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Counselling Practicum Placements

Please note: We are currently accepting applications for Counselling Practicum Placements that will start in the Fall of 2026. 

Student Mental Health Services (SMHS) offers a part-time, unpaid practicum placement for students working towards their master’s degree in Counselling Psychology (or related degree). We follow a Stepped Care model where students are supported with a range of services including peer support, groups, referral to community resources, outreach and counselling.

Placement opportunities provide a bridge for the application of theoretical knowledge in practice through field experience and supporting the transition from student to counsellor. You'll gain experience with clinical assessment and case conceptualization in your journey to becoming a competent and reflective counsellor.

Practicum students will be paired with an experienced counsellor(s) and integrated into the SMHS team. You'll be involved in providing counselling to students in individual and group contexts, as well as outreach and awareness initiatives. Training takes an active experiential learning approach, where practicum students are involved in counselling activities.

What you will be doing:

Direct service (under the supervision of a Mental Health Counsellor placement supervisor):

  • Conducting initial intake appointments for students seeking counselling.
  • Facilitating of psychoeducational workshops.
  • Group work (observing or co-facilitating).
  • Outreach programs.
  • Providing individual counselling for students (6 to 10 client hours per week).
  • Supporting students in distress.

Indirect service:

  • Consultation with other professionals across the university.
  • In-service professional development.
  • Outreach and group preparation.
  • Supervision (individual or group)

Supervision and learning opportunities:

  • Case consultations.
  • Clinical team meetings.
  • Co-counselling with supervisor and opportunity to co-counsel or observe other counsellors.
  • Individual supervision.

How to apply

Send applications, including your letter of intent, statement of professional objectives for the practicum, and your current curriculum vitae to: 

Marose Bellehumuer
Manager, Student Mental Health Services
marose.bellehumeur@ontariotechu.ca. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who will be supervising my practicum placement?

    Registered Psychotherapists with over 10 to 15 years of experience will be providing your supervision.

    The team consists of supervisors registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario and The Ontario Colleges of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

  • Can I complete my placement online?

    No. Placement students are expected to provide counselling sessions in person, with a possibility of traveling to both campus locations in Oshawa. Counselling sessions are delivered in person and online.

  • Can I start my placement in the spring or summer?
    We generally offer placement starting in September (during the Fall semester) to coincide with the academic year.
  • When can I apply?

    We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2026. Students selected for the interview phase will be contacted in early 202 with a start date for placement in the fall.


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