Program Description
Catholic Family Services of Toronto (CFST) offers an internship training program for Individual, Couple, and Family Therapy that allows prospective therapists a chance to apply theory to practice. Participants will acquire clinical experience by directly interacting with clients.
The curriculum includes opportunities for working with individual, couple, and family clients. When opportunity permits, prospective therapists may assist in facilitating group programs offered by the agency. Supervised instruction and training is provided by Registered Social Workers or Registered Psychotherapists. In addition, interns will have the chance to consult and learn from senior therapists across different theoretical orientations. The intern will receive clinical supervision, provide therapy, engage in case discussion in team meetings, and hold case presentations for colleagues.
Expectations and Commitment
The practicum/internship typically takes place between September to August for one full year. Prospective therapists are expected to be committed to the full duration of the internship as agreed with the agency or school, and be available between 7-21 hours per week. The intern will have the opportunity to work with clients on Intake, in Walk-In, and through our regular counseling services. Interns are also encouraged to actively engage in other agency activities to understand the organization’s objectives and goals.
CFST is open for client services from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.
Potential Interns
The program offers professional growth and development for prospective social workers and psychotherapists, and is targeted towards:
- Master Level Students in Second Year or with Advanced Standing
- Graduates with a Master of Social Work (MSW) or a related master’s or doctoral degree, and are seeking clinical experiences;
- Foreign-trained Social Workers or clinically-trained professionals who wish to obtain counselling work experience in Canada.
Application Process
There is no fee required. To register for our volunteer intern program, the following documents must be submitted by the posted deadline.
** Please note we are no longer accepting applicants for 2024/25 **
- A resume or CV that states relevant academic and/or work experience
- A letter of interest
- A list of references
- A completed application form
Eligible applicants will be interviewed by the supervisor. Successful candidates will be further asked for a police security check and proof of identity. Applicants must also be registered or be eligible to register with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario.
Contact Information
For more information about the training program, please contact Shereen McFarlane at smcfarlane@cfstoronto.com.