Wake Forest University Department of Counseling
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University Supervisor: Dr. Kenneth Simington
Email: simingkw@wfu.edu
The practicum is a highly individualized learning experience that provides opportunities for growth in skills, knowledge, and personal development. In Practicum, students will be provided the opportunity to increase understanding of themselves and their impact on others as well as augment their understanding of their setting (school or community/mental health). Practicum meetings will be composed of various experiences to be determined by the needs, abilities, and concerns of the group members and supervisor. Activities will be designed to facilitate growth in specific counseling skills, case conceptualization skills, self-awareness, and professional identity development.
From Section 4 of CACREP’s 2024 standards:
Assignments/expectations are linked to the above CACREP Standards and are designated by the corresponding number and letter (e.g., 4.B)
The Counseling Practicum is a pre-internship experience designed to help students further develop their individual counseling and group work skills under careful supervision. The Practicum includes a minimum of 185 total hours, with at least 150 hours of field experience in a community/mental health or school setting plus at least 35 hours of individual/triadic and group supervision by University faculty. See the Clinical Experience Manual (PDF) for an overview, expectations and examples of direct and indirect service hours.
The 185 hours break down as follows:
Note: See Appendix A for the Tele-mental Health Counseling Policy regarding professional behavior expectations while counseling virtually.
Note: Failure to complete tasks as assigned may prevent you from being able to complete the course.
Each recording should be accompanied by:
These forms, as well as the Recording Grading Rubric can be found in Canvas under Case Presentations in Assignments.
Please remember that it is your responsibility to adhere to the highest standards for privacy, including HIPAA and FERPA regulations, regarding client confidentiality. Do not include clients’ names or initials in any written communication (e.g., emails, recording review forms).
You are encouraged to record as many sessions as possible. Your university supervisor may request additional recordings and/or transcriptions of sessions at any time in order to assess your clinical skills.
IF RECORDING AT YOUR SITE IS A CHALLENGE, PLEASE REACH OUT TO YOUR UNIVERSITY SUPERVISOR.
Course materials refer only to the textbook(s), Course Reserves, WFU library readings, or scholarly articles. Refer to the course for all other instructional content (websites, lectures, videos, interactive activities, etc.)
Hodges, S. (2024). The counseling practicum and internship manual: A resource for graduate counseling students (4th ed.). New York: Springer Publishing Co. ISBN: 9780826166067 (paperback) ISBN: 9780826166074 (ebook)
Webcam.
Instructional methods in this course include discussions and variety of other supervision activities. Examples of such activities include:
Apart from clinical courses, WFU online courses are primarily asynchronous in nature, meaning students and instructors can engage with the learning materials at different times. There are a few notable exceptions, however, such as live sessions, office hours, and triad work (skills courses). For the asynchronous portions of our courses, students interact with instructors through virtual discussion boards, weekly video and/or written announcements, email communications, and formative and summative feedback on assignments. For the synchronous portions of our courses, students interact with lead instructors in weekly, recorded live sessions, and with practitioner instructors in office hours. Regarding live sessions, lead instructors meet virtually with students one hour per week in which they present on a topic related to the learning material for the week, as well as answer questions that students have about the course material or assignments. In office hours, practitioner instructors answer students’ questions about course content and assignments. They also, at times, present on topics related to that week’s lessons.
In clinical courses, university supervisors interact with students primarily through individual/triadic and group supervision sessions. University supervisors also monitor students’ time logs, review required practicum and internship documents, evaluate their counseling session recordings and writeups, and submit midterm and final evaluations related to students’ counseling skills development, as well as their professional dispositions and behaviors development.
This section provides an overview of the items due during this course. See the Course Schedule for additional details.
Discussion of each week’s objectives will occur during individual/paired supervision.
Each week, students will meet in group supervision. Most group supervision meetings will follow a general format. Typically, students will begin with a check-in so that each student can tell the group how things are going at the site, ask questions or make comments, and let the group know of any specific issues about which they would like some help from the group. The group will then determine how to best divide the time to allow for discussion of emergent issues, along with the week's formal case presentation(s). Adjustments to the schedule will be made according to the needs of the group.
