Advanced Practicum Students

Ideal Applicant

Advanced Therapy Externs at Genesis must have the ability to work autonomously, be self-directed, and work collaboratively as a member of a team. Externs should be interested in providing both individual and group therapy. Genesis takes both a developmental and experiential approach to training; therefore, externs must be willing to focus on both personal and professional growth. Advanced Therapy externs will be expected to uphold these qualities when providing administrative supervision with Therapy externs. Genesis locations are in various locations throughout the Chicago Metro area; thus, access to a car is essential. 

Program Description

Direct Clinical Hours:

During the training year, each extern is required to accumulate the amount of direct service hours required by his or her graduate institution’s Training Department. GTC offers externs the opportunity to earn these direct service hours in multiple ways:

1. Psychotherapy (10-14 outpatient hours per week not including client hours in the schools): Advanced student trainees are encouraged to carry several long-term psychotherapy cases as a way of gaining more intensive clinical experience. Building gradually, the student trainee will be expected to carry a caseload of 10-14 individuals and/or couples per week. The Advanced student has the opportunity to provide individual, group, couples, and family therapy. 


2. Psychotherapy Alongside a Supervisor (Optional): Some supervisors are willing to see clients as co-therapists with externs to provide a unique training experience. This modality of training is optional. If interested, it is the extern’s responsibility to ask his or her supervisor. Final decision is left to the supervisor’s discretion. 


3. Outreach (1-2 hours per week): With the assistance of staff, externs may help plan, develop and present brief workshops that address issues relevant to the sites where GTC is located. In addition, externs are expected to participate in community-based events (i.e., expos, health fairs). 

Supervision:

For the duration of their training year at GTC, advanced therapy practicum externs participate in a minimum of 2.5 hours of supervision per week.  


1. One- on- One Supervision: The Advanced Therapy extern is assigned to work with one supervisor from the GTC staff and will participate in one hour of individual supervision with that staff member per week.  


2. Supervision of Therapy Practicum Externs: The Advanced Therapy extern is required to co-facilitate a weekly 1.5-hour group supervision meeting held for the personal and professional growth of the Therapy Practicum externs. 

Psychological Testing:

Advanced Therapy externs can opt for training and supervision in conducting psychological testing.  Students who elect to conduct psychological testing will receive training in the administration, scoring and interpretation of various psychological assessments.


In addition to GTC’s extensive, on-site testing library, graduate student trainees are welcome to use other tests from the libraries at their graduate institutions. 

Code of Conduct

All trainees are required to conduct themselves in accordance with the APA Code of Ethics, Illinois Mental Health Code, Illinois Confidentiality Act, and HIPAA.


Trainees may not engage in non-professional relationships with clients during treatment or for a period of two years following discharge. Non-professional behavior consists of any of the following:


  • Dating clients or members of their immediate family;
  • Physical intimacy;
  • Gambling;
  • Obtaining alcohol, drugs, or other contraband for the benefit of the client;
  • Accepting gratuities or soliciting;
  • Assuming responsibilities for client on a pass;
  • Entertaining a client in one’s home;
  • Visiting a client in their home for anything other than facility business/treatment;
  • Sharing privileged information about the client.

Dress Code

It is the expectation and requirement of GTC that all students dress in a professional, business-like manner. This dress code should be followed at all client sessions, individual supervision, group supervision, staff meetings, and other professional activities of GTC. Students who are not in proper attire will be counseled and may be asked to return home and change clothing. The following is not considered appropriate work attire:


  • Clinging slacks
  • Clinging skirts or dresses
  • Skirts or dresses higher than two inches above knee
  • Low cut tops
  • T-shirts
  • Transparent clothing
  • Visible underwear
  • Jeans with holes (Jeans WITHOUT holes are only allowed on Fridays unless otherwise designated)
  • Athletic wear (i.e., jogging pants, sports T-shirts)
  • Stiletto heels (1” is the maximum height allowed for heels)
  • Unclean sneakers

Additional Opportunities

Advanced Therapy externs have additional opportunities to build their skills and expertise as a clinician. Some supplemental activities include providing continued education workshops for the staff and/or community; engaging in outreach within the community by providing speaking opportunities (e.g.: speaking at the local high schools); developing a focused group (e.g., trauma, art, LGBT, domestic violence etc.); and/or submitting articles based on various mental health topics (e.g., treatment, awareness, education etc.) for Genesis social media platforms.

Applying to Genesis

The Genesis Therapy Center follows ACEPT guidelines for practicum placements



We require a cover letter, transcript, curriculum vitae and three letters of recommendation with all applications. At least one letter of recommendation must come from a supervisor who is familiar with and can speak about your clinical work and experience. 

For further information, please email us at info@genesistherapy.org. 


Mail applications to:

Genesis Therapy Center

Attn: Terae Tatum-Blakeley 

6006 W. 159th Street, Bldg. C

Oak Forest, IL 60452

For further information, please email us at info@genesistherapy.org. or our Training Director, Terae Tatum-Blakeley at tterae69@gmail.com.