Center in the fall 2000 semester which provided staff, students and interns with much improved facilities for therapy, supervision and training. The Student Life Building also contains administrative offices for University Housing, the Congress of Graduate Students and the National Pan-Hellenic Council, a state-of-the-art 600-seat movie and teleconferencing theater, a cyber cafe, a coffee shop and numerous meeting rooms. This exciting new facility has already become a major center of student activity.

Individual and couples counseling are session-limited. Group therapy participation is unlimited. The UCC provides full-time pre-doctoral internships to counseling and clinical psychology students and part-time internships to masters' students in mental health counseling, social work, and art therapy. The Center is accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services (IACS) and is a member of the Association for Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC). The pre-doctoral psychology internship program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). This document describes the Center's pre-doctoral psychology internship opportunities.

The University Setting
Florida State University, with an enrollment of 41,000 students, is a Research I university and one of the largest and oldest of the eleven institutions of higher learning in the State University System. Diversity is considerable, with students originating from all fifty states and over 115 countries. The May 31, 2007 issue of the journal Diverse: Issues in Higher Education ranked Florida State University first in production of African-American baccalaureates among "Doctoral Universities with Very High Research Activity" and fifth among all universities, trailing only four historically black universities. FSU's colleges of law and medicine were also ranked within the top ten in the nation for Hispanics by Hispanic Business magazine (September 2007). FSU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in over 170 fields of knowledge. The University has particularly strong schools of criminology, psychology, theater, social work, law, education, dance and music. The School of Motion Picture, Television, and Recording Arts has quickly become ranked as one of the premier programs in the country. The National High Magnetic Laboratory, the top research facility of its kind in the world, is located at FSU. Programs in the biological sciences and geography take advantage of the immense biodiversity and unique ecosystems of the Florida Big Bend area.

FSU is located about one mile from downtown Tallahassee. On campus, Gothic structures are combined with modern architecture in a rolling landscape of palms, pines, dogwoods, and sprawling live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Flowering shrubs add year-round color. The campus is undergoing an exciting period of modernization and beautification, with new buildings, restaurants and pedestrian walkways. The recently expanded Bobby E. Leach Center provides students and staff with a state-of-the-art recreation/fitness facility.

Area cultural offerings include special programs in the dramatic arts, including regular productions from several university and local theaters; musical performances including operas, symphonies, and jazz ensembles; and visual arts displayed both on campus and in a neighboring artisan community. The community ardently supports the FSU athletic teams, which are strong nationally in several sports. FSU consistently has one of the nation's top collegiate football teams--a team that won the 1993 and 1999 national titles. The FSU Flying High Circus is also the only university based circus in the world and consistently draws raves for its on campus and traveling performances.


Living in Tallahassee
Tallahassee, the state capital, is home to Florida A&M University and Tallahassee Community College, in addition to FSU. Tallahassee is a culturally and politically dynamic community with a strong sense of identity. The metropolitan area is rapidly growing with a current population of about 270,000 and is located in the northwestern part of the state, an area called the "Big Bend." A recent national survey of college towns ranked Tallahassee the second best medium sized city in which to live. There is considerable sunlight with warm, moist summers and mild winters. Tallahassee has gently rolling hills and is covered with beautiful tree-lined streets some of which are protected "canopy roads." The southern edge of town borders Apalachicola National Forest that spans the forty miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf Coast beaches and recreation begin within a one-hour drive south of Tallahassee and stretch 200 miles to Pensacola. Northern Florida is also known for its unique and refreshing freshwater springs and plentiful wildlife.

Staff
The staff is multi-disciplinary and culturally diverse, with licensed professionals from several mental health disciplines, including clinical and counseling psychology, social work, mental health counseling and psychiatry. Typically there are three pre-doctoral psychology interns and three pre-masters interns. The support staff consists of an office administrator, office assistant, and receptionist. Staff members hold membership in a variety of professional organizations including the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the Florida Psychological Association, the Southeastern Psychological Association, the American Counseling Association, the American Group Psychotherapy Association, the National Association of Social Workers, and the Association of Black Psychologists.