These are the assignments that will be completed and submitted throughout the duration of the course.
If you expect to provide any tele-mental health services as part of your practicum or internship experience, review the Telemental Health Counseling Policy regarding the provision of distance counseling services and submit the document with your signature.
Students are expected to complete and submit the following required documentation by the end of Week 4:
If students will be conducting any tele-mental health counseling as part of their internship, they will complete the documentation requested as part of the Tele-mental Health Counseling Policy found in Appendix A..
Each week, students will track the way they spend their time by entering their hours on their weekly time log form in Anthology Portfolio. Student time logs will remain in their permanent clinical record and serve as verification of their clinical field hours for practicum. Students may use 15-minute increments for their calculations.
Each week, students will meet with their University Supervisor in individual/paired and group form to check in with each other and address things that happen during the week at their practicum sites. Students will also build a framework for talking through their counseling experiences and situations in a thorough and focused way. Students will be introduced to three areas of focus for supervision: understanding their client, building their skills, and understanding their impact on the counseling process. The specific day of Weekly Individual/Paired and Group Supervision Meetings will be determined with the University Supervisor at the start of the course.
As students approach the halfway point of the semester, they will ask their site supervisor to provide them with a midterm evaluation using the Supervisor Evaluation Form that is available through Anthology Portfolio. Students will then review the evaluation together with their site supervisor during their Week 7 site supervision meeting. Their site supervisor will complete this assignment, but students are expected to ensure that they have access to the midterm and final evaluation forms within Anthology Portfolio.
At the midpoint of the semester, the university supervisor will provide the student with an evaluation using the Supervisor Evaluation Form that is available through Anthology Portfolio. Students should review this evaluation in Anthology Portfolio. The university supervisor will complete this requirement within the Field Placement section of Anthology Portfolio.
Students will make at least one oral case presentation to the supervision group. This will count towards one of three required recordings using the Recording Review Form. Each week, from Weeks 3 to 13, one or two people will present their recording to the group during the group supervision session. The university supervisor will coordinate scheduling and post a schedule early in the semester listing who will be presenting each week. Students will come prepared to share their recording, explain their evaluation, and answer questions posed by the university supervisor and fellow classmates. Students will provide their peers with a de-identified write-up of their the using the WFU Recording Review Form. Students will then submit the full session recording and review to their supervisor two workdays prior to the group meeting in which they will be presenting. Students should select one continuous segment of recording approximately 10 minutes long for their presentation. Students will sign up for presentation dates.
In addition to recordings for group supervision case presentations, students will listen to, review, and submit two session recordings for each of their 2nd and 3rd Individual Supervision Meetings. The recording submissions should be accompanied by a Recording Review Form, which students will upload into Anthology Portfolio. The university supervisor will provide the student with feedback on the set of two session recordings during Individual Supervision Meetings. The university supervisor may require additional recordings based on the individual student’s developmental needs.
If a student cannot obtain a session recording at their site, they will consult with their lead faculty and university supervisor about completing the alternative recording assignment in place of a client recording. Although all recordings are due by Week 14 Day 7, the first session recording should be submitted by Week 6 Day 7. If a student cannot submit their first recording by this date, they should discuss other arrangements with their university supervisor and lead faculty.
Please review the WFU HIPAA-Secure Zoom Policies and Procedures before recording counseling sessions.
In keeping with the expectation that professional counselors engage in regular self-assessment and continuing education, students will submit a self-evaluation paper (four to five pages) that describes their personal and professional experiences during practicum in lieu of a final examination.
As students approach the end of the semester, they will ask their site supervisor to provide them with a final evaluation using the Final Evaluation Form within the Field Placement section of Anthology Portfolio. The site supervisor will complete this assignment, but students are expected to ensure that they have access to the midterm and final evaluation forms within Anthology Portfolio.
