Partnership’s Master’s-Level Counseling Internship Program: Victim Support Services
Our Counseling Internship Program is designed for graduate students completing their Master’s degree in Counseling or Clinical Mental Health. This program provides specialized, trauma-informed training for interns seeking to work with individuals and families impacted by domestic violence (DV) and/or sexual assault (SA).
Program Overview
Interns become integral members of our clinical team, providing direct client services while receiving robust supervision, professional development, and hands-on experience in trauma-responsive care. Through individual counseling, group facilitation, crisis intervention, advocacy collaboration, and community outreach, interns gain the skills necessary to support survivors in a compassionate, empowering, and culturally responsive manner.
Training & Supervision
- Weekly individual supervision with a licensed clinician meeting state board requirements
- Monthly group supervision/consultation with fellow interns and staff
- In-depth orientation covering agency protocols, trauma-informed practice, safety planning, mandated reporting, and crisis response
- Ongoing professional development training on topics such as:
- Dynamics of DV and SA
- Trauma and the neurobiology of stress
- Intersectionality and cultural humility
- Empowerment-based counseling models
- Vicarious trauma and self-care
Intern Responsibilities
- Provide individual counseling to survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault
- Co-facilitate support or psychoeducational groups
- Conduct intake assessments and develop treatment plans
- Participate in crisis response, safety planning, and warm hand-offs with advocates
- Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including advocates, case managers, and community partners
- Participate in staff meetings, case consultations, and relevant training
- Uphold ethical standards, confidentiality requirements, and trauma-informed best practices
Learning Opportunities
- Exposure to diverse client populations across age, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds
- Experience working with both acute and long-term trauma impacts
- Development of clinical skills in assessment, crisis stabilization, and trauma-focused interventions
- Opportunities to observe and integrate evidence-based modalities (e.g., CBT, TF-CBT, ACT, PCT principles, Narrative, grounding and regulation skills, strengths-based approaches)
- Insight into systems-level work including legal advocacy, shelter services, and community resource coordination
Ideal Candidates
This internship is best suited for graduate students who are:
- Passionate about working with survivors of trauma
- Open to reflective practice and ongoing professional growth
- Receptive to feedback and committed to their own personal growth in the field
- Able to navigate emotionally challenging content with appropriate boundaries
- Interested in developing strong clinical and advocacy collaboration skills
Commitment
Internships typically span 9–12 months, with a minimum weekly commitment tailored to program requirements (often 12–20+ hours/week). Hours can be arranged to meet university or licensing board standards. This is an unpaid internship however, students obtain extensive first-hand experience in working with clients affected by trauma and recommendations for job opportunities upon completion. Agency laptops and office space are provided.
Counseling Internship Application
Victim Support Services
Applicant Information
Full Name: ____________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________
City/State/ZIP: ________________________________________
Phone Number: __________________________________________
Email Address: __________________________________________
Preferred Method of Contact: ☐ Phone ☐ Email
Academic Information
University/College: _______________________________________
Degree Program: _________________________________________
(e.g., M.A./M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, MFT, etc.)
Expected Graduation Date: ________________________________
Current GPA (optional): __________________________________
Internship Course Instructor/Supervisor: ____________________
Instructor Email: ________________________________________
Internship Requirements
Total Internship Hours Required: ___________________________
Direct Client Contact Hours Required: ______________________
Start Date: ____________________
End Date: _____________________
Weekly Availability:
Relevant Training & Certifications
Check all that apply and provide details below.
☐ Trauma-Informed Care Training
☐ Crisis Intervention Training
☐ Domestic Violence Advocate Training
☐ Sexual Assault Advocate Training
☐ Mandated Reporter Certification
☐ CPR/First Aid
☐ Other relevant trainings: ___________________________________
Please describe relevant coursework, training, or certifications:
Experience Working With Trauma or Vulnerable Populations
(Include volunteer work, internships, or related professional experience.)
Short-Answer Questions
- Why are you interested in completing your counseling internship with survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault?
- How do you understand trauma-informed practice, and how would you apply it as an intern?
- Describe your strengths that would support your work with survivors.
Skills & Competencies
Rate your current level of comfort/skill (1 = Low, 5 = High)
Skill Area | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Active Listening | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Crisis Intervention | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Safety Planning | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Working With Trauma Survivors | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Cultural Humility | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Documentation & Case Notes | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Boundaries & Ethics | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Group Facilitation | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Professional References
(At least one must be an academic supervisor.)
Reference #1
Name: __________________________________________
Relationship/Title: ________________________________
Email: __________________________________________
Phone: __________________________________________
Reference #2
Name: __________________________________________
Relationship/Title: ________________________________
Email: __________________________________________
Phone: __________________________________________
Additional Information
Please list any accommodations, scheduling needs, or considerations the site should be aware of:
Applicant Statement
I certify that the information provided in this application is accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that this internship may involve working with individuals who have experienced trauma, and I am committed to maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, ethical practice, and a trauma-informed approach.
Signature: ___________________________________
Date: ___________________