Administration and Primary Supervisors

Nikki Pritchett, Ph.D., Counseling Psychology
University of Kentucky
Director and Coordinator of Research

David Gitlin, Ph.D., Counseling Psychology
University of Florida
Associate Director & Primary Supervisor

James Hennessey, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology
University of Massachusetts
Director of Intern Training & Primary Supervisor

Jeannette Corredor, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology
SUNY - Albany
Primary Supervisor

Josh Gross, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology
California School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles
Coordinator of Group Training & Primary Supervisor


Naoya Izawa, Psy.D., Clinical Psychology
University of Hartford
Primary Supervisor

Byron T. Pack, Psy.D., Clinical Psychology
Florida Institute of Technology
Primary Supervisor

Training and Philosophy
The Pre-doctoral Psychology Internship Program at the UCC utilizes a Mentor-Apprentice model of training, whereby the professional growth and development of interns is facilitated by supervised applied practice, augmented by modeling, consultation and teaching. It is our belief that close, collegial involvement with psychologist role models provides a phase appropriate learning experience for the interns, allowing for enhancement of their professional identity while further developing their skills and competencies as practitioners. The multidisciplinary environment of the UCC also provides a diversity of professional involvement and interaction reflective of most post-internship employment settings. The internship year is clearly a time of transition, when interns must bridge and integrate the science of their academic training with the practice necessitated by their developing role as professional psychologists. It is the program's philosophy that mentoring provides our interns an opportunity to internalize and consolidate that professional role, and makes the transition from graduate student seem both possible and worthwhile.

Developmental considerations are foremost in our training approach. We recognize the need and necessity for our interns to apply, in an intensive manner, the science of psychology they have learned in their graduate programs and further develop competencies in assessment, diagnosis, intervention and consultation. We strive to provide a supportive environment that allows interns to take on increasing levels of responsibility over the course of the internship, thereby building their confidence along with their competence. As part of this process, interns have the opportunity to observe and collaborate with senior clinicians in a variety of activities ranging from individual and group therapy to consultation and outreach. As the interns and their supervisors become comfortable with the intern's skill level, supervisors function more as available and consultative mentors.

The Center views interns as professional colleagues and vital staff members whose contributions are encouraged and valued. The individual intern's areas of strength and interest are incorporated into the yearlong experience. Through supervision and training, we assist the intern in identifying areas requiring further growth, while exposing them to a broad range of theoretical orientations and specialized expertise of the staff that will enhance their professional development. Interns are thereby afforded the opportunity to pursue somewhat individualized training experiences based on their experiences, interests and goals.

The internship is a vital component of the UCC and, as such, the goals of intern training are necessarily intertwined with the service goals of the UCC. Thus the provision of high quality, informed and ethical treatment to a large and diverse student population is of paramount importance. Recognizing the educational mission of the Florida State University, it is also important for the internship to support this mission through the training of interns, engagement in scientific inquiry and outreach and consultation to the greater university community. Permeating the program, through formal training, procedure and example, is an interest in and respect for diversity in all its forms.

The overall goal of the pre-doctoral internship is to prepare Counseling and Clinical Psychology Interns to function ethically, competently and independently as professional psychologists. The training is generalist in nature, aimed at expanding the intern's experience and awareness of self and other, while refining skills necessary to practice psychology effectively. The internship attempts to foster personal growth and self-confidence, along with a sense of professional identity.

Application and Selection
Pre-doctoral psychology interns are selected through national searches following APPIC guidelines. As an APPIC member, the UCC Pre-doctoral Psychology Internship participates in the APPIC Internship Matching Program (Program Code 122311). Applicants must be registered with the Matching Program to be eligible for selection. An Applicant Agreement package can be obtained from the National Matching Service through the Matching Program web site at www.natmatch.com/psychint . Psychology interns must also be currently enrolled in an APA approved doctoral program in clinical or counseling psychology, and have full clearance from their home program to apply for internship. Applications must include a cover letter, the application form, a grade transcript, a vita, and three letters of recommendation. Cover letters must include specific reasons for seeking an internship at FSU. We are currently using the APPIC Application for Psychology Internship (AAPI) which is available for downloading at the APPIC Web site: http//www.appic.org. All application materials should be received by November 15, 2007. We intend to have three intern positions for 2008-2009. Application materials should be addressed to:

James E. Hennessey, Ph.D., Director of Intern Training
The University Counseling Center
Reuben O'D Askew Student Life Center
942 Learning Way, Suite 201
Florida State University
Tallahassee , FL 32306-4175
phone: 850-644-2003
fax: 850-644-3150
e-mail: jhennessey@admin.fsu.edu

Applicants will be notified regarding their selection for an interview no later than December 15, 2007. We offer the option of an on-site or phone interview to all those selected for an interview.