Students will evaluate their experience at the practicum site. Students will complete and submit the Student Evaluation of Practicum/Internship Experience Form that is available in the Field Placement section of Anthology Portfolio.
For this assignment, students will evaluate their practicum instructor (university supervisor). Students will receive a Qualtrics survey so they can provide their feedback. In order to ensure the anonymity of the feedback form, students will submit this form as an email attachment to the Program Manager.
At the closing of the semester, the university supervisor will provide the student with an evaluation using the Supervisor Evaluation Form that is available through Anthology Portfolio. Students should review this evaluation in Anthology Portfolio. The university supervisor will complete this requirement within the Field Placement section of Anthology Portfolio.
There are four signature assignments for this course, the midterm and final site supervisor evaluations and the midterm and final university supervisor evaluations. These evaluations will be completed by your site and university supervisors in Anthology Portfolio, an e-Portfolio, data storage, and data management program. The midterm and final evaluations will be used for course grade calculations (as described in the Grading Policies), program evaluation reporting, and student learning outcomes (SLO) / key performance indicator (KPI) monitoring. For program evaluation reporting and SLO/KPI monitoring, we use a CACREP rubric that measures student learning on a scale from 1 (harmful) to 5 (exceeds expectations). The student learning outcome on which you will be evaluated for the midterm and final evaluations are:
Based on the 2024 CACREP standards (2.E.1.a., 2.C.1.a.), our counseling program is required to report aggregated SLO/KPI ratings, as well as monitor individual student SLO/KPI progress. The expectation is that students, on average and individually, will receive average CACREP rubric ratings of 4 (meets expectations) on each SLO/KPI measure. Student ratings on SLO/KPI measures that fall below a 3 (near expectations) may result in remediation.
Students are encouraged to make the same effort to submit all assignments on time that they would use in the workplace. It is, however, understood that sometimes circumstances arise that are beyond our control. To request an extension, students should contact their Lead Faculty as soon as a problem is identified to provide details and determine a realistic deadline. Assignments submitted late without prior approval will not be eligible for full credit.
Unless arrangements have been made, students who submit late assignments will receive a 10% grade deduction for each day beyond the due date.
This table details the grade points and/or percentages of each assignment.
Assignment | Percentage |
---|---|
University Supervisor’s Evaluation - Midterm | 40% |
University Supervisor’s Evaluation - Final | 60% |
Total | 100% |
This table lists the letter grade corresponding to ranges of points.
Final grading is at the discretion of the faculty.
Letter Grade | Percentage |
---|---|
A | 93–100 |
A− | 90–92 |
B+ | 87–89 |
B | 83–86 |
B− | 80–82 |
C+ | 77–79 |
C | 70–76 |
F | 0–69 |
Every student is required to practice and adhere to the principle of academic integrity while undertaking studies with Wake Forest University. Maintaining academic integrity is considered an essential academic standard of every graduate course and program. The University does not tolerate academic dishonesty.
Every student is required to practice and adhere to the Tele-mental Health Counseling Policy as a provision of distance counseling services rendered during clinical courses observed by Wake Forest University. To maintain integrity with the policy see the guidelines in detail in Appendix. A.
Every student is required to practice and adhere to the principle of academic integrity while undertaking studies with Wake Forest University. Maintaining academic integrity is considered an essential academic standard of every graduate course and program. The University does not tolerate academic dishonesty.
The graduate faculty at Wake Forest has adopted a formal honor code to provide guidance for student conduct with respect to academic pursuits. Read the Graduate Student Academic Honor Code (PDF).
Academic dishonesty may be an academic issue or a disciplinary issue, or both, depending on its pervasiveness and/or severity. Any student engaged in academic dishonesty may face reprimand, disciplinary warning, a lowered or failing grade(s), and/or probation or suspension from the course, academic program, or University; or expulsion from the University.
The list that follows includes examples, although not all-inclusive, of academic dishonesty:
For the complete academic honesty policy and tips to avoid plagiarism, please see your WFU Dept of Counseling Student Handbook (PDF).
