One of Maple Counseling's primary functions is to provide training to the next generation of mental health professionals. We offer a comprehensive training program for graduate students working toward their LMFT, LCSW or LPCC license in the state of California.

The foundation of Maple Counseling's treatment philosophy is depth-oriented work, which includes brief and longer-term approaches with the aim to address and improve a client’s current life functioning. Trainees are exposed to a variety of insight-oriented and psychodynamic modalities of treatment. They also receive diverse client and clinical experiences with extensive supervision and training. Offsite experiences are also available in schools and at partnering community-based agencies.

REQUIREMENTS

The clinical training program at Maple Counseling requires a one-year minimum commitment, averaging 18 – 20 hours per week.

Trainee applicants must be enrolled in an accredited graduate program, in good standing.

Each of our clinical training programs - Adult, Adolescent and Child & Family - begin a training cohort in August. We also begin Adult Program training cohorts in January and June. Applications are accepted between January and March for the June and August cohorts. Applications for the January cohort are accepted in the fall. All completed applications are reviewed, and candidates may then be invited to interview.

Trainees are required to provide 10 clinical hours per week. In addition, Trainees attend a two-hour group supervision and one hour of individual or triadic supervision each week. Group supervision is in-person at the Maple clinic. Weekly clinical seminars are mandatory. First year trainees in the Adult Program receive training in assessment and diagnosis and conduct all adult client intakes.

Trainees are required to see clients a minimum of one evening per week and to commit hours on Friday and/or Saturday. All trainees will see clients in the Maple clinic and may also conduct telehealth.

Prospective Trainees and MSW students may contact internprogram@tmcc.org for more information.

TRAINING PROGRAM

The training program is designed to evaluate and enhance competency levels in clinical knowledge, skills, and judgment. Maple Counseling has three primary programs: the Adult Therapy Program, the Adolescent Therapy Program, and the Child & Family Therapy Program.

Trainees receive weekly group and triadic supervision by highly qualified clinical staff as well as opportunities to further refine existing ideas and skills. Structurally, the training programs are designed to provide a comprehensive, organized sequence of training and direct clinical experience. Offsite experiences are also available at partnering community-based agencies.

The core program consists of:

Additional opportunities include:

Educational seminars are designed to educate trainees about theoretical and practical information relevant to various areas of intervention. Seminars are also opportunities for trainees to discuss topics of interest for their professional development. Examples of topics include basics of psychodynamic therapy, crisis intervention, transference and countertransference, interpretation in psychotherapy, legal and ethical issues, self-disclosure, the mental status examination, couples and family therapy, trauma, cultural diversity, and cultural competence training.

THEORETICAL ORIENTATION

The theoretical orientation of Maple Counseling is primarily insight-oriented and psychodynamic. Therapy in the Child, Adolescent, and Family (CAF) programs utilize an attachment focused theoretical approach and an integration of play therapy and family therapy techniques. Without specific limits on the length of therapy, clients have the opportunity to receive long-term treatment. This allows trainees to work in-depth over time with their clients. Maple Counseling’s educative program includes the core of psychodynamic principles and technique that has evolved over the years, and a wide range of insight-oriented models guide the clinical practice of our center. We also believe in meeting clients where they are, and providing care that is appropriate for each client’s needs. Trainees are taught and encouraged to apply varied approaches to treatment planning and interventions with each case.

SUPERVISION

Trainees participate weekly in one hour of offsite triadic supervision, two hours of group supervision, and additional supervision if seeing couples or conducting groups. Each supervisee leads case conferences and presents videotaped sessions and process recordings. Growth occurs in the context of close effective supervision coupled with the freedom to experiment and develop independence and competence. Maple Counseling supports an ongoing exchange between supervisee and supervisor and is open to examination and modification of clinical programs and procedures to meet changing needs.

Maple Counseling Staff

Over two dozen licensed clinicians and highly dedicated administrative personnel comprise the staff of Maple Counseling. Supervision and training are presented by our multidisciplinary staff of licensed professionals from the fields of psychology, Social Work, and Marriage & Family Therapy. The clinical staff keeps abreast of the latest developments in the field and takes pride in providing accessible, individualized supervision and training. They are known for their accessibility and care. Supervisors also have a great deal of clinical experience from their own private practices and training as supervisors.

Qualifications and Application

All MFT, PCC and Social Work student applicants must be enrolled in an accredited graduate program. Applications must include:

An interview with a Maple Counseling clinical staff member will be part of the selection process. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance or rejection in accordance with the standard practices of "offers and acceptance."

For more information about the January 2025 Adult Therapy Traineeship, please click on the following PDF: Information Sheet

To view the January 2025 Adult Therapy Traineeship application, please click here.