mindfulness for learning.

do radical work.

Masters-level practicum students have the opportunity to gain direct service experience in a psychotherapy clinic specializing in embodied, engaged, trauma-informed therapy.

Student Therapists play an important role in the clinic by providing affordable psychotherapy services to adult individuals, helping to make mindfulness-based somatic therapy more accessible in the community.

mindfulness for life

psychotherapy practicum program

supervisor: Oona Fraser, M.A.,  R.P.
site: mindfulness for life.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Receive client inquiries and referrals, provide info, intake, service or referrals as appropriate
  • Provide brief and longer term psychotherapy services to individual adult clients through regular sessions provided in person and online
  • Complete clinical documentation including assessment summaries, treatment plans, session notes and communication records in a timely manner
  • Work collaboratively with other clinicians on site and in the virtual space, including weekly supervision, informal consultation and regular training meetings
  • Participate in other training and skill-building activities to enhance readiness to practice, such as directed readings, viewing videos, shadowing, presentations, role play exercises
  • Self-reflect and engage in a critical analysis of the relationship between systems of oppression and mental health, including colonial and exclusionary practices in wellness communities
  • Students should be available for 15 hours per week, schedule is negotiable
  • During the Covid-19 pandemic, students should be prepared to work remotely from a private location, but on-site facilities or shifts may be reinstated according to public health guidelines.

BENEFITS TO STUDENTS

This is an unpaid student placement opportunity. Students will gain:

  • Opportunity to practice psychotherapy under the guidance of an experienced supervisor
  • Training and mentorship in all elements of the psychotherapy process, including conducting client screening, intake, assessment and treatment planning, interventions, evaluation, advocacy, collaboration, referral, documentation, and termination
  • Weekly individual and/or dyadic supervision meetings and biweekly training meetings
  • Opportunity to discuss, apply, reflect and deepen understanding of mindfulness-based, self-compassion and somatic trauma therapy modalities in action
  • Support for the self-of-the-therapist: personal development of mindfulness, self-compassion, embodiment, courage, curiosity and creativity to support a genuine therapeutic presence
  • Knowledge of clinical and community resources, community networks and peer relationships
  • Access to evidence-based client feedback tools to help develop effective skills
  • Understanding of the basic business operations of a private therapy clinic
  • Upon successful completion of the placement, graduates may refer clients to their own practice

QUALIFICATIONS

The applicant must:

  • Be enrolled in a Master’s Level clinical practicum at a university that meets educational requirements of the CRPO or equivalent regulatory body
  • Be available for an 8 month commitment
  • Have previous experience working with individuals in a supportive or counselling capacity
  • Have significant personal experience with a body-mind practice such as meditation, mindful movement practices, personal somatic or mindfulness therapy or other wisdom traditions.
  • Be committed to inclusive, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, intersectional feminist and LGBTQ+ positive practice
  • Demonstrate willingness to self-reflect and integrate feedback
  • Familiarity with mindfulness-based, somatic or experiential therapy modalities is an asset
  • People with diverse lived experience are encouraged to apply

LOCATION

The placement program has start dates in September and May each year. We are practicing in a combination of online meetings and on-site in the clinic as dictated by the evolving Covid-19 situation. Timelines and location may be adjusted due to pandemic-related disruptions, in consultation with all stakeholders.

Students will benefit from having access to a computer with a camera and headset, adequate internet connection and a private location to conduct virtual therapy sessions off-site, but options can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

The office is located at the intersection of Dundas and Bloor in Toronto near the Dundas West Subway station. The building has accessible features including ramp, automatic doors and elevators, but the restrooms have barriers that may necessitate the use of off-site facilities.

TO APPLY

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate that they meet the above qualifications.
To learn more about the practice, read about Oona Fraser and the clinical team.

Apply online with your google account  (preferred)
or apply here if you do not have a google account

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Want to join us?

The upcoming start dates for our psychotherapy practicum program are May 2025, and September 2025.

We will begin reviewing applications for MAY 2025 start date in October 2024.

Due to the large volume of inquiries received, please understand that we will not reply to individual requests for information. Please read the placement description and qualifications carefully, and use the form to apply.