Empower Psychotherapy
MFT Clinical Internship Program
We are accepting applications for our fall 2025 placements!
* In order to apply, you must be a graduate student in an accredited masters Marriage & Family Therapy program ready for the practicum/internship fieldwork phase.
Overview
At Empower's clinical internship program, aspiring therapists (Therapist Trainees) complete a year-long apprenticeship before becoming associate therapists eligible to obtain their limited permit. During this fieldwork experience, trainees develop into effective mental health practitioners through hands-on clinical experience, targeted coaching, and ongoing supervision in a private practice setting.
Empower therapy trainees earn clinical hours toward MFT state licensure while working with diverse and vulnerable populations under the guidance of a clinical supervisor. In addition to the state-mandated weekly supervision meetings, trainees receive support through live observations of therapy, hands-on training in documentation and treatment planning, and guidance in building client rapport, interviewing, assessing, and integrating various therapeutic practices.
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Why Empower's Internship Program?
Many trainees experience burnout early in their careers due to being thrust into advanced clinical situations for which they feel unprepared. Empower Psychotherapy's clinical internship program takes a different approach. We focus on each trainee's individual needs and development, specifically catering to those without prior clinical therapy experience. Through our gradual release model, we support trainees by starting with clinical issues they feel most connected to, and progressively introducing more complex cases once they’ve developed the necessary therapeutic skills. By personalizing training to meet your unique developmental and learning needs, Empower Psychotherapy fosters your individualized growth as a therapist.​
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Empower Psychotherapy’s internship program stands out by offering comprehensive support that goes beyond clinical training. In addition to hands-on therapy experience, trainees receive career planning guidance, networking opportunities, and mock interviews to help them transition seamlessly into their post-graduate careers. Throughout the year, interns also gain valuable skills in administration, branding, and marketing, which are essential for building a successful practice and establishing a clientele. Specializing in gender-affirming care and multicultural competency, our program ensures that trainees are equipped to provide culturally sensitive and inclusive therapy. For highly effective trainees, there are opportunities to be hired as associate therapists within the practice after completing the program, making Empower Psychotherapy the ideal choice for those seeking a well-rounded, supportive, and growth-oriented internship experience.
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The Gradual Release Supervision Model
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Gateway
During the first phase of the internship year, trainees will observe their clinical supervisor modeling and providing psychotherapy with clients. The clinical supervisor will teach trainees how to use EHR systems and documentation, and also engage the trainee in skill building by practicing therapeutic techniques through role playing during supervision. Then trainees will get a chance to implement techniques by providing co-therapy alongside their clinical supervisor.
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Gateway
During the second phase of the internship year, trainees will begin providing clients psychotherapy. Trainees with get feedback from their clinical supervisor through live and video observations. Trainees will also get the opportunity to co-develop and co-facilitate group therapy alongside their clinical supervisor.
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Gateway
During the third phase of the internship year, trainees will lead providing psychotherapy on their own. Trainees will continue to consult with and get support from their clinical supervisor through weekly supervision, where the trainee will lead video case presentations. In order to demonstrate their therapeutic development, trainees will get the opportunity to develop and facilitate their own short-term group.