Academic coursework is one of numerous important elements of the Psy.D. student's overall education and training. The practicum component, clinical supervision, and the colloquium series are also integral elements of the program that enhance and supplement the theories and techniques taught in Psy.D. classes.

The practicum component, the core experiential learning element of the Psy.D. program, provides doctoral candidates with the opportunity to integrate theory and practice. Students participate in practica during every term that they are enrolled in the Psy.D. program. The first-year practica have two purposes: to immerse students in the basics of psychological assessment and to introduce students to the psychodynamic approaches to psychotherapy. First-year doctoral candidates receive hands-on experience administering, scoring, interpreting, and writing reports involving both cognitive and personality assessments. Towards the end of the first year and after the first course in psychodynamic psychotherapy, students begin their supervised experience in conducting psychotherapy in our Clinic. Upper-level (i.e., second- and third-year) practicum placements, called "clinical externships," provide Psy.D. students with in-depth experience conducting closely supervised psychotherapy and, as indicated, advanced assessment. By taking advantage of the alliances that exist between the Psy.D. program and several dozen public and private agencies in the greater Washington area, Psy.D. students have the opportunity to work with a diverse patient population in a variety of practicum settings throughout their three years in the program. The Psy.D. program also operates its own in-house Clinic. Through the Clinic, Psy.D. students serve the local community, including the George Washington University community, by providing adjusted fee psychotherapy and assessment services to children, adults, couples and families.

Quality supervision is another vital component of the Psy.D. Program at The George Washington University. Throughout their enrollment in the Psy.D. Program, doctoral candidates review, understand, interpret, and make meaning of their clinical experiences with a combination of seasoned clinical supervisors, faculty members, and fellow students. Clinical supervisors at each site provide regular feedback to doctoral candidates in "real world" settings, and at many sites, students receive both individual and group supervision. Additionally, students present and discuss clinical material with their classmates and with faculty in their practicum seminar sections. Faculty members are also available, on an individual basis, to provide supplementary guidance and advice.

 

In addition to supervision, students may be mentored by faculty, local practitioners, and PsyD students who are one or two years ahead in the program.

 

It is important to note that these are not the only requirements and elements of the Psy.D. program. Further information may be obtained by browsing these web pages and by contacting the program.