Please note: This internship site agrees to abide by the APPIC Policy that no person at this training facility will solicit, accept or use any ranking-related information from any intern applicant.
The Pre-doctoral Internship at the University Counseling Center is accredited by the American Psychological Association. The University Counseling Center is accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services (IACS). The APA Committee on Accreditation may be reached at:

Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC
20002-4242
Phone: 202-336-5979

Orientation
Internships start in mid August. Orientation of new interns is both a formal and informal process. The formal portion is designed to help new interns begin their training at the UCC. An orientation program of at least five days is conducted prior to the fall semester. The purpose of the orientation program is to introduce new doctoral and masters interns to the Center's philosophy, mission, history, organization, staff, and policies and procedures. Included in the formal orientation are mini-seminars outlining crisis counseling, intake procedures, forms and documentation, and supervision requirements. In addition, tours are conducted of other relevant resources on campus. Informal orientation occurs continuously through interaction with staff members in response to new situations and changing needs.

Seminars
Weekly training seminars focus on themes related to the counseling needs of the Center's clientele which consists of a broad spectrum of "traditional" and "non-traditional" college students. Treatment considerations, including a variety of approaches and intervention modes, are highlighted. The training seminars are organized by the training director and conducted by UCC staff members and guest specialists from the university and local community. Representative topics include: crisis management, eating disorders, suicide prevention and intervention, addictions, gay and lesbian concerns, couples counseling, ethics, multicultural counseling, anxiety and stress management, assessment, sexual assault/rape issues and treatment of depression. The array of topics reflects the many client issues interns face in this counseling setting. There are also ongoing monthly seminars in Diversity, Research, Assessment and Group Therapy to facilitate intern development and skills.

Supervision
All interns are supervised in the provision of individual, couples and group counseling. Supervision is based primarily on case discussions. Reviewing audio or video tapes of sessions, co-counseling, and one-way mirror observation are used in supervision as seems appropriate to individual interns and their supervisors. Interns typically co-lead group therapies with experienced staff members with whom they can discuss group issues. Training in client assessment is strongly centered on interviews and developing familiarity with a variety of assessment tools used in the context of psychotherapy. Clients seeking career information or vocational testing are referred to the FSU Career Center; however, career issues may be a focus of counseling with UCC clients.

Interns receive a minimum of two hours per week of individual supervision, one and one-half hours per week of group supervision (all interns meet together with two supervisors) and one hour per week of supervision of group therapy. Frequent informal supervision and/or consultation with other staff members (of whatever discipline seems appropriate for a given situation) is encouraged and expected in response to issues that arise between formal supervision sessions. Licensed clinical and counseling psychologists provide primary supervision of pre-doctoral psychology interns. The Intern Training Director also has an informal bi-weekly lunch with the interns to discuss any issues of concern and to facilitate social interaction and group cohesion.

Interns negotiate specifics of supervision such as meeting times, goals, and evaluation criteria with their supervisors. Interns rotate supervisors each semester and receive an evaluation at the conclusion of each semester. A transition meeting with the intern, previous supervisor, new supervisor and training director may be scheduled at the beginning of Spring Semester to facilitate the change and determine ongoing supervision needs. Issues that can be discussed at this meeting include the intern's strengths, goals, and recommendations for further training needs.

Clientele
The University Counseling Center offers free services to all students enrolled at FSU. There is a great diversity in the Center's clientele with an average age of 24 years and an age range of about 17 to 60 years. There are a high proportion of seniors and graduate students and two-thirds of the clients are female. Recent statistics indicate the following breakdown: 73% Caucasian, 11% African-American, 11% Hispanic, 5% Other or Unknown.

Services

Individual Therapy
Most clients request and receive individual counseling. About 60% of clients return after intake for additional sessions. The current sessions limit is 10 individual sessions per academic year. Clients who continue past the intake session typically receive between four and eight sessions. In order to enhance intern training, interns are ordinarily allowed, with authorization, to carry one or two long-term clients whose treatment exceeds the 10 session limit.

Group Therapy
Theme groups are offered which may focus on bereavement, romantic relationships, family relationships, men's or women's issues, social anxiety, stress management, self-esteem, and study skills. Some of the groups are structured with educational objectives; others are unstructured and rely primarily on interpersonal interaction. Any group focus that might attract sufficient client interest and serve client needs may be considered. A group therapy training track for pre-doctoral interns has been added which provides a combination of monthly didactic sessions, directed readings and mentored experience running group's, along with a weekly supervision meeting .

