Practicum and Internship Program

Learning to walk alongside others starts with learning to walk alongside yourself. 

At GJ Counselling, we believe becoming a therapist is more than learning theories, techniques, and clinical skills. It is also about developing self-awareness, curiosity, confidence, and the ability to sit with people in the difficult and complicated places of their lives. 

Our practicum and internship program offers graduate students the opportunity to develop their clinical skills within a supportive, collaborative, and trauma-informed counselling practice. 

We don't expect students to have everything figured out before they begin. We expect them to be willing to learn. 

A Place to Grow as a Clinician 

As a student at GJ Counselling, you’ll have the opportunity to move from the classroom into real clinical work while being supported through supervision and consultation.

Depending on your program requirements, experience, and scope of practice, your placement may include opportunities to:

  • develop your skills through direct client work

  • build confidence in the therapeutic relationship

  • explore assessment and case conceptualization

  • develop treatment goals and therapeutic interventions

  • strengthen clinical documentation skills

  • participate in clinical consultation

  • reflect on your work through supervision

  • learn about the realities of working in private practice

  • begin developing your own identity and approach as a therapist

We believe good supervision isn’t about having someone tell you exactly what to do. It’s about creating space to ask questions, consider different perspectives, understand your clinical decisions, and grow in your ability to trust yourself as a developing therapist.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome graduate students who are ready to begin putting their learning into practice and who understand that becoming a therapist is an ongoing process. 

We value students who are:

  • curious and open to learning 

  • reflective and self-aware 

  • compassionate and non-judgmental 

  • comfortable receiving feedback 

  • committed to ethical and culturally responsive practice 

  • reliable and professional

  • willing to engage meaningfully in supervision

  • interested in developing their own clinical voice

You don't need to know everything before you begin. 

You do need to be willing to ask questions, reflect on your work, and keep learning.

Practicum spots available starting May 2027.

Learning to walk alongside others starts with learning to walk alongside yourself. 

At GJ Counselling, supervision is a supportive partnership. 

We want students to have a place where they can bring questions, uncertainty, challenging sessions, and moments that didn't go quite as expected. 

Our approach to supervision is grounded in the belief that clinical growth happens through reflection, curiosity, and relationship. We encourage students to consider not only what is happening for the client, but also what is happening within themselves as they sit with that client. 

The goal is not perfection. 

The goal is to become a thoughtful, ethical, self-aware, and effective therapist who can continue learning throughout their career. 

Learning in a Trauma-Informed Practice

GJ Counselling is an attachment-based and trauma-informed practice. Our clinicians work with individuals, couples, and families experiencing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, burnout, relationship difficulties, ADHD, life transitions, and the effects of difficult or traumatic experiences. 

Students may encounter clients with a variety of presenting concerns and backgrounds. Throughout the placement, we encourage students to remain curious about the experiences and systems that have shaped each person's story. 

We believe that people are more than their symptoms, diagnoses, or presenting concerns. 

The Application Process

1. Review the placement requirements 

Before applying, please review your program's practicum requirements and consider whether they align with the opportunities we are able to provide. 

2. Submit your application 

Please provide and email info@gjcounselling.ca: 

  • a current résumé or CV 

  • a cover letter 

  • your academic program and institution 

  • your practicum requirements 

  • your anticipated placement dates 

  • the number of hours required 

  • any specific requirements or forms from your program 

3. Tell us about yourself 

Your cover letter is an opportunity to tell us more than what is already on your résumé. 

We'd like to hear about your clinical interests, why you're interested in GJ Counselling, what you hope to learn during your placement, and what you're beginning to discover about yourself as a developing therapist. 

4. Interview 

Selected applicants will be invited to meet with us for an interview. 

The interview is an opportunity for us to learn more about you and for you to learn more about us. We want to make sure that the placement is a good fit in both directions. 

5. Placement & onboarding 

Students who are offered a placement will receive information about next steps, clinical expectations, supervision, documentation, and onboarding requirements before beginning their placement.