You deserve a community free of bias and discrimination. A bias incident is an act or behavior consciously or unconsciously motivated by the offender’s bias against facets of another’s identity. As stated in the University's Equal Opportunity Policy, these facets include race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability, and veteran status. If you experience or witness an incident of bias or discrimination, please visit Report Bias.
For further information on all academic policies, including the policies for adding and dropping a course, requesting a grade of incomplete, academic probation, termination of enrollment, reinstatement, and student and faculty expectations, see the WFU Dept of Counseling Student Handbook (PDF). Further information can be found in the WFU Dept of Counseling Clinical Experience Manual (PDF).
In accordance with Wake Forest University’s policy regarding class recordings, be mindful of this information:
It is very important that students actively engage in class discussions, and that students communicate in a timely manner with their instructors if unforeseen circumstances negatively affect their academic engagement. WFU monitors student academic engagement through student activity in the course, much of which can be monitored automatically in Canvas (e.g., logging into the course in Canvas, participating in discussion boards, submitting assignments, reviewing learning materials in the modules); attending live sessions, office hours, and individual/triadic/group supervision sessions; and communicating by phone or email with instructors. If an entire week passes without a student submission of an assignment and/or no contact is made with instructors, the following will occur:
Identify the minimum device configuration requirements for this institution.
Assistance to resolve technical problems is available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Students can access the Help Desk at: Wake Forest Help Desk.
Help Desk services are restricted primarily to problems associated with the functionality of the course delivery platform. Responsibilities include:
Sometimes students may not be sure whether a problem they are having is caused by their computer system or the online learning management system. The Help Desk will help students figure out where the problem lies and attempt to resolve issues immediately. However, some highly advanced hardware issues may require additional assistance. If this is the case, the Help Desk may suggest seeking assistance from a local computer repair establishment.
Call a Canvas Expert: 833.383.5792
For Canvas technical support, select the Help icon in the navigation bar, where students will find several options including:
When submitting a ticket, be as specific as possible in the description of the issue. Include the name of the course and the date the issue occurred, the browser being used and, if possible, screenshots to help Canvas support personnel troubleshoot the issue and expedite service.
Note: Lead Faculty and PIs do not provide Canvas support.
AskDeac services include most technology issues outside of the scope of course delivery. Common requests include assistance setting up a VPN, setting up a WFU Zoom account, using Google Drive, and resetting WFU email passwords.
Assistance to resolve technical issues is available through Email or Live Chat from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. Phone support is available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.
Access AskDeac at: AskDeac.
Wake Forest University is committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion provides campus resources such as the Intercultural Center, LGBTQ Center, Women’s Center, and more. Locate these on the webpage under Affinity & Support.
To learn more about WFU’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion read the Non-Discrimination Statement and policy on Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Disability.
Pro Humanitate - As a part of the Wake Forest community, the faculty and staff of the Department of Counseling fully embrace the concept of Pro Humanitate. In each of our classes (graduate, undergraduate, face-to-face and virtual), we strive to affirm every person and every identity including but not limited to gender identity, affectional orientation, language, national origin, color, race, disability, sex, religion, creed, and ancestry. We embrace the development of critical thinkers that consistently aspire to become culturally responsive and encourage you to challenge your own biases while developing the necessary skills to enter your chosen profession. Further, the faculty and staff will promote the Realizing Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (R.I.D.E.) framework in our teaching, research, supervision and advising. We hope that you will join us along this journey, with a commitment to advocacy and social justice in both your personal and professional lives. Pro Humanitate, to better the lives of all humans!
Wake Forest strives to provide equal access for all learners. Learning content contained within the Canvas Learning Management System is designed to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Throughout our course development process, we test the capabilities of our learning content against these standards.
Wake Forest University recognizes its responsibility for creating an institutional climate in which students with differing needs and abilities can thrive.
Along with the mission of the Division of Student Life, Disability Services exists to enable students with disabilities to experience equal access to the academic, social, and recreational activities and programs at Wake Forest University. To achieve this goal, the Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success (CLASS) is available to offer academic support for all Wake Forest Students. CLASS staff works with students, faculty, and staff to implement services and accommodations that are in accordance with both state and federal laws and our own commitment to this goal.
