Master's Level Traineeship
The Master's level traineeship program offered by the Student Counseling Center at Western Washington University is designed to provide supervised experience in individual and group counseling, consultation, outreach, and crisis services.
The Counseling Center
Training Program
Application Process
Contact Information
The Counseling Center
The Student Counseling Center at Western Washington University is a unit of Counseling, Health, and Wellness Services, a department of the Division of Student Affairs and is accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services (IACS). Counseling, Health, and Wellness Services is dedicated to promoting the mental and physical wellbeing of Western Washington University students. The Counseling Center is charged with contributing to the educational mission of the University by assessing and responding to the psychological needs of students and by assisting the University community in the area of psychological concerns. The Counseling Center offers a full range of counseling and student development services and is the primary mental health facility of the campus. The staff of the Center spends roughly 70% of its time in direct client service, client-related activities, and supervision, with the remainder devoted to outreach, administration, consultation, training, and staff development activities. Currently, the Center includes 9 full-time professionals and 5 graduate trainees, supplemented by 2 full-time support staff. Staff members practice in a variety of counseling modes and represent a number of theoretical approaches to counseling and psychotherapy. Case conferences, professional development programs, and consultation activities help each staff member share and expand their individual skills. Back To Top
Training Program
The Counseling Center offers graduate students a comprehensive pre-professional training experience for those interested in careers in counseling or clinical psychology. Trainee positions carry a minimum commitment of 16 hours per week, from late September to mid-June. Trainees typically devote 8-10 hours per week to direct services for individual clients. Trainees receive a minimum of 1 hour of individual supervision per week and participate in peer consultation groups. They also have the opportunity to attend the weekly intern seminar covering a variety of topics relevant to their clinical and professional development. Schedules permitting, trainees also have the opportunity to participate in weekly medical consult hours, in-service training, staff meetings and retreats, and to co-facilitate counseling groups. Back To Top
Application Process
Interested applicants should submit the following documents:
- Cover letter stating candidate’s interest in the traineeship.
- Resume.
- Transcripts of undergraduate and graduate coursework (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have observed the candidate’s academic or professional performance.
Application materials should be submitted by March 27, 2009. Candidates who are finalists will be invited to interview with the Center staff. Final selections will be made in late April.
Send all materials to:
Dr. Eric L. Denson
Coordinator of Clinical Training
Counseling Center, OM-540
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA 98225-9052
360-650-3164