Site Supervisors

Question: What is the definition of "direct" and "indirect" counseling hours?

Answer:
Direct Counseling Hours: Direct counseling hours encompass any face-to-face work with clients, which may include individual counseling, group counseling, guidance activities, phone contact, meetings with the client or family, and other similar interactions. Additionally, direct hours include observation of others conducting counseling, such as observing the cooperating counselor working with a client "live" or as part of a clinical team behind an observation window. These direct hours provide counseling students with valuable opportunities to apply counseling theories and techniques in real-world settings, under supervision, and contribute significantly to their development of counseling skills and competencies.

Indirect Counseling Hours: Indirect counseling hours encompass activities that support the counseling process but do not involve direct interaction with clients. These activities may include case conceptualization, treatment planning, record-keeping, consultation with supervisors or colleagues, attending clinical meetings or trainings, conducting research related to counseling, and other administrative or preparatory tasks. While indirect counseling hours do not involve direct client contact, they are essential for the effective delivery of counseling services and contribute to the overall development of counseling competence. CACREP standards may also specify requirements for indirect counseling hours, recognizing their importance in the training of counseling professionals.

Question: Why do graduate students differ in their readiness for practicum and internship?

Answer: As graduate students join our program, they bring diverse backgrounds, varying levels of experiences, maturity, and social and professional skills. While we ensure that all students meet the necessary prerequisites for placement, there exists a spectrum of readiness among them. Some students demonstrate strong professional competence from the beginning, while others may require more intense mentorship and support. Most students fall somewhere between these extremes. It is our collective responsibility to support each graduate student in their journey toward becoming skilled professionals. We are committed to fostering an environment that nurtures individual growth and development, empowering each student to reach their full potential.

Question: When should graduate students begin to work with clients in Practicum and Internship?

Answer: Graduate students should begin to work with clients in Practicum and Internship after an initial orientation period. In Practicum, it's essential to allocate enough time for orientation and shadowing the assigned supervisors. By the third day on site, although the graduate student may continue shadowing, they should start actively engaging in direct work with clients.
In Internship, students should be prepared to engage in direct counseling activities after the initial orientation period. During their internship experience, students are expected to carry a small caseload of clients and fulfill responsibilities of a mental health counselor, of course, in conjunction with supervision.

Question: What do I do if I believe that the graduate student is not meeting the expectations of my site?

Answer: Firstly, please engage in a conversation with your student regarding the site's expectations and provide guidance to assist them in meeting these expectations. Additionally, kindly reach out to the Field Placement Coordinator and the professor who is teaching the seminar. By collaborating, we can devise a strategy to support the student in meeting the required standards. If deemed necessary, the professor and Field Placement Coordinator will initiate a formal remediation plan. This proactive approach ensures that the student receives the necessary support and guidance to succeed in their placement. 

Question: Should the graduate student see clients on their own?

Answer: Yes, the cooperating supervisor and the graduate student should assess the graduate student's readiness regarding independent work with clients. After the initial orientation to the site, the graduate student should have the opportunity to see clients while supervised and eventually to see clients independently.

Question:What is the value of the tuition waivers and stipends offered as an honorarium for the practicum and internship?

Answer: Supervisors have the choice between a stipend of $250 (practicum) / $400 (internship) or a tuition voucher valued at $1,000 towards a graduate course at Niagara University.