Letter from the Director
Dear Prospective Trainee,
We are delighted that you are considering the Talley Center for Counseling Services (TCCS) at the University of Mary Washington for your clinical training! Selecting a training site is an important step in your professional development, and we hope this overview provides insight into our program, our approach, and the ways we support the growth of our trainees.
Overview
The primary objective of the training program at the counseling center is to cultivate proficient and versatile mental health professionals. This is accomplished through comprehensive training in clinical service delivery, outreach initiatives, and the provision of high-quality supervision, didactic instruction, and mentorship. The program places a strong emphasis on enhancing counseling and psychotherapy techniques to effectively address a wide range of psychological concerns and challenges encountered by college students. Services are available to enrolled full-time undergraduate students, and trainees will acquire practical experience in delivering both individual and group counseling, as well as pursuing professional development within the university counseling center setting.
The Talley Center for Counseling Services (TCCS) utilizes an apprenticeship model of training grounded in mentorship and a developmental approach to learning. We recognize that trainees enter the program with diverse academic backgrounds, clinical experiences, and lived experiences. Accordingly, we strive to meet trainees where they are, collaboratively establish developmentally appropriate training goals, and provide a thoughtful balance of support and challenge throughout the training year.
Our training program is fully integrated into the work of TCCS, and our staff is deeply committed to the growth and development of trainees. All staff members actively participate in the training program, offering trainees multiple opportunities for mentorship in a variety of roles and capacities. TCCS maintains an open-door culture and encourages trainees to seek consultation, ask questions, or simply check in as needed.
We value a relational approach to training and supervision and welcome opportunities to build meaningful, professional relationships with our trainees as part of their development as clinicians.
Requirements
Trainees are required to be present on-site for a minimum of 16 hours each week and must engage in 1-2 hours of individual supervision weekly, in accordance with their graduate program requirements and relevant state licensing regulations. Additionally, trainees participate in a weekly group supervision session that includes formal case presentations and training on a variety of topics such as crisis management, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse. All trainees receive supervision from our clinical staff, consisting of Licensed Clinical Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Residents in Counseling. Our program is equipped with webcams, and trainees are required to record all counseling sessions for review during supervision. While trainees have the opportunity to shadow the triage and intake processes, they are not permitted to shadow client sessions.
During this practicum or internship, you will gain valuable knowledge and experience in the best practices for treating a range of mental health diagnoses and concerns. These may include anxiety disorders, depressive disorder, interpersonal relationships, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), trauma, substance abuse, adjustment disorders, multicultural issues, identity-based issues, LGBT+ issues, family dynamics, coping with medical challenges, and school-related matters. Trainees will be introduced to various therapeutic interventions and orientations, all aimed at delivering the most effective treatment tailored to the unique needs of each client.
How to Apply
We are pleased to announce that applications for practicum and internship placements will be available beginning March 1, 2026. Placements are highly limited during the summer months (mid-May to mid-August).
Applicants should submit the following to Dr. Chad Sims, Director of Talley Center for Counseling Services at csims3@umw.edu:
- Completed application form (available through the portal)
- Current résumé or CV
- Cover letter outlining your interest in placement
If you have questions about the process or need additional information, please contact Dr. Chad Sims, Director of Talley Center for Counseling Services at csims3@umw.edu.
We appreciate your interest in applying for a practicum or internship placement and look forward to reviewing your application.
Sincerely,
Chad Sims, Ph.D., LCP