CAPS Internship Philosophy of Training

The internship program at CAPS employs a developmental-mentorship-practitioner training model. The guiding principal is that learning is a developmental process that is dependent on support, challenge, feedback, and role modeling. The training model is supported by the following principles that are infused into all aspects of the training curriculum:

• Developmental perspective on all training activities
• A sequential learning environment that encourages professional growth and development
• Emphasis on mentoring, role-modeling, and supervision
• A learning environment that is collaborative and collegial
• Focus on clinical service delivery within a university setting
• Interdependence within the university community
• Respect for diversity and uniqueness of the individual

The internship program’s mentorship focus emphasizes the relationships that interns develop with CAPS staff members over the course of the internship year. Staff members serve as role models, resources, and advocates as interns cultivate and consolidate their identity as professional psychologists. The internship program facilitates maximum interaction between interns and staff members through a variety of clinical, training, supervisory, and outreach/consultation activities.

The practitioner orientation of the internship program emphasizes the importance of applying existing knowledge and skills. Learning is continual, and accumulates through reflective clinical practice during the internship year. Intern development occurs through both didactic and experiential learning activities, which are informed by relevant scholarly literature.