Program Description

The externship training program provides supervised experience in an active university counseling center. Participation in a range of activities including individual, group, and couples counseling; therapeutic psychological assessment; consultation; crisis intervention; and outreach activities are included in the program. Supervision is geared to the graduate student's level of professional development. Our staff provides exposure to varied clinical perspectives and theoretical orientations. Extern trainees participate in a weekly Training Seminar, Case Conference, Diversity Development Seminar and Focused Improvement Time. In addition, there are bi-weekly meetings with the Assistant Training Director/Practicum Coordinator, Consultative Supervision with Doctoral Interns, and (when possible) attendance at In-Service Trainings. All of the above formal training components will occur at the Boca Raton campus. Each trainee is required to be on the Boca Raton campus on Wednesday mornings. Externs may also complete hours at Davie or Jupiter sites depending on avalaibility. 

Philosophy and Principles

The following principles underlie the extern training at FAU CAPS:

  1. The competent practice of psychology/counseling entails the development of advanced skills in a broad range of generalist activities.
  2. Competent practice must involve modification within different groups to meet individual and culturally diverse needs. This includes awareness of extern's own vaules and impact of cultural on their vaules. 
  3. Psychological/counseling practice is based on the science of psychology, counseling, social work, and other applicable academic fields.
  4. The emergence of a professional therapist is the culmination of a developmental process which begins prior to formal training and which extends beyond the completion of the extern training experience.
  5. Psychologists/counselors/social workers should exhibit a high degree of professional consideration in their actions.

These principles form the basis for the practice of psychology, counseling and social work by the staff of the agency and therefore the training philosophy maintains consistency with the mission, goals, and culture of the sponsor institution.