Postgraduate Psychotherapy Internship
Brief description of our program:
The Neuropsychological Assessment Clinic is a multidisciplinary, private clinic in Brighton, Massachusetts that provides neuropsychological, psychoeducational, and psychological testing, as well as psychotherapeutic support to individuals across the lifespan with attention, learning, neurodevelopmental and behavioral issues, and a broad range of neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions that so often accompany these disorders. The emphasis is on diagnosis, assessment, clinical conceptualization, treatment planning, feedback, and therapeutic intervention.
For psychotherapy trainees:
Primary Focus: Individual and couples psychotherapy, along with specialized group psychotherapy sessions.
We proudly offer an inclusive and diverse range of services, catering specifically to LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, the elderly, adolescents, and adults. Our approach is deeply rooted in understanding and addressing the unique needs of each of these communities, ensuring that everyone has access to compassionate, tailored, and effective psychotherapy.
Group Psychotherapy: Includes sessions targeting specific issues like memory and aging, ADHD, and other relevant topics.
Patient Presentation: Serving individuals with various clinical and dual diagnoses. Common concerns include depression, anxiety, trauma, adjustment to life stressors, and medical concerns.
Group Supervision: Focused on clinical case presentations and guest speaker presentations. These sessions cover a wide range of topics: Treating diverse populations, Trauma work, Anxiety treatment, various therapeutic modalities (CBT, DBT, ACT), Family therapy
Individual Supervision: Providing guidance and support for therapists, focusing on their personal and professional development.
Expert Speaker Presentations: Covering a range of topics including specific therapeutic modalities, family work, and various treatment modalities such as psychopharmacology, TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), and Ketamine therapy.
Brief description of the student role and activities:
**Therapeutic Services and Support**: Trainees provide a range of services including therapeutic sessions, some case management, psycho-education, and support to individuals and families with diverse needs.
**Assessments and Therapy Sessions**: Trainees are responsible for completing comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments, conducting individual and family therapy sessions, and developing detailed treatment plans in collaboration with clients and their families. These plans include clearly defined, attainable goals and objectives. It's important to note that only trainees with previous experience in couples and family therapy are permitted to conduct therapy sessions with couples and families.
**Treatment Planning and Collaboration**: Developing treatment plans involves not just setting goals, but also working closely with the individual/family to ensure these goals are tailored to their specific needs.
**Skill Development**: Trainees utilize various techniques such as motivational interviewing, client advocacy, and effective communication with external mental health systems. This enhances their ability to connect individuals with necessary mental health services, conduct needs-based assessments, and navigate insurance systems.
**Diverse Clientele**: The clinical experience encompasses working with young and older adult cases. For pediatric cases, trainees handle a wide spectrum of neurological, developmental, and emotional disorders.
**Supervision and Training**: Each trainee receives individual case supervision. This includes discussions on various aspects of field placement, logistics, expectations, field placement documentation, and performance feedback.
**Additional Learning Opportunities**: Training extends beyond supervision to include didactic seminars and case presentations. The program places a strong emphasis on case conceptualization, conducting intake evaluations, performing assessments, making appropriate referrals, and community networking.
**Program Strengths**: The training program is known for its focus on practical skill development, providing trainees with the knowledge and experience necessary for effective clinical practice.
**Commitment**: This is a full-time placement, ensuring comprehensive exposure and immersion in the field of psychotherapy.
Schedule:
**Flexible Hours**: The program offers flexible scheduling to accommodate the varying needs of our trainees and patients. We do have patients who prefer early morning and evening hours due to work/school other commitments.
**Consideration for Child and Adolescent Clients**: Trainees with a strong interest in pediatric cases should be prepared for weekend sessions. The clinic operates on weekends, which aligns with the availability of school-aged children and adolescents. This consideration is crucial to ensure that therapy does not conflict with their school schedules.
We are easily reachable by public transportation. There is no student parking on campus.
Orientation to the program process:
**Gradual Case Assignment**: Trainees are gradually assigned cases, ensuring they are not overwhelmed and can focus on learning effectively.
**Pre-Session Preparation**: Before each therapy session, trainees meet with their supervisor to review the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system and go over the patient’s documentation. This includes reviewing completed consent forms, history forms, and questionnaires filled out by the patient or their family.
**Post-Session Debriefing**: Immediately following each therapy session, trainees debrief with their supervisor. This is a critical step for immediate feedback and reflection on the session.
**Continued Support**: This level of 'hand-holding' continues until the trainee feels comfortable and confident in managing these administrative and clinical tasks independently.
**Collaboration with Administrative Team**: Trainees work closely with a mental health-oriented administrative team. This team assists in scheduling, managing the trainee's census, filling in cancellations, and communicating with patients.
**Focus on Trainee Comfort and Confidence**: The entire orientation process is designed with the trainee's comfort and growth in mind, ensuring a supportive environment that fosters learning and professional development.
Clinical focus:
**Health/Medical**: Providing mental health services to patients with a variety of medical conditions. This includes working with individuals suffering from neurological disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Epilepsy, and intellectual disabilities. The focus also extends to supporting those experiencing early cognitive decline and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI).
**Substance Abuse**: Referred patients have histories of substance abuse and we provide therapy aimed at addressing and recovering from these issues.
**Racial/Ethnic Focused**: We provide clinical service to diverse populations, with a focus on providing culturally sensitive and inclusive therapy, addressing the specific needs of various racial and ethnic groups.
**Death and Dying**: Referrals include individuals dealing with grief, terminal illnesses, or end-of-life issues.
**Immigration/Refugee**: Our program is specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of immigrants and refugees. We recognize and address the complex challenges faced by these groups, including trauma, difficulties with cultural adjustment, and transition issues. Our therapeutic approach is sensitive to the distinct experiences and backgrounds of immigrants and refugees, providing them with the specialized support they require to navigate their new environments and the emotional impacts of their experiences.
**Physical Disabilities**: Our clinical services extend to working with individuals who have physical disabilities, addressing their unique psychological and emotional needs.
The program is coordinated by Irene Piryatinsky, Ph.D.
To apply, please submit the following materials to info@npevaluation.com
Clinical experience is required.
A letter of interest describing practicum and long-term career goals
Curriculum Vitae
Letter of reference from a current or recently former clinical supervisor