If a student has a disability that may require an accommodation for taking this course, use the Student Portal Login located on the Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success (CLASS) website. Alternatively, contact the Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success at the contact information provided.
Contact Information:
118 Reynolda Hall, WFU
Winston-Salem, NC, 27109
Phone: 336-758-5929
Email: class@wfu.edu
Situations may arise in which a student believes that they have not received fair treatment from a faculty member in an academic matter. In such cases, within two weeks of the student's awareness of the treatment they should talk with the faculty member. If the student and faculty member cannot resolve the problem, the student should immediately consult their advisor and the Chair of the Counseling Department as indicated in the Graduate Student Handbook (PDF). If a resolution satisfactory to both parties cannot be reached in a reasonable time, which can vary according to the complexity of the matter, the student may choose to initiate the Graduate Student Academic Grievance Procedure as indicated in the Graduate Student Handbook.
Disaster Planning/Catastrophic Event Policy: In the event the University calendar is disrupted by disaster or catastrophic event, please continue with the assigned lessons and adhere to the due dates of assignments and discussions. The instructor will be available by email or by phone, unless the internet or phone is inaccessible.
The course week runs from Monday (Day 1) to Sunday (Day 7). Due dates for assignments and discussions are stated in day numbers. Unless otherwise noted, all assessments are due by 11:59 p.m. E.T. on the designated day.
Please note: Readings refer only to the textbook(s), Course Reserves, WFU library readings, or scholarly articles. Refer to the course for all other instructional content (websites, lectures, videos, interactive activities, etc.)
Lesson | Readings | Discussions | Assignments | Quizzes/Exams |
---|---|---|---|---|
None | The Department of Counseling Student Clinical Experience Manual Practicum Forms Practicum Syllabus Zoom User guide |
None | Week 1: Telemental Health Policy Agreement (Due Day 7) Weekly Time Log (Due Day 7) Weekly Individual/Paired Supervision (Due Day 7) Weekly Group Supervision (Due Day 7) |
None |
Lesson | Readings | Discussions | Assignments | Quizzes/Exams |
---|---|---|---|---|
None | Policy & Procedure Manual at your practicum site The Counseling Practicum & Internship Manual, Chapter 3 |
None | Weekly Time Log (Due Day 7) Weekly Individual/Paired Supervision (Due Day 7) Weekly Group Supervision (Due Day 7) |
None |
Lesson | Readings | Discussions | Assignments | Quizzes/Exams |
---|---|---|---|---|
None | The Counseling Practicum & Internship Manual, Chapters 9 and 10 Current Trends in Grief Counseling (PDF) |
None | Weekly Time Log (Due Day 7) Weekly Individual/Paired Supervision (Due Day 7) Weekly Group Supervision (Due Day 7) |
None |
Lesson | Readings | Discussions | Assignments | Quizzes/Exams |
---|---|---|---|---|
None | The Counseling Practicum & Internship Manual, Chapter 11 Wolfelt's Mourner's Bill of Rights |
None | Consent to Record Form (Due Day 7) Ethical Guidelines Form (Due Day 7) Learning Experience Form (Due Day 7) Learning Goals (Due Day 7) Professional Disclosure Statement (Due Day 7) Site Supervisor-Student Recording Agreement Form (Due Day 7) Weekly Time Log (Due Day 7) Weekly Individual/Paired Supervision (Due Day 7) Weekly Group Supervision (Due Day 7) |
None |
Lesson | Readings | Discussions | Assignments | Quizzes/Exams |
---|---|---|---|---|
None | Association for Play Therapy | None | Weekly Time Log (Due Day 7) Weekly Individual/Paired Supervision (Due Day 7) Weekly Group Supervision (Due Day 7) |
None |
Lesson | Readings | Discussions | Assignments | Quizzes/Exams |
---|---|---|---|---|
None | The Counseling Practicum & Internship Manual, Chapter 7 Frame, M. W. & Williams, C. B. (2005). A model of ethical decision making from a multicultural perspective. (PDF) Counseling and Values, 49(3), 165–179. |
None |
Counseling Recording 1 - Recording Review Form (Due Day 7) |
None |
Lesson | Readings | Discussions | Assignments | Quizzes/Exams |
---|---|---|---|---|
None | The Counseling Practicum & Internship Manual, Chapter 5 | None | Site Supervisor’s Evaluation of School Counseling Students – Midterm (Due Day 7) Weekly Time Log (Due Day 7) Weekly Individual/Paired Supervision (Due Day 7) Weekly Group Supervision (Due Day 7) |
None |
Lesson | Readings | Discussions | Assignments | Quizzes/Exams |
---|---|---|---|---|
None | The Counseling Practicum & Internship Manual, Chapter 8 | None | University Supervisor’s Evaluation - Midterm (Due Day 7) Weekly Time Log (Due Day 7) Weekly Individual/Paired Supervision (Due Day 7) Weekly Group Supervision (Due Day 7) |
None |
Lesson | Readings | Discussions | Assignments | Quizzes/Exams |
---|---|---|---|---|
None | None | None | Weekly Time Log (Due Day 7) Weekly Individual/Paired Supervision (Due Day 7) Weekly Group Supervision (Due Day 7) |
None |
Lesson | Readings | Discussions | Assignments | Quizzes/Exams |
---|---|---|---|---|
None | None | None | Weekly Time Log (Due Day 7) Weekly Individual/Paired Supervision (Due Day 7) Weekly Group Supervision (Due Day 7) |
None |
Lesson | Readings | Discussions | Assignments | Quizzes/Exams |
---|---|---|---|---|
None | None | None | Weekly Time Log (Due Day 7) Weekly Individual/Paired Supervision (Due Day 7) Weekly Group Supervision (Due Day 7) |
None |
Lesson | Readings | Discussions | Assignments | Quizzes/Exams |
---|---|---|---|---|
None | None | None | Weekly Time Log (Due Day 7) Weekly Individual/Paired Supervision (Due Day 7) Weekly Group Supervision (Due Day 7) |
None |
Lesson | Readings | Discussions | Assignments | Quizzes/Exams |
---|---|---|---|---|
None | None | None | Weekly Time Log (Due Day 7) Weekly Individual/Paired Supervision (Due Day 7) Weekly Group Supervision (Due Day 7) |
None |
Lesson | Readings | Discussions | Assignments | Quizzes/Exams |
---|---|---|---|---|
None | None | None | Case Presentation Recording (Due Day 7) Counseling Recording 2 - Recording Review Form (Due Day 7) Counseling Recording 3 - Recording Review Form (Due Day 7) Self-Evaluation Paper (Due Day 7) Site Supervisor's Evaluation of School Counseling Students—Final (Due Day 7) Student's Evaluation of Practicum Experience (Due Day 7) Student's Evaluation of University Supervisor Form (Due Day 7) University Supervisor's Evaluation—Final (Due Day 7) Weekly Time Log (Due Day 7) Weekly Individual/Paired Supervision (Due Day 7) Weekly Group Supervision (Due Day 7) |
None |
The emphasis of the counseling program, first and foremost, is to train individuals to be school and clinical mental health counselors. Some additional specialization, such as training in a particular theoretical orientation or with special populations, can occur through students’ practicum, internship experiences, and extracurricular training programs. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted traditional practicum and internship courses by requiring many students to provide distance professional services as opposed to face-to-face counseling. The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC; 2016) defines distanced professional services as “the use of electronic or other means (e.g., telephones or computers) to provide services such as counseling, supervision, consultation, or education” (p. 1). The Department of Counseling has developed the following guidelines regarding practicum and internship students’ provision of distance counseling services:
**Please note that this policy may be revised as needed for reasons that include, but are not limited to, adhering to changes in CACREP requirements.**
For a list of image credits for this course, visit the CNS738a Credits Page.