We will accept applications for our fall 2026 cohort in November. An updated application form will be posted in October.

About the Program

At River’s Edge Counselling Centre, we believe that professional excellence and compassionate care are strengthened through a vibrant learning community—one that values reflection, collaboration, and ongoing professional development.

Each year, River’s Edge Counselling Centre welcomes up to five graduate-level students who are completing a master’s program in psychology or counselling. Students receive individualized supervision, mentorship, and rich clinical experience within a supportive, collegial, and trauma-informed environment.

Our program emphasizes an integrative, holistic approach to psychotherapy—blending evidence-based theory with deep respect for each person’s lived experience. Students are matched with one of our experienced clinical supervisors to ensure a strong learning fit and alignment with their professional goals.

Students commit to a minimum of two clinical days per week, providing counselling to adults and teens (and, where appropriate, children or couples), along with an additional half-day for seminars, supervision, and a reflective process group. The practicum runs from early September for one full year.

In addition to their clinical work, students:

Facilitate a community Wellness Matters talk
Participate in monthly team case conferences
Contribute to our collaborative team culture of learning and care

Most students exceed their university’s minimum requirements for direct client hours and supervision, completing over 325 direct counselling hours.

This practicum is well-suited for students who wish to:

Develop a strong professional identity as a therapist
Integrate theory and practice in a relational, reflective setting
Engage in advanced supervision and mentorship
Work with clients longer-term and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Students from graduate programs in psychology or counselling pursuing registration as a Registered Psychologist or Canadian Certified Counsellor are encouraged to apply.

Our Impact

The River’s Edge training program also serves an important role in the St. Albert community by offering accessible, low-cost counselling through our student counsellor services. These sessions are provided on a sliding-scale basis for individuals who may not have insurance or access to private therapy.

All student counselling is closely supervised by qualified, experienced therapists, ensuring ethical, high-quality care that benefits both clients and students. This model reflects our belief that growth, connection, and service are at the heart of professional development.

questions?

If you have any questions about our practicum program, please contact us at info@riversedgecounselling.com. We would be happy to share more about our integrative approach to training, community impact, and supportive learning environment.

how to apply

(practicum cohort September 8, 2026 - August 30, 2027)

Thank you for your interest in completing your practicum with River’s Edge Counselling Centre in St. Albert!

Each year, we welcome a small group of graduate students who are eager to grow, not only in knowledge and skill, but in presence, reflection, and authenticity as developing therapists. Our full year program offers integrative, trauma-informed training with enhanced supervision, advanced learning opportunities, and a supportive, collaborative team culture.

Step 1 – express your interest

Please submit the following materials by email to nicole@riversedgecounselling.com:

A current résumé or CV, and
A cover letter outlining your interest in the practicum and what draws you to River’s Edge.

Your cover letter can be brief (no more than one page) and should highlight your graduate program, relevant experience, and what you hope to gain from this training experience.

Step 2 – Complete a Short Video Interview (by November 28)

Once your résumé and cover letter have been received, you’ll receive a link to complete a brief video interview (approximately 15–20 minutes total).

The interview consists of six questions, shared below so you can reflect on them in advance.

Video Interview Questions:

Tell us a little about yourself.
– Share who you are and what’s meaningful to you — both personally and professionally — as you begin your counselling journey.
Why River’s Edge?
– After exploring our website, especially the Our Story and Training pages, what draws you to River’s Edge and why do you feel you’d be a good fit for our collaborative, trauma-informed, and growth-oriented team?
Understanding of Counselling.
– Tell us about your understanding of counselling or psychotherapy as a relational and integrative process. Which approaches or theories feel most aligned with your developing style, and how have your experiences shaped that understanding?
Vocational Goals.
– Share your professional or vocational goals after completing your degree. How might a comprehensive, community-embedded practicum at River’s Edge help you move toward those goals?
Your Thoughts on Supervision.
– What does clinical supervision mean to you in your development as a therapist? What do you hope to gain — and what helps you learn best — in a supportive, reflective supervision relationship?
Commitment, Growth, and Readiness.
– Our practicum offers an integrative, year-long training experience with more hours, supervision, and learning opportunities than most university programs. What is your understanding of this commitment, and what draws you to a program that offers this depth of mentorship and professional formation?

Video interview must be completed by November 28, 2025.

Step 3 – In-Person Interviews (December)

Following review of video interviews, selected candidates will be invited to an in-person interview in December to discuss the program in more depth and explore readiness and fit for our program.