Interns Counselling Program

The Program (Practicum)

We’re proud to be an approved practicum site for master’s-level counselling students from leading universities. As part of completing their degrees, these students (known as Counselling Therapist Interns) provide counselling services while gaining valuable real-life experience.

Our interns are highly trained and supported every step of the way. They work under the guidance of experienced Clinical Supervisors, and receive ongoing support through supervision, peer collaboration, and their university programs.

This team-based approach means clients benefit from thoughtful, well-supported care — both directly from their intern, and behind the scenes from a network of experienced professionals.

We offer 50-minute sessions that can take place in person, by video, or over the phone.

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Benefits of completing a Practicum placement with Couch of Hope:

Offering cost-free mental health services to all Nova Scotians who otherwise would not be able to access therapy, due to financial barriers or long wait times for publicly-funded services.
Working with a diverse range of clients, from pre-teens to older adults, who are navigating many different life experiences.
Building deep therapeutic relationships with clients over several months (clients are not limited to a certain number of sessions).
Developing and strengthening your own therapeutic style, chosen modalities, and theoretical lens.
Drawing on peer learning and collegial support from a cohort of fellow Intern Therapists.
Learning from individual, triadic, and group Supervision and case consultation.
Flexible modes of delivery for both you and your clients (in-person, phone, and video sessions are offered).
A supportive learning environment in proximity to experienced therapists means being able to access multiple professional perspectives and resources.
Onsite training opportunities include clinical case consultation meetings, guest speakers, and discussion groups.
Intake and community outreach are provided by the clinic, allowing you to focus on your therapeutic work with clients and gaining your required direct contact hours.

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Complete Practicum With Us

At Couch of Hope, we are committed to supporting the next generation of Counselling Therapists through comprehensive supervision and real-world clinical experience.

If you are a Masters-level counselling student from an approved university, we invite you to complete the application form below.

We look forward to learning more about you.

Couch of Hope has been an approved site for the following universities/programs:

Yorkville University’s Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Acadia University’s Master of Education in Counselling
University of New Brunswick's Master of Education in Counselling
Tyndale University Master of Divinity in Counselling
Dalhousie University Master of Social Work
CBBC Career College

Please review your specific University/Program requirements to ensure that we are able to support you appropriately. Don’t see your site listed here? Please reach out to learn more.

Email your CV and letter of Intent to julia.ad@couchofhope.com – or click the button below to apply. Selected applicants will be invited to meet for an interview.

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Please note we begin our interview process for each season 6-7 months in advance. Application reviews and timelines vary by cohort.

January Cohort: Applications reviewed in July · Interviews completed by early August · Interns confirmed by September 1 · Onboarding shared in October

May Cohort: Applications reviewed in November · Interviews completed by early December · Interns confirmed by January 1 · Onboarding shared in February

September Cohort: Applications reviewed in March · Interviews completed by early April · Interns confirmed by May 1 · Onboarding shared in June

Interns Counselling Interns: How We Support Our Therapists

Interns Counselling Interns is a collaborative support program where practicum counselling interns offer free therapy to peers from partnering organizations.
Counselling interns currently in practicum placements who do not have access to therapy through insurance or personal means.
Interns from one organization are matched with interns from our site to provide short-term, one-on-one therapy sessions. All sessions are indirectly supervised and follow ethical guidelines.
We offer free therapy to your interns, and your organization offers the same in return — creating a shared network of care and professional growth.
Sessions are virtual, by phone, or in-person (depending on availability), completely confidential, and tailored to support interns navigating the emotional demands of their practicum journey.

As a student in Practicum, we understand that you may need support as well, which is why we provide free Mental Health Counselling Services to Master's Students in Nova Scotia, through our Interns Counselling Interns Program.

For Interns Seeking Therapy

Starting a practicum can be both exciting and overwhelming. This program is here to support you through it. If you're an intern currently in a Counselling Practicum and don’t have access to therapy through insurance or other means, you may qualify for free therapy through this initiative.

What you'll receive:

Free, short-term counselling sessions from another qualified counselling therapist intern
A safe, supportive space to talk through stress, overwhelm, imposter syndrome, and more
Services indirectly supervised by licensed professionals to ensure safety and quality

Apply now through our Inquiry Form to get started. We’ll follow up to help match you with an intern therapist from our organization.