PSY.D. PRACTICUM PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The practicum training program at LYDIA offers a variety of assessment and treatment opportunities. This 10-month practicum allows students to participate in a multi-disciplinary environment to advance their skills with child and adult populations. Therapy is the primary focus of training, while psychological assessment is a secondary training emphasis. LYDIA is a founding member of the Chicago-area Christian Training Consortium, please see www.CACTC.org.
LYDIA Home Association
4300 West Irving Park Rd.
Chicago, Illinois 60641-2825
(773) 653-2200
Primary Training Opportunities
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Traditional outpatient therapy with a diverse population-age, SES, ethnicity
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Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
The practicum experience provides a forum for students to develop practical skills and professional identity in a supportive, yet challenging context. The nature of our urban setting also provides unique opportunities for professional growth and development.
LYDIA provides a unique opportunity to integrate issues of the Christian faith and psychology. As practicum students gain experience during the year, we expect them to assume greater responsibility and to exercise creativity in meeting the needs of the clients they serve. To this end, externs might design new group therapy programs, conduct specialized assessments, or provide training to other staff.
Background on LYDIA Home Association
LYDIA was founded in 1916 as an orphanage associated with the Evangelical Free Church of America. More recently, the focus of the organization has shifted to providing services for children, adults, and families through a variety of prevention and treatment programs at several locations in the Chicago area. We desire to impact those with whom we work as well as our community by providing high-quality services from a Christian perspective.
- Currently, LYDIA includes a 40-bed residential treatment program for children referred by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) due to severe behavioral problems that preclude treatment in a less restrictive setting. As wards of the state, these children have been removed from their families because of abuse and/or neglect.
- Foster care is a state-licensed program that places and monitors the placement of children in foster homes.
- The Counseling Center provides therapy and assessment services from a Christian perspective to individuals and families living in the community. Clients are referred by churches, community organizations, phone directories, or word-of mouth.
- The Preschool program serves children ages 2-6 from the community.
- LYDIA operates LYDIA Urban Academy for students with difficulty completing local high school and Safe Families offers respite care to children of parents facing difficulty managing life stresses.
Visit our website at: www.lydiahome.org
Training Activities
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Weekly individual supervision
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Weekly 2 hour didactic training seminar (some off-site)
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Case consultation/staffing
Extern Qualifications
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Interest in working with children and families
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Desire to work with culturally and economically diverse populations
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Willingness to engage in self-exploration, including practical aspects of integration
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Ability to work as a team member
Expectations
Dates of Practicum: August 2012 – June 2013
Expected hours on site: 16-20, evenings
Due to consultations and training, Thursdays (9am-3pm) are required
Supervisors
Sandra Suzuki, MA, LCPC (
)
Training Director
Sandra Suzuki
To Apply
Send Resume, Letter of Intent, and Reference Letter
Due February 22, 2012 (by postal mail) to:
Sandra Suzuki
Training Director
LYDIA Home Association
4300 W. Irving Park Rd.
Chicago, IL 60641
Open House, including tour, information about LYDIA, and individual interviews will take place in late February early March.