Counselling practicum placements

Douglas College Counselling Services is looking for master's level counselling psychology students to complete an advanced, unpaid practicum from September 2025 through April 2026. This placement involves individual personal and career counselling, facilitating workshops/groups, and the option of assisting with teaching Career Explorations and Personal Development (HUMD 1130), a 15‐week, three-credit course.

Placements will be fully in‐person for students, with counsellors offering clients appointments both in‐person and on Zoom. Meet our counsellors.

What you can expect from us

  • A thorough immersion in the role of a college counsellor within an enjoyable and supportive environment
  • 1 ‐ 1.5 hours of formal supervision per week, with access to supervision/support from the larger counselling team whenever needed
  • Counselling clients with both personal and career‐related concerns that have had past practicum students comment on the wide variety of presenting concerns and student demographics they experienced during their practicum
  • Opportunities for group facilitation experience through teaching the HUMD 1130 course as well as through developing and/or facilitating career and international student groups, psycho‐educational workshops and campus events
  • A student membership to the BC Post‐Secondary Counsellors' Association, which offers many benefits like conference and networking opportunities (www.bcpsca.com)
  • Experience and contacts you can build on – we proudly report that many of our past practicum students are now working as counsellors within the BC post‐secondary system

Eligibility requirements

  • Enrolment in a master's level counselling or clinical psychology program
  • Knowledge of the BC post‐secondary education system
  • Successful completion of a supervised clinical (and/or related work) experience
  • Completion or intended completion of courses in career and standardized testing is preferred
  • Ability to work independently and assertively as part of the counselling team
  • Ability to demonstrate strong clinical counselling skills
  • Commitment to maintaining ethical and professional standards of conduct

Practicum structure

  • Fall/Winter Semesters, September 2025 to April 2026
  • A minimum commitment of two days per week (generally 8:30am to 4:30pm)  

The application package

Applicants need to submit the following in a single package by mail or email: 

  1. Letter of intent (including your professional objectives for the practicum)
  2. Current resume
  3. Transcript of graduate coursework completed (an unofficial transcript is accepted)
  4. List of three references (which must include your clinic supervisor)

Please submit applications by Monday, February 3, 2025 (end of day). Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews starting on Wednesday, February 18, 2025. Interviews will take place virtually via Zoom. Positions will remain open until filled. 

Contact for applications & inquires

Angela Katsamakis, MA, CCC 
Counselling Coordinator
Student Affairs & Services 
Douglas College  
P.O. Box 2503 
New Westminster, BC
V3L 5B2 
T: 604 777 6550
E: katsamakisa@douglascollege.ca