What our interns have to say!
"Having finished honours without seeing a single client, I was unsure what to expect from an internship at childpsych. When I arrived all members of staff were extremely warm and welcoming, which made adjusting to the rather sudden change manageable and outright enjoyable. I have been sitting in on sessions with a clinical psychologist who is a fount of knowledge and experience along with being a delight to work with.
The three other provisional psychologists and myself also receive a weekly lecture from Dr. Emma Ruddock as part of the internship. These lectures focus on counselling skills, models of therapy, test administration and scoring along with any other relevant material. Emma is a natural teacher who is fantastic at explaining her thoughts and prompting her pupils to the extremities of their knowledge before expanding it. She is a thoughtful, empathetic and fun mentor...
My experience of childpsych to date has been nothing but positive and I'm very grateful for the opportunity that it presents."
For me, personally, this internship 1 has been amazing experience. Firstly, because I have been directly exposed to various clients, different session types (i.e. structured and unstructured assessments, individual and group interventions, etc.)
Moreover, I have had opportunities to participate in identifying client's needs, generating case formulations, treatment plans, demonstrate and improve necessary skills in working in clinical psychology - crucial in acquiring clinical skills and thus directly included in growing professional competences and building professional confidence.
Things that I have discovered to be extremely helpful are being provided with constructive feedback, and space and time to reflect on own experience in supervision sessions, etc. Working independently is highly appreciated but being part of the team has given me sense of belonging to a healthy and high functioning working environment. This helps in maintaining my motivation and enthusiasm.
Lastly and equally important to mention is that I have been supported at all times, especially in terms of having my professional needs acknowledged and aligned with learning goals. I am very grateful for being given this opportunity not just to learn but also to meet such amazing group of professionals! :)
Frequently asked questions
- I don't know anything about therapy. Will you leave me alone with clients?
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- Definitely not. There's a reason why we offer double the supervision/training hours recommended by the Psychology Board. Depending upon your level of training so far, you will be involved in co-therapy with your supervisor. Your supervisor will be with you to support you and as you develop confidence, allow you to work more independently.
- Can you guarantee me direct client contact hours?
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- No. No placement setting can guarantee you this. Clients get sick and cannot attend. However, childpsych has a client cancellation rate of 2% meaning your chances of building your client contact hours are very good.
- What happens if I reach 26 weeks and still need more hours?
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- We can work from week to week or whatever you need to make sure you get your hours.
- Can you guarantee I will get registration as a psychologist?
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- No. Becoming a psychologist is also about the character of the intern. You will need to demonstrate a willingness to learn, take responsibility for your own learning and immerse yourself in your chosen profession by reading, attending workshops and so on.
- Can I use my current workplace and supervised practice program AND complete your internship?
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- Yes. You would retain your Primary Supervisor and we can offer you supervision and training in our clinic.
- Is there paid work?
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- This is a small possibility for some interns. In general, those in their 6th year of supervised practice are more likely to receive some paid work for seeing clients and running groups.
- Are there finance options?
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- For the Supervision and Training Programs you are required to pay us at the end of each session. For the Internship Program you may pay us in weekly instalments or pay upfront for a 5% discount.
More information
Information regarding costs, eligibility, and more can be found in our prospectus (PDF document, 1.5MB).
Internship Program
„Receiving an intern placement at Childpsych has been a vital experience in my personal and professional development as a future psychologist. The thorough intern assessment program highlighted childpsych's emphasis and dedication in selection and training for future professionals, even before the commencement of this program.
The Childpsych internship program is most commended for their teaching psychologists who have proven to be extremely experienced and forthcoming about their wealth of knowledge of the discipline.
The clinic has made available numerous learning opportunities coupled with a strong supportive network. The quality of the learning does not fall short from a master's program and this experience has proved beyond valuable.
There are several pathways to registration as a psychologist in Australia:
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Our Internship Program is for those pursuing the 4+2 Internship or 5+1 Internship pathways, and offers 6-month internships in our clinic over two-and-a-half to three days a week, with flexible hours so you can work. Complete a single internship with us or as many as you need to build your psychological practice hours. Receive supervision from more than one supervisor and complete structured training.
We have structured our internships so that you develop your skills in line with the Psychology Board requirements.
You can expect to complete all your supervision requirements for full registration as a psychologist in just over two years. The diagram below shows the expected pathway to full registration for someone completing their internship over three full days:
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Our solution for 4+2 and 5+1 provisional psychologists
- Rigorous training - The Psychology Board of Australia only requires you to have one hour of supervision for 17.5 hours of practice. Our internship program provides 2 hours of supervision for 17.5 hours of practice! Our Training Program involves skills development and weekly professional readings and exercises. We are striving to provide you with the same high standard expected in postgraduate psychology courses.
- Mentors, not just supervisors - Our supervision program also involves setting your personal and career goals.
- Broad psychological practice - If you complete an internship with us, you will learn to assess, diagnose and treat a range of childhood disorders such as AD/HD, Autism and anxiety.
- Specialist supervisors - Your supervisors have many years of experience as a psychologist. You will have access to supervisors with expertise in educational psychology, clinical psychology and family therapy. You can receive supervision from several supervisors so you develop a range of knowledge and skills.
How to apply
Entry is competitive and you will need to attend an interview, complete psychological testing and demonstrate the ability to undertake a program such as this. We understand that our program may not suit everyone and we are committed to producing highly skilled psychologists
Download and complete the Clinical Training Programs Application Form, which is available in our prospectus (PDF document, 1.5MB) and submit along with all required supporting documentation.
Submit your application
Applications can be submitted via email: internships@childpsych.net.au or by postal mail to: Internship Program, childpsych, PO Box 405, SHERWOOD Q, 4075.
More information
Information regarding costs, eligibility, and more can be found in our prospectus (PDF document, 1.5MB). If you have further questions regarding the Internship Program contact us via email: internships@childpsych.net.au or by phone through the childpsych office on 07 3716 0445.