Couples Counseling
Couples counseling is offered when appropriate. Client partners and spouses who are not FSU students are ineligible for individual services; however, they may be treated in conjunction with an eligible student. Interns who are interested typically have no difficulty in finding couples with whom to work.

Consultation
Staff and interns regularly provide consultation to the university community. Interns are often involved in providing consultation and/or presentations to University Housing, the Victim Advocate Program, the Student Disability Resource Center, and student organizations. The UCC also has contact with Thagard Student Health Center and other departments of the Division of Student Affairs, the FSU Police, the Crisis Management Unit, Tallahassee area hospitals, human services agencies, and private practitioners. Doctoral interns also develop consultative/supervisory skills by providing weekly case consultation to masters level interns during the Spring Semester.

Typical Week
Professional Development

Service

Administration

Interns rarely exceed a regular 40-hour work week and typically find time for research, professional reading and other activities of their choosing. Center activity is quite "seasonal" by nature. The demand for services tends to steadily increase during fall and spring semesters. Clientele flow tends to be light during semester breaks and moderate from May to August. Interns should expect to carry substantial case loads during peak periods so that they can "average" 25% of their time in direct client contact across the whole of their internship.

Pre-doctoral psychology interns work 40 hours per week bounded by the Center's hours (8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.). The UCC does not have an after-hours "on call" system. Emergencies are generally covered by the FSU Crisis Management Unit.

Benefits
Pre-doctoral interns receive a stipend of $21,000 (via biweekly pay periods) and use of university facilities, libraries, and computer equipment. Each intern has a private office and computer with Internet access. Interns are eligible to purchase low cost health insurance available through Thagard Student Health Center. The UCC observes state and national holidays (9 days per year). Interns receive 15 days of combined annual leave and sick leave for the year, in addition to up to 5 days of professional development leave. Interns are allowed up to $500 toward professional conference/workshop expenses.
 
Current and Former Pre-doctoral Interns

2007-2008
Chris Cousins
Counseling Psychology
Purdue University

Paul Poteat
Counseling Psychology
University of Illinois - Champaign-Urbana

Shannon Salter
Counseling Psychology
Auburn University

2006-2007
Adina Aldea
Counseling Psychology
University of Florida

Shamika Hall
Counseling Psychology
Western Michigan University

Tamara Young
Counseling Psychology
Oklahoma State University

2005-2006
Marios Argyrides
Counseling Psychology
Tennessee State University

Ben McMath
Clinical Psychology
University of Alabama

Courtney Ramous
Clinical Psychology
Florida School of Professional Psychology (Argosy-Tampa)

2004-2005
Rom Brafman
Counseling Psychology
University of Florida

Michelle Marcus
Clinical Psychology
Argosy University (Atlanta)

Corine Samwel
Clinical Psychology
Florida State University  

2003-2004
S. Joseph DeWitz
Counseling Psychology
Ohio State University

Rosanna DiChiro
Clinical Psychology
Nova Southeastern University

Julie Hawkins
Counseling Psychology
University of Miami

2002-2003
Allison Broadbent
Clinical Psychology
Nova Southeastern University

Naoya Izawa
Clinical Psychology
University of Hartford

Robert“Jake” Jacobs
Counseling Psychology
Texas A&M University

2001-2002
Andrew Dobo
Clinical Psychology
Florida Institute of Technology

Nick Maccorrone
Clinical Psychology
Nova Southeastern University

2000-2001
Joseph Cheries
Clinical Psychology
Florida Institute of Technology

Andrew Daire
Counseling Psychology
Florida State University

Keely Waters-Kaklamanos
Counseling Psychology
Florida State University

1999-2000
Misty Hook
Counseling Psychology
Ball State University

Alan Kesten
Counseling Psychology
University of Texas – Austin

Kelli Johnson
Counseling Psychology
University of Miami 

1998-1999
Rodolfo Bonnin
Counseling Psychology
University of Missouri – Kansas

Peggy Russell
Counseling Psychology
Florida State University

James Sullivan
Clinical Psychology
Florida Institute of Technology

1997-1998
Regina Finnegan
Clinical Psychology
Teachers College, Columbia University

Jill Karcher
Clinical Psychology
California School of Professional Psychology

Kenneth Long
Counseling Psychology
Florida State University

1996-1997
Sylvia Fernandez
Clinical Psychology
Caribbean Center for Advanced Studies ( Puerto Rico )

Shana Newnan
Clinical Psychology
Caribbean Center for Advanced Studies ( Miami )

Steven Saunders
Clinical Psychology
Illinois School of Professional Psychology