Training Model

The Pine Rest pre-doctoral psychology internship utilizes a Practitioner-Scholar Model in order to emphasize the integration of clinical practice and science.

This integration is fostered during the internship through professional development seminars, case conferences, individual and group supervision, and mentoring that are provided to promote critical thinking and stimulate intern growth.

Articles, guest speakers, and discussions are focused to help interns become aware of how their personal beliefs influence clinical choices.

Program Goals

A primary objective of the internship program is to help interns successfully transition from graduate student to independent practitioner by equipping them to integrate psychological theory and research into practice. As part of our attention to diversity, we provide targeted training in the assessment and utilization of spirituality in psychological treatment. Our internship is dedicated to producing clinically proficient graduates who are able to analyze, discuss, and apply scholarly material as well as identify how personal faith shapes clinical practice.

Program Expectations

We expect interns’ work to be constantly informed by advances in science, and by an ever-developing sense of who they are and what they believe. Interns will be encouraged to apply their academic knowledge and personal worldview toward problem-solving in a variety of clinical settings. They will encounter challenging patients who present with diverse issues, backgrounds and belief systems.

Interns will be challenged to further their understanding of how their personal history and worldview impact their ability to build rapport, their choice of interventions, and their treatment outcomes. We believe that the best clinical work arises from clinicians who are self-aware, and appropriately use their personal awareness and belief system to assist their patients in making important life changes.

Program Philosophy

Our training philosophy emphasizes the need to create an environment that simultaneously nurtures and challenges interns, both as professionals and people. We encourage collaboration among training faculty and interns. We view interns as junior colleagues who are valued members of our staff.

In sum, Pine Rest strives to equip interns with the ability to integrate science, practice, and faith values, while constantly evaluating their appropriateness and effectiveness with the patients they